B-29 pilot Mark Novak recently accomplished what nobody else has in at least 65 years. Last month, he exceeded 1,000 hours flying the iconic B-29 Superfortress!
There are only 2 of the historic aircraft still flying, and Novak flies them both!
Both planes, FiFi and DOC, are based in the middle of the country. FiFi is in Dallas with the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), and DOC in Wichita. Both organizations wished him sincere congratulations on the milestone across their social media pages.
As of the end of August, Novak had 331 hours flying FiFi, and 669 hours flying DOC. Both bombers tour the country each year supporting various events, attending select air shows, meeting veterans and selling rides to the public.
Novak is an Air Force veteran and Flew the B-1, among other types
Novak graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1984. According to the CAF, he trained in T-37s and T-38s at Vance AFB and began operational service in Learjets at Offutt AFB as CINCSAC’s instructor pilot.
He later flew supersonic B-1 Bombers at Dyess AFB as a Formal Training Unit instructor, and eventually returned to the AF Academy as an officer and instructor pilot. He retired as a KC-135R evaluator pilot with the Nebraska Air National Guard, after nearly 28 years of service.
Novak has exceeded 1000 flight hours in numerous aircraft
The B-29 is actually the 5th aircraft type that Novak has flown over 1,000 hours. He has logged over 1,900 hours in the KC-135, 1,500 in the C-21, 1,400 in the B-1, and 1,200 in the T-6. He also owns and flies a T-6, a BT-13, and a Cessna 120.
“Within the CAF, Novak has held multiple leadership roles,” said the CAF in a Facebook post. “He led the West Texas Wing, spent 11.5 years on the General Staff, and served 1.5 years as Chief of Staff. He also directed operations for 2 years and now sits on the CAF Foundation Board of Directors. A command-rated CAF pilot, he has flown the L-5, BT-13, T-6, A-26, B-24, and B-29, and was previously a member of the Standardization and Evaluation Committee.”
Let’s wish Mark a heartfelt thank you, and congratulations on his B-29 milestone. Here’s to the next 1,000!
Click here to see if FiFi will be visiting your neck of the woods soon, and click here for DOC.
