Page 22 - Mar17ABS

Doc lifts off on its successful first flight July 17, 2017.
Since the day Doc arrived, thousands of aircraft parts have been donated and refurbished in kind, and more than 350,000 volunteer hours have been invested toward bringing Doc back from the brink of destruction. Local mechanics, engineers, electricians and other technicians came together from neighboring manufacturing plants — several dedicating their retirements and even their final years to the project.
But the restoration could not have been possible without the numerous manufacturers supplying custom components. Next door, Spirit AeroSystems machined one-of-a-kind parts and airframe structures in the very factory Doc was built.
“We did not just restore the airplane, we remanufactured it,” said Murphy. “We literally took every piece apart, inspected it, cleaned it and put it back together. Structurally, we kept as many components as we possibly could. But all systems and glass are brand-new. The list of companies to thank is a long one.”
The team was able to recover and recertify most Doc’s original cockpit instruments. The instruments are back in the airplane, but not without a few modern additions. The B-29 panel is also outfitted with Garmin’s GTN 650, GTX 33 and GDL 88 (all removable for show display).
20 • TWIN & TURBINE
In 2013, Doc’s Friends was formed by Wichita business leaders to financially support and complete the final stretch of the restoration of the B-29 Superfortress. The group continues to manage events, fundraising and communication efforts meant to ensure and protect Doc’s future.
Doc’s Future
Currently, flights are on hold due to the low temperatures. Similar to many warbirds, it is impractical to operate Doc in winter conditions. However, in the months following first flight, the crew logged multiple f lights around the Wichita area. The crew says the airplane performed beautifully and Doc will resume f light checks in the spring.
So, what are the new obstacles in Doc’s future?
“The biggest upcoming challenge will be recruiting the next generation of volunteers to help maintain the airplane,” Murphy said. One is to build up the flight crews, but the other is to transition the invaluable knowledge from our longtime volunteers to this new generation — which will become a lot easier once we relocate to our own hangar.”
Doc’s Friends is finalizing plans and fundraising for a permanent hangar space to be located at Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. A hangar will allow for much-needed protection from the elements and serve as a public
museum where Doc’s story can be told, and the memories of World War II kept alive.
Meanwhile, Back on the Runway...
At McConnell Air Force Base, Doc has rumbled out onto the runway for a second time. The first attempt was met with an issue with the bomb-bay door closure. Now with the doors securely latched, the crew readies for takeoff.
The pilot applies full brakes and instructs the flight engineer to set 30 inches of manifold pressure. The f light engineer obliges, running the power up on each engine, all while checking temperatures and pressures. He announces when everything is stabilized, and Tilghman eases off the brakes and pushes his own throttles — advancing them asymmetrically to maintain directional control based on the winds.
The airspeed comes alive at about 65 mph indicated. Tilghman then applies slight back pressure on the yoke, lightening the nose tire and allowing the airplane to accelerate until it chooses to fly off the runway, which occurs at about 105 mph indicated and 3,500 of ground roll.
“In jet airplanes, you rotate the nose at 15 degrees and go blasting off into the sky,” explained Tilghman. “But in the B-29, you establish a flying attitude and
March 2017
BRETT SCHAUF PHOTO