WICHITA, Kan., April 9, 2026 – The 2026 B-29 DOC and WSU TECH Foundation Pull a Plane event has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 17, 2026, due to ongoing engine maintenance impacting the readiness of B-29 DOC.

The event, which raises funds for WSU TECH student initiatives and B-29 DOC operations and sustainment, was previously rescheduled from March to April 19. Based on the maintenance schedule at that time, the April date was expected to allow sufficient time for required work to be completed.

“Two of DOC’s four engines were removed from the airplane in November for inspection and sent to DOC’s engine manufacturer for repair,” said Josh Wells, B-29 DOC executive director. “With two engines removed, the aircraft has been unable to be move out of the hangar due to changes in weight distribution and center of gravity.”

This was the primary factor in the initial rescheduling of the event from March to April. While repair work continues, the timeline for the engines to return to Wichita has shifted slightly, delaying installation by DOC’s maintenance team and impacting the team’s ability to safely move and prepare the aircraft for Pull a Plane.

“Maintaining DOC’s airworthiness is critical to preserving its legacy and ensuring it can continue flying for future generations,” Wells continued. “Engine maintenance of this scale requires time and precision. Our engine manufacturer has provided excellent service and focus on these repairs. While we had anticipated being ready in April, the timeline for the engines to return to Wichita has changed, driving the decision to postpone the event to October.”

Since its inception in 2021, the Pull a Plane event has generated more than $600,000 to support both organizations while bringing the Wichita community together for a one-of-a-kind experience.

“At WSU Tech, our mission is to provide accessible, career-focused education, and events like Pull a Plane directly support that work,” said Courtney Sendall, WSU TECH Foundation executive director. “We’re grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, participants, and community as we work together to create opportunities for students and strengthen our region’s workforce.”

The event features teams of 25 people competing to pull B-29 DOC, an airworthy B-29 Superfortress, the fastest across 25 feet of concrete. Teams also compete to raise funds in support of the event.

Team and individual registration remain open via www.PullAPlane.com. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are also available.

“Pull a Plane is more than a competition—it’s a reflection of Wichita’s aviation heritage and the community’s commitment to its future,” Wells said. “This event helps ensure DOC continues flying while also supporting the next generation of aviation and technical professionals. We are looking forward to hosting this event in the fall.”

On the web:
www.pullaplane.com
www.b29doc.com
www.wsutech.edu/foundation

Media Contacts:
Josh Wells, (316) 209-0470 josh@b29doc.com
Courtney Sendall, (620) 446-1296 csendall@wsutech.edu

About Doc’s Friends and B-29 Doc
Doc’s Friends, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit board managing the operation of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress known as Doc. Doc is a B-29 Superfortress and one of 1,644 manufactured in Wichita during World War II. It is one of only two remaining B-29s that are still airworthy and flying today. The mission of Doc’s Friends is to HONOR the men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom of others, including those who designed, built, maintained and flew the B-29 during and after WWII. CONNECT people with the rich heritage of the B-29 and allow aviation enthusiasts to experience the aircraft up close. EDUCATE today’s and future generations on the contributions of the Greatest Generation.

About WSU TECH Foundation
The WSU Tech Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that operates independently from the College. WSU Tech Foundation staff solicit and receive contributions from Wichita-area companies, organizations, and individuals to support WSU Tech’s mission of providing students a better life while supplying highly qualified talent for the region’s employers.

About WSU TECH
WSU Tech is the state’s leader in modern technical education, offering more than 100 degree and certificate options in aviation, healthcare, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, and business. The WSU Tech Foundation partners with the college to secure resources that support education and workforce development throughout the communities we serve. For more information, visit www.WSUTECH.edu.