By AMY RICKER
Great Bend Post
A piece of history will again be coming to Great Bend on Saturday, Oct. 24. The B-29 Bomber, nicknamed “Doc," will fly from Wichita to Great Bend and then will travel to Olathe that afternoon.
The World War II B-29 Superfortress is one of only 1,644 made in Wichita during the War. In 1987, the plane was discovered in the Mojave Desert rotting away in the elements. Over the past 15+ years, volunteers have helped to restore the aircraft including retirees from the aviation industry, veterans, and active duty military with the goal of returning the warbird to flying status as a flying museum.
Great Bend Municipal Airport Manager, Martin Miller says this is not the first time “Doc” has been to the Great Bend Airport, but this will be the first time this aircraft is offering rides in Great Bend.
“In 2018, which is the last time Great Bend had their last air fest, we were fortunate enough to have both B-29s here, Doc and Fifi. Fifi has always been able to sell rides and at that point, Doc was not able to sell rides. It was just brand new and just getting certified. We’ve been inviting Doc back here since then on a tour stop or to sell rides. It just finally came to fruition on a last-minute tour for Doc.”
A limited number of tickets are available for purchase for the two scheduled rides on Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/5476/docs-friends.
Originally built in 1943, the airport in Great Bend was known as the Great Bend Army Airfield and was used to train airmen on the maintenance on, at that time, the brand-new B-29 Bombers. Today, the Great Bend Municipal Airport has been working to schedule a subsequent appearance for a couple of years.
Due to pandemic restrictions, the public will not have direct access to the aircraft, but will be able to watch the B-29 from a distance. For more information, visit https://www.b29doc.com/.