Highlights: B-29 Doc First Flight

For the first time since 1956, the B-29 known as Doc took to the sky on a sunny morning in Wichita, Kansas. This video includes highlights from footage captured during first flight. More information at www.b-29doc.com

[@taofledermaus]

It looks better than new. What a wonderful job they did to restore it. I hope to see it one day in person.

[@ThePbatemon]

It's not as loud as you would expect in person, I was about 25 feet from it when she took off, but boy is she beautiful, there was talk that fifi was going to come here to Kansas and take off the same time as doc but bad weather ruined that plan

[@puppetshorts1407]

My dad works at the airpory right next to doc's building so we get to see doc all the time

[@AlfaBrovo-q6v]

I saw doc in Sacramento October 6 at the California capitol airshow and I have to say its one of my favorite planes.

[@davidgagliardo3258]

Wow, it looks amazing!! Fantastic restoration!! My dad (RIP) was a tail gunner on a B-29. He was stationed in Saipan.

[@witbundy]

We received our first B29 at Marham 1951, U K. They were called Washington’s, I was Instruments on the first one, they were fitted with The Norden bombsights, beautiful aircraft, . . Magic to see one back in the air, thank you so much ! !

[@TimKreitzAdventures]

I volunteered on the CAF B-29 crew many times over the years when Fifi was based in West Texas, and I just want to offer a very heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in the arduous process of getting Doc back into the air. God bless you all, and God bless Doc.

[@randallriley]

Congratulations to everyone who put in the hours and years bringing Doc back to the skies again!

[@martesimpson8216]

Our Dad, JLB, was an Aircraft Mechanic/Aerospace Engineer 4 Flying Tigers, Lockheed, McD-D, etc...he would love to have seen this! Wonderful! Thanks Chris Johnson for sharing!!!!

[@czeque]

The nose view is so amazing! Thanks for preserving the history, guys!

[@JackFlemingFan1]

Excellent! It would be something to see both Doc and Fifi flying in formation together!

[@ThePbatemon]

I heard from someone there during the takeoff that was the plan, but weather has stopped fifi from coming into Kansas

[@JackFlemingFan1]

I sure would love to see them together!

[@74HC138]

I came here to say this too!

[@forrestgumball]

JackFlemingFan It would be nice to see Kee Bird with them but those fuckboys just had to screw up and ruin it all because of carelessness.

[@GamePlayWithNolan]

They did it!!!!

[@goatflieg]

Love. This. I couldn't be there in person, but I did watch the streaming video from beginning to end. I would pay good money for a full-length documentary covering the recovery, restoration and first flight. I hope that is being considered.

[@Spawn-td8bf]

Agreed . Would be worth every dollar . Nice fund raising concept . Take care and God Bless .

[@rustyharris9481]

I remember when Fifi made a stop, some 20 years ago, it was around 3-4 thousand dollars an hour to operate. I can just imagine the cost now. Nice to see TWO airworthy 29's !

[@freespace2dotcom]

You'd probably spend that much just on fuel alone, today. I don't want to think about maintenance costs...

[@robertorolfo]

Still cheaper than what we have to pay to protect Trump's wife in her NYC tower. The money would be much better spent on the B-29. We should probably get the Japanese government to chip in as well.

[@jeriannking4473]

@@robertorolfo We don't need the politics here. Park it and keep it to yourself.

[@OldelPaso68]

Congratulations to all the individuals who made Doc flight-worthy again. What a beautiful sight of American history! Echoing another poster: ...and then there were two.

[@nedcollier1495]

16 years of noble effort, determination and now, true reward. Ned

[@77gitrzan]

that iconic forward view....the basis for the millenium falcon, for those who don't know.....

[@NVRAMboi]

Incredible story. Job well done to all those who worked so hard. Very proud for each of you.

[@davetherave5]

Absolutely amazing! The history, and footage, is incredible! The upmost respect & thanks to all those that helped restore it!

[@noahjoew1]

Delighted to see DOC restored. When Ken Wagnon hosted the 352nd Fighter Group Reunion in Wichita, we were shown DOC in a hangar and told she would probably never get restored -- too costly. DOC was about to be evicted from the hangar!!

[@stephenp8086]

Great to see another B-29 back in the air. My father was a flight engineer on B-29b 44-83979 502nd Bomb group Guam.

[@kwmoore3464]

My Dad was on Saipan in WW2 and loaded bombs on B-29s that where headed to Japan. I think that it's great to see this beautiful bird in the air again.

[@CEOkiller]

Thanks to your Dad for helping us win the war and preserving our way of life.

[@jeriannking4473]

@@CEOkiller I couldn't have said it better myself.

[@davidb0126a]

It's great to see planes like this flying again! Wish I could have been along for the ride!

[@CessnaDriver2]

So wonderful to see. Living history rises again. And this takes away some of the heartbreak of the "Keebird" effort.

[@jazzclarinet2006]

What a beautiful sight.

[@philipmarks2720]

An Epic job in restoration and a legendary debut flight!

[@Troubleshooter125]

BEAUTIFUL! No need to ask, "What's Up, Doc?" The answer is intuitively obvious!

[@Reziac]

Nice. Love the nosecam paralleling the distance shots. Looks like all went perfectly. How does Doc handle in the air?

[@karlrschneider]

Fifi passed right over my house a few weeks ago on approach to KMKO. I only found out it was going there later on, wish I had known earlier, I'd have dashed over there to see it up close.

[@fassstEddie]

Without a doubt my favorite aircraft, be it bomber, fighter, pursuit, patrol, or whatever. The B-29 is the most beautiful airplane in the world. I first fell in love with this aircraft around 1953 or so. I built a model, not of plastic, but of solid wood! Besides, just one B-29 ended a war. Beat that!

[@jdlowesracer]

Awesome, can't like this and all your accomplishments enough

[@johnburke5529]

Been a long time since I seen a B29 in flight.Not since 1945 on Tinian Island. Sure looks great. You people have done a great job.

[@jeriannking4473]

Blessings to you for your service. My husbands dad was a B29 pilot.

[@GamePlayWithNolan]

Thank you to everyone that made this possible, you guys are true heros!

[@joshuadudte8326]

it flew over my house about a year ago. that was the most exiting and loud plane i have ever seen in person!

[@kathleenbrock1149]

Fabulous tour on Boeing Field, Seattle, thank you.

[@brianmerz6070]

Oh my goodness! What would contra-rotating props have added to the efficiency of this magnificent airplane?

[@Paiadakine]

Congrats!!!! Well done.

[@RCTanksTrucks247]

That nose shot is beautiful. Well done!

[@collinchapman5525]

If I could like this video 100 times over, you'd have 99 more likes.

[@relievedbigfoot4640]

I can't wait to see Doc and Fifi fly in formation. That will be an awesome sight.

[@TheophilusPWildbeest]

Congratulations, great job.

[@carsonhaught9934]

Magnificent achievement. We had had two Lancs aloft now two Bulls!

[@skeptical2649]

Fantastic video. Glad the music didn't last for the whole video.

[@barryporteous4904]

An awsome aircraft and 16 years of restoration. What an oppertunity to bring the noise and power of such a marvel to us Tubers....I wish the editing was better. The music lowered as Doc was taking off and I waited with my headphones on for her to pass and to hear the motors and...at 1:03.. CUT! The bomb aimers camera is great for us who cannot be there perhaps the editor could have had a bit more of the takeoff, maybe the engines running up to full power before brakes released??

[@freedomson1]

Awesome!! Congrats!

[@stfanboy]

Doc's Friends, Great video and great to see the old bird fly again. I have one question though, where is the bombsight?

[@markbarnhill6300]

Fantastic!

[@Moonlight0551]

Great job!

[@l.tallmadge6536]

I saw this beauty at the Museum of Flight in Renton.

[@29687ray]

Doc is beautiful, definitely on my bucket list to see her fly

[@johnmagill3072]

Very Nice Footage, Be great to see Doc and FiFi in formation together. What a site that would be.

[@paleghost]

Does anyone know if Doc is still capable of being pressurized? I noticed on FIFI they removed the tunnel and it can't be pressurized.

[@shortribslongbow5312]

OMG!!!! What a glorious day! Doc LIVES.........!!!!!

[@svphobby]

It would be awesome to see Doc & Fifi together at next year's WWII Weekend in Reading, Pa. June 2-4, 2017.

[@davidlogan4391]

What a beautiful site.

[@autoxsteve]

Awesome. Got to see Fifi fly adding Doc to the mix just adds fuel to the fire. Well don't all!

[@fabioaraujo4152]

Parabéns pelo excelente trabalho realizado na restauração do B-29

[@fourfortyroadrunner]

Lord that thing is GORGEOUS!!!

[@thomasharmon6444]

Thank You!

[@1339LARS]

Lovely aircraft !!

[@gunsaway1]

What a beautiful ship. She is gorgeous

[@granthopper5]

Cool! So when is the next flight planned?

[@lemo_manda6076]

Omg thats so amazing :0 !

[@Ford_Raptor_R_720hp_V8]

*They put upgraded 3350's in Doc that produce ~3500 HP each, while the original Wright Cyclone 3350's the B-29 came with produced ~2200 HP :-)*

[@anthonyd5189]

So... see you guys in a week at OSH?!

[@TheFacefinder]

those pilots are pros! great landing!

[@TheKilroyman]

We have two of these monsters flying now! Been waiting for another B-29 to spread its wings again! Waiting for Fifi and Doc to fly together! I wonder if any other B-29s will be this lucky?

[@hereticaldoctor7060]

TheKilroyman who knows? Maybe we might even see the Enola Gay join the 2 B-29's

[@gilbertnadeau7181]

Awesome! Now there are two!

[@grayghostwwiiace5978]

more please!!!!

[@vernonslone8627]

What fuel do you use in these old warbird????.Don't think 125/145 is around anymore...

[@WardogOtter]

Vernon Slone most of these birds are using 100 to 105 octane now days. At lest that's the word from planes of fame in Chino, Ca.

[@vernonslone8627]

That must really limit their performance and altitude...

[@WardogOtter]

Altitude yeah but Doc hit 265mph today so only about 40mph loss.

[@boldverg484]

I'm a Brit, but I have to admit , there's nothing like B-29.

[@garyolivier792]

Excellent!!

[@robepley2709]

Is it my imagination, sun glare or something else???? @ 1:59 watch the "outboard" LEFT wing flap. It disappears for just a split second then reappears. As if it retracted and then re-deployed. Was it a glitch? Pilot accidently flipped switch? I can't see this as the case as the flaps are hydraulically operated, correct? What was that?

[@robertorolfo]

Noticed that too. But it happened so fast, it must be some sort of optical illusion.

[@jeriannking4473]

I've watched it several times, and agree that the motion was too fast for a retraction and redeployment. I think it was sunlight reflecting from something that eliminated the contrast for a brief moment.

[@kaasiaanen]

Damn nice job!

[@chulian1819]

did it retract gear on first flight?

[@jochemtubbing2756]

YES she may fly once again

[@jospi2]

Does is use the same "modern" engines that Fifi uses?

[@PvtPartzz]

Is there one without music?

[@poodleman876]

Agree about the music. Doesn't fit the imagery at all. Should have been much more John Williams inspired.

[@Ford_Raptor_R_720hp_V8]

*If I'm not mistaken, I see Turbosuperchargers installed on Doc's Engines ;-)*

[@MichaelConferPhoto]

Awesome!

[@ヤポンスキー中尉]

日本人としては馴染みのある機体 やっぱカッコイイ

[@michaelferri6790]

Fantastic

[@griesTheGries]

sweet!!........nice job to all!!!

[@Saltybuher]

The ghost of Kee Bird is finally laid to rest.

[@lifeisgood6210]

nice , congradulations

[@JungleYT]

Please consider restoring a *3rd* B-29... Having 3 would enable one to rotate out for maintenance, refurbishing, etc. They just restored a "Big Boy" steam locomotive from the same era and should restore a 2nd Big Boy for same reason. Get somebody like a George Lucas to also contribute...

[@kirinseti]

Well, today is dad's birthday. He died at 33. He was born 1925. His mate, my mother, who is also gone, died 50 years from him and never remarried. She was a Mason. He was a Stroessner. The name is German but the hold down is where his Boeing family is, KS. So maybe ... maybe?

[@ronlayer2966]

Cousin Dallas Henessee worked on this aircraft ..Sadly he did not live to see it fly.

[@strizhi]

WOW just WOW I CANT BELIEVE IT :D

[@TheClampettmobile]

I imagine finding somebody "typed" in a B-29 wasn't easy to find.

[@nathanbunton7031]

Doc flys over my house every day I’m half a mile away from the airport it’s so low down

[@udoworner4399]

Great !!!

[@crazygood150]

will she make it to Oshkosh this year?

[@LtKernelPanic]

Not this year. I forget where I read it but Doc isn't expected to fly again until after Oshkosh because it was one of Fifi's crews from the CAF that flew Doc's first flight and they're all expected to be busy there. It'll also give Doc's crew time to figure out what was causing the engine warning light to come on. Now if Doc wants to make a trip up to Omaha at the end of August and go on a "date" with FiFI I couldn't complain. ;)

[@DBKTube]

GREAT!!!!! Now we have TWO flying!!!

[@TuffBurnOutTeam]

Would of been a lot of people there for that special moment

[@JohnPiperBoots]

Awesome ! Thanks fro sharing keeping history alive and AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM !! Semper Fi *** TRUMP 2016 ***

[@robertorolfo]

Cut the shit. If Trump were president, rather than FDR, none of us would be here right now to comment. Trump is the very opposite of American Exceptionalism, since the guy is a bumbling fucking moron.

[@46lfries]

robertorolfo you need to shut up we're talking about a beautiful airplane not president Trump

[@robertorolfo]

Larry, dude, read the first comment. READ it.

[@Twister051]

Very, VERY cool! Long live AMERICAN airpower!

[@kevinrotlich2904]

mein respekt!!!!!

[@TanHingDjien-lj1nz]

B 29 Super fortress is the historic bomber......first aircraft bombers drop the atomic bomb on the earth

[@timdafler3223]

Would gladly pay you tomorrow for a ride today

[@TheDeJureTour]

I see 3 turrets missing.... where are they?

[@4thstooge75]

Unneeded.

[@ng21644605]

I wish someone would restore a B-36

[@sebastianbarker6931]

Yes

[@ad356]

in theory sounds cool but would cost much much more money. magnesium structure i believe, most surface area to repair, and (6) R4360 and 4 J47 engines. the cost would be beyond your wildest expections. besides that the B36 really wasnt that reliable to begin with. the 6 R4360 engines were in pusher configuration, a configuration they really werent designed for. they often overheated and caught fire. the B29 was a reliable aircraft, the design was and is solid. rebuilt properly a B29 can be a very safe, reliable aircraft. not so sure about the B36's safety record was not that great. sounds nice but in reality a B36 will probably never happen.

[@champagnegascogne9755]

B50 superfortress instead for comparison purposes

[@kirinseti]

THIS is how we roll, ladies!!!

[@ROUTE-ix4cn]

GoGo Tokyo ☄