FLIGHT ENGINEER POV: B-29 “Doc” Startup & Takeoff

What a Wonderfully Restored Plane

This beautifully restored B-29 Superfortress offers a fantastic ride—from engine startup and run-up to takeoff out of Lunken Field (KLUK)—all seen from the flight engineer’s seat.

It’s fascinating to watch how the Hamilton Standard props are managed through individual switches and a synchronizer. For its time, this technology was incredibly advanced. You can’t help but admire the complexity and precision involved in bringing those four massive radial engines to life.

It would be great to have a voice-over explaining what the flight engineer is doing—every lever, switch, and gauge has a purpose, and it’s a masterclass in coordination. Running and monitoring four powerful engines from that station is no small task. It’s impressive, to say the least.

Think the B-29 looks like a handful to manage? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!