Historic B-29 DOC Touches Down in Goodyear: Join the Public Viewing!

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The historic B-29 DOC, one of only two operational Superfortress Bombers in the world, is currently on display in Goodyear, captivating aviation enthusiasts.

Chief Pilot Mark Novak highlighted the aircraft’s significance. “DOC flew for the active-duty Air Force from 1945 to 1956,” he explained. “This is a two-of-a-kind aircraft.”

Measuring 99 feet in length with a wingspan of over 141 feet, B-29 DOC boasts a remarkable history. Originally based on the East Coast, it participated in radar calibration and target towing missions for fighter jets. Later, as the aircraft aged, it transitioned to the Navy and was placed in the Mojave Desert, where it served as a target for bombing exercises for 44 years before its restoration.

“We broke it into seven big pieces and trucked it to Wichita,” Novak recalled. Restoration efforts began soon after, culminating in a successful test flight in 2016. By the following year, DOC was touring the country, sharing its storied legacy with the public.

“The whole idea of the airplane is to honor the men who flew them and the women who built them,” Novak stated. “We also want to educate.” With a rich background in aviation, Novak has been part of the B-29 DOC restoration since its inception, constantly inspired by the aircraft’s capabilities.

Individuals often express awe at witnessing the bomber take to the skies. “Flying the airplane is the best way to show it,” Novak remarked, emphasizing that a stationary display could never compare to the experience of seeing it in flight.

The B-29 was revolutionary for its time, capable of carrying 20,000 pounds of bombs and designed to fly at altitudes exceeding 30,000 feet without requiring oxygen for the crew. “They were able to triple the bomb load and double the distance compared to earlier models in just seven years,” Novak added.

Novak operates the aircraft with a crew, which includes a flight engineer and another pilot. Interestingly, the aircraft’s name, DOC, originates from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” as eight planes were received by their original squadron. When an additional aircraft arrived, it received the name Wicked Witch.

Visitors, such as Kara Hansen, are drawn to the B-29 DOC for personal reasons. “I came to see the B-29 because my father flew them in WWII,” she shared, recalling her father’s experiences as a navigator during his service.

Her memories of him, particularly of a record flight from Hawaii to the mainland, filled her with pride. “He loved serving his country, and it meant everything to share that with us,” her husband, Kevin, noted.

Experiencing the aircraft firsthand has left a profound impact on Kara, who expressed gratitude for the efforts to preserve such history. “It’s very exciting. I commend the team for all the hours devoted to this and for traveling the United States to provide opportunities for people like me.”

Looking forward, Novak assured that B-29 DOC still has much more to offer. “She’ll continue to fly to help keep her story and the stories of so many others alive,” he affirmed, acknowledging the sacrifices of past generations. “They defended freedom and advanced the American cause.”

The B-29 DOC will be on display at Goodyear Airport this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A small fee allows visitors to step inside the aircraft, with 30-minute flight opportunities also available.