Contributions Still Being Accepted Through October 29

Flight testing a fully restored B-29 takes a lot of money, and the aviation community and others have stepped up to assure that "Doc", the second and last-known example of the iconic airplane, will have an opportunity to fly again.

It wasn't always a sure thing. The Wichita Eagle reports that just last week, the Kickstarter campaign to raise money for the flight test program was struggling to reach the half-way point. But then something happened ... and no one is sure exactly what that was. But as of Tuesday, the goal had been exceeded by more than $11,000, with a couple of days left in the campaign.

The group estimated that to get through the first flight, they needed $70,000 in fuel and oil, $50,000 for insurance, and $10,000 for maintenance.

If "Doc's Friends" had not reached the $137,500 goal, they would not have received any of the money pledged through the site. But now they say they are well on their way to getting the airplane back in the air.

According to the group, Doc will be one of only two airworthy Superfortresses worldwide, and there are no known remaining B-29 airframes restorable to flying condition. Doc’s permanent home base will be Wichita, however, the aircraft will serve as a flying museum with a specific mission:

• Honor the men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom of others – including those who designed, built, maintained and flew Doc during and after WWII.
• Educate today’s and future generations on the contributions made by the Greatest Generation during wartime.
• Connect people with their rich heritage and offer enthusiasts the thrill of experiencing a B-29 up close.

The campaign will continue to accept pledges through October 29, and the project will be funded October 30.

(Images from file)

FMI: www.kickstarter.com/projects/1344227353/make-history-fly-send-b-29-doc-through-flight-test