One of only two flying Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers left in the world is coming back. Doc—that legendary World War II strategic bomber—will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in July 2026, bringing with it decades of history and restoration effort.
Doc will operate from Appleton International Airport July 20–23, offering 90-minute flight experiences with approximately 30 minutes of airtime. After that, the aircraft will be on display at Boeing Plaza July 24–26 during the 73rd annual EAA AirVenture, held July 20–26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The timing fits perfectly with the event’s “America 250” theme, which celebrates over a century of U.S. aviation achievement.
Flight Tickets and Logistics
Passengers can book positions as Gunner, Radio Operator, Cockpit/Pilot Observer, Cockpit/Navigator, Bombardier, or Master Gunner. Based on recent pricing, tickets range from $600 to $1,500 depending on the position you choose. EAA will run dedicated shuttles from the air show grounds to Appleton International Airport—about 20 miles north—for ticketed passengers. The Doc team will set up shop in Warbirds, off Warbird Alley at the intersection of Wittman Road and P-1 Taxiway.
“Oshkosh and EAA AirVenture are legendary, and we are honored to join the 2026 lineup of performers and attendees as we celebrate America 250,” said Josh Wells, CEO and Executive Director of Doc’s Friends, Inc., the non-profit that owns and operates the aircraft. “Each year, the people we meet at Oshkosh and the stories we hear about aviation history and those who have designed, built, and flown warbirds are unique and inspiring.”
A Rare Warbird’s Return
Doc (USAAF serial number 44-69972) rolled off the Boeing production line in Wichita, Kansas, in 1944 and was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces in March 1945. It never saw combat. The aircraft was converted to a radar calibration plane and retired in 1956, then sat deteriorating at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California until a restoration team acquired it in 1998. The project took 16 years and more than 450,000 volunteer hours before Doc flew again in July 2016—a full 60 years after it had been retired. This will be its sixth appearance at EAA AirVenture since 2017, though it remains one of only two B-29s still flying worldwide. The other is FIFI, operated by the Commemorative Air Force.
The bomber burns through approximately 500 gallons of fuel per hour initially and 400 gallons per hour in cruise, flying at speeds around 200 mph. It has no nose wheel steering—pilots must taxi using differential braking and power, with rudder effectiveness beginning around 50–60 mph.
Additional 2026 Highlights
The Flying Bulls, Austria’s premier warbird collection, will bring a Douglas DC-6B and Lockheed P-38 Lightning to Oshkosh—marking their only U.S. air show appearance in 2026. The P-38 is Europe’s sole flying example of the twin-tail fighter. Both aircraft will appear on Boeing Plaza and in daily afternoon air shows presented by Daher, with night air shows on July 22 and 25.
EAA is also debuting the Vertical Lift Center, a dedicated section within Aviation Gateway Park that highlights rotorcraft and vertical lift technology, including helicopters and VTOL aircraft. Robinson Helicopter Company and Vertical Aviation International are partnering on the initiative.
“This B-29 is always a big favorite on Boeing Plaza when it appears in Oshkosh, especially as it is one of only two flying examples in the world of the legendary aircraft,” said Rick Larsen, EAA Vice President of Communities and Member Programs.
Advance tickets are now available at eaa.org/airventure. Flight experience bookings open through b29doc.com/rides.
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