This summer, if the dreams of a nonprofit group in Wichita, Kansas, come true, two World War II-era B-29 Superfortress bombers will fly together for the first time in a half century. Doc, originally one of a squadron of eight airplanes named for Snow White and the seven dwarfs, will finally take off and join Fifi, which has been flying since 1974. It’s an unlikely event that almost didn’t happen—two relics, loud and slow, each of them powered by four big finicky radial engines, restored and maintained by hundreds of volunteers. Together, they’ll be an impressive sight, their polished aluminum skins gleaming in the sun, their long slender wings stretching 140 feet tip to tip, living ambassadors from the distant past.
NEWS Restoring This WWII B-29 Bomber Has Taken 300K Hours So Far
Melanie's aviation journey began at a young age, earning her first pilot certifications while still a teenager, before she ever held a driver’s license! As lead journalist at AIRLIVE.net, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the voice and editorial direction of the website. Her experience spans flight operations, air traffic coordination and emergency incident analysis.
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