Two of the most iconic aircraft of World War II, the Boeing B-29 Doc and the North American P-51 Gunfighter, will visit Panama City as part of the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour, arriving at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) from October 23 to 26, 2025. The four-day tour stop will offer the public a rare opportunity to see, tour, and even fly aboard these legendary warbirds. The B-29 Doc History Restored Tour is a nationwide mission dedicated to honoring the men and women who built, maintained, and flew these aircraft during World War II, while inspiring future generations to learn about their courage and sacrifice.
“B-29 Doc represents more than just a piece of aviation history — it’s a flying tribute to the men and women who built, maintained, and flew these incredible machines during World War II,” said Steve Zimmerman, B-29 Doc aircraft commander. “Bringing Doc and Gunfighter to Panama City allows us to share that legacy, inspire future generations, and remind our communities of the courage and sacrifice that defined the Greatest Generation.” Public ramp access for cockpit and ground tours begins Thursday, October 23, and continues through Sunday, October 26. Ride flights aboard both aircraft will also be available — Gunfighter beginning Friday, October 24, and Doc beginning Saturday, October 25.
Admission for ramp access is $10 per person or $20 per family, with tickets available for purchase at the gate on event days. Ride flight tickets can be purchased in advance at www.b29doc.com/rides and www.p51gunfighter.com.
“Our mission in operating these historic aircraft is to keep this vital part of aviation and military history alive,” said Jeff Linebaugh, P-51 Gunfighter pilot and ride coordinator. “When visitors climb into the cockpit of Doc or see Gunfighter take flight, they’re not just watching airplanes — they’re experiencing living history and honoring the heroes who made freedom possible.” “We’re thrilled to welcome the B-29 Doc and P-51 Gunfighter to Panama City,” said Parker McClellan, executive director of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. “This event offers our community a unique opportunity to connect with the history of aviation and the legacy of those who served during World War II.”
Only two B-29 Superfortress bombers remain airworthy today, and Doc is one of them — out of nearly 4,000 built by Boeing during World War II, including 1,644 produced in Wichita, Kansas. The P-51 Gunfighter was built at North American Aviation’s Inglewood, California, facility and accepted into U.S. Army Air Forces service in March 1945. That same month, it was deployed to England, where it joined the famed “Mighty Eighth” Air Force.
Public access to the event will be available through SheltAir at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, located at 5325 Johnny Reaver Road, Panama City Beach, Florida. Ramp access will be available Thursday and Friday, October 23 and 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last tour ticket sold at 3 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last tour ticket sold at 3:30 p.m.). Admission is $10 per person or $20 per family, with tickets available at the gate. P-51 Gunfighter ride flights will be available Friday through Sunday, October 24 to 26, beginning at 9 a.m. each day. Tickets are available at www.b29doc.com/gunfighter. B-29 Doc flight experience rides will be offered Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. each day. Tickets are on sale now at www.b29doc.com/rides.
