P-38 I want one

[BigCrate]

P-38 I want one!!!!! When I was little I built models of P-38s B-25s F4Us all kinds of WW2 aircraft.. Hell my room was these little plastic models hanging from my celling. When I got older I still  built the models. But also started to wonder If I could restore a P-38 and fly it everywhere I could.. I was just 9 or 10. But I wanted to do that so bad I could taste it.. I bought the warbirds directory.
I wrote to airforce bases asking if they still had P-38s in the Kingsmen army airfield/ airforce scarpyard just sitting waiting to be bought and restored..I got was..
There havn't been any P-38's in scarpyarsds in over 45 years...
And I remember thinking to myself there has to be another way..
But while I was doing this I bought so many airpower magazine.
I was reading about how 38 did in combat.. and how most pilots in the ETO hated the 38 because of her compressibility problem..
then I found a 38 book pretty much listing every 38 ever bought in US since 1946. So I wrote down every name of people who bought 38 and looked them up in the warbird directory. Some people still showed to still have the aircraft or aircrafts they bought in then late 40's.. So i looked upped and wrote to everyone asking if they still had there 38s and would they sell them to me (hehe was only 9 or 10).. Most never replied back. But some replied saying they goy rid of those some years back. and as I got older I kinda lost intrest. In restoring a 38.. But then
one day I found a game called Airwarrior. Was 14 by then and everything I wanted to do when I was 10 rushed back to me like a flood on a mighty river. It was kinda like a stab in the heart flying this game. Wishing it was the real thing. I knew I couldn't restore fly or own a 38. Was really quite sadding. But after like 3 years of AW I got booted from the game. And I just forgot about it again.. I was running track had my Bronco to go wheelin. But in the back of my mind I wanted something that I knew I could never have..... Now that I'm 20 and flying AH and in the 38 again..
It has started all over again.. But this time I might can do something about it. I start my Aircraft Maint. Tech. training in Feb.
And I get my pilot's license after that.. And then a year maybe 2 I will be majoring in Aeronautial Engineering at OU. But who know what can happen from now and then. . And the more time goes by the less chance of any more warbirds being restored. There less then 30 38s left in the world and something like 6 or 7 still flyable.
I don't know why I tell yall this.. I guess it is because yall would understand and yall love these aircrafts just like I do.
If I told this to my friends or any girls they would just laugh right in my face or look at me like i'm i diddlying moron!  I do know this if I win the lottery I will be buying a P-38 for however much they want for it!

CW

My greatest wish in life is to fly a P-38 brfore I die!

[Dago]

There is one for sale, see this site:

http://courtesyaircraft.com/

Only 1.75 million brings this baby home
dago



LOCKHEED P-38 LIGHTNING
              N5596V      s/n 7985

Airframe:                 1720 hours Total Time
                                                  0 hrs since extensive refurbishment
Engines:                
Overhauled by Allison Competition Engines
RH:V1710-111-F30R, 4 hrs run time on test stand (up to 2700, 35")
LH: V1710-113-F30L, 4 hrs run time on test stand (up to 2700, 35")
                                                  All accessories overhauled starter, generator, carburetor, fuel pump, discharge nozzle, hydraulic pump
                                                  Complete firewall for IRAN
Re-route engine controls
Engine mount overhauled/painted
Cowl formers overhauled/painted
Exhaust system overhauled
                         
Props:Curtiss Electric C532D, 0 hrs SMOH by California Prop/yellow tagged
                                                  Overhaul includes: controllers, brushes, governors
                                                  All prop circuits/relays replaced as required

Interior:                  
Redone – Military configuration

Exterior:                  
Repainted and detailed in 1990

AVIONICS:Complete rewire by Pacific Avionics
                                                  New Nav Com
New GPS          
New Transponder
New ACT Encoder
QEC overhauled to include all accessories        
OTHER FEATURES :
IRAN landing gear overhauled
New hydraulic lines & gear door cables installed in main gear wells
Main & reserve tank fuel senders overhauled, installed & calibrated
Fuel strainers inspected, overhauled & alodined                      
OTHER FEATURES :  
New canopy glass installed, frames replaced/repaired
New cover panels fabricated for fuel tank openings
Elevator and throttle cables, pulleys, hardware replaced
Flight control bearings inspected & replaced as needed
Flap tracks and rollers cleaned and lubed
Flap cables replaced
Rudders removed and all brackets & attachments inspected and lubed
(4) coolant scoops lead repair/welded as needed
All coolant scoop wrap arounds fabricated & installed
Main gear wells painted & detailed
Fabricate new landing link forging
Brakes overhauled
Wheels cleaned, stripped, inspected and powder coated
New tires installed
Installation of (6) new fuel cells built by Aero Tech Services
Installation of (2) new fuel pumps by R.B. Aero                                                                                            
All coolant tubes replaced & anodized      
New hoses
Radiators overhauled by Dave’s Radiator Service
Carburetor inlet duct & elbow on both engines fabricated & installed
Oil coolers & cooler regulators overhauled by R & E Coolers

[AKDejaVu]

I wonder how someone would go about getting checked out to fly a p-38.  It seems that might be even more difficult than finding someone willing to give one up.

AKDejaVu

[Toad]

Well, this is what the Feds say they want for an LOA:

1.PURPOSE. This appendix provides guidance for qualifying pilots to operate turbine powered aircraft, large aircraft, or piston powered aircraft having more than 800 HP and a Vne (never-exceed speed) that exceeds 250 KIAS under a letter of authorization (LOA), as required by operating limitations issued for this type of aircraft.

6. GENERAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. The FAA requires documented evidence of appropriate training. The training which the applicant receives should be obtained from the most complete program available. For example, the manufacturer, the military, or outside contractors may be potential sources for ground, simulator, or flight training.

The EAA has developed a Jet Operations Manual, including suggestions and recommendations for civilian jet operations creating a positive image and noise abatement procedures. The FAA encourages persons considering operating surplus military aircraft to become familiar with and use the procedures such as those outlined in the EAA's Jet Operations Manual.

a. To act as PIC in the particular type aircraft or in a "comparable" surplus military type fighter or attack aircraft, the applicant is required to show evidence of completion of an appropriate U.S. military service qualification checkout (U.S. Air Force F-86, U.S. Navy A-4, etc.). The applicant must also show evidence of having flown as PIC of a turbine or piston-powered aircraft, as applicable, within the preceding 3 calendar months and logged 10 hours as PIC in the particular type aircraft or a "comparable" type aircraft during the preceding 12 calendar months.

b. The applicant may show evidence of satisfactory completion of the manufacturer's PIC qualification checkout in the particular type aircraft. In such case, the applicant must provide a copy of the manufacturer's training program curriculum.

c. If the above methods of training are not available, the applicant may provide an endorsement by the holder of a current and appropriate Letter of Operational Authority in that type aircraft, who has also been authorized in writing by the FAA to make the endorsement that ground instruction has been given and that the applicant is adequately knowledgeable of: (1) The aircraft's systems and components. (2) Normal and emergency procedures, including the use of ejection seats if such seats are operational (abnormal if described in the aircraft's checklist). (3) Use of performance charts including, but not limited to, takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing. (4) Fuel requirements and management. (5) Runway requirements and limitations (minimum length and crosswind limits of the aircraft). (6) Contents of the aircraft flight manual or equivalent. (7) Operating limitations prescribed for the particular aircraft, including the adverse effects of exceeding any limitation. (8) Operation of the aircraft in the high altitude regime, if applicable. Instruction will be given in the Areas of Operation and the applicable Tasks, and standards of performance required will be that shown in the Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating Practical Test Standards, FAA-S-8081-5 (as amended).

d. In addition to the knowledge requirements of subparagraph c of this appendix, the applicant must present an endorsement by the holder of a current and appropriate LOA in that type aircraft, who has been authorized in writing by the FAA to make the endorsement that they have personally flown with the applicant in the type aircraft for multiple-place or a comparable aircraft for single-place and has found the applicant competent to perform safely the following: (1) Aircraft preflight. (2) Cockpit resource management, as appropriate. (3) Powerplant start procedure, taxing, and pre-takeoff checks. (4) Takeoffs and landings (normal, crosswind, and arrestment procedures), as applicable. (5) Aborted takeoffs. (6) Flight at critically slow airspeeds. (7) Approaches to stalls (if appropriate to the aircraft used). (8) Recovery from specific flight characteristics. (9) Normal and emergency procedures (abnormal if described in the aircraft's checklist). (10) Maneuvering to landings with simulated powerplant failure, multi-engine aircraft. (11) Zero-flap landings, as appropriate. (12) Rejected landings. (13) Aerobatics - if appropriate to the aircraft and requested by the applicant, and if the applicant does not wish to have the limitation, "Aerobatic maneuvers are not authorized" placed on their LOA. Instruction will be given in the Areas of Operation and the applicable Tasks, and standards of performance required will be that shown in the Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating Practical Test Standards, FAA-S-8081-5 (as amended).

e. The applicant may propose a written training program curriculum of their own choice and design. The training program curriculum should provide transition ground and flight training appropriate to the aircraft and consist of the Areas of Operation and the applicable Tasks shown in the Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating Practical Test Standards, FAA-S-8081-5 (as amended). The training program shall ensure that the applicant, after satisfactorily completing the proposed training program, will have received training at least equal in scope and content to that contained in paragraphs 6a or b, or c and d of this appendix.

f. Some single-place military surplus aircraft have two-place models that may be available for the applicant's use in training. An applicant with a single-place aircraft, e.g., MiG-15, must accomplish the training required by this appendix. However, the applicant may accomplish that training in a comparable two-place aircraft, e.g., T-33. In determining what constitutes a comparable two-place aircraft for training purposes and for issuing authorizations for single-place aircraft, the FAA requires the applicant to receive training in the most complex airplane that most nearly duplicates the characteristics of the single place model.

g. A temporary LOA to fly a multiple-place or single-place aircraft may be granted for proficiency and practice flying in preparation for the practical tests required by this appendix. This temporary LOA may be issued on the basis of the applicant having satisfactorily completed the appropriate training program. This temporary LOA shall be valid for a maximum period of 60 days and shall be limited to flights in a prescribed geographical area. Thistemporary LOA may be reissued for an additional 60 days if the applicant can show that he/she was prevented from proficiency and practice flying by circumstances beyond their control, such as weather or mechanical problems. In any case, the applicant must comply with the aircraft's airworthiness limitations, as amended.

There's MORE, of course.. this IS the FAA talking!

[AKDejaVu]

I'm just kinda thinking that in the wake of Jeff Ethel's death... finding the willing endorser/trainer might not be that easy.

Not to mention that there can't be that many people out there with the proper credentials anymore.

I wonder how likely it would be that the person purchasing a P-38 could find nobody was willing to certify him in it.

AKDejaVu

[Toad]

Oh, somebody in the FAA structure would have to step up and certify the guy.

They're not going to let a situation develop where airworthy planes can't be flown because the FAA hasn't approved anyone to issue LOA's.

That would get "monetary and legalistic" real fast, as in law suits when the value of unflyable planes dropped.

[Hangtime]

I usually see birds like this sold WITH a certifcation offer.



gawd, whut an ugly lookin thing... I always picture an AMC Pacer implanted there between the booms. hhehhe.

[Animal]

diddly you Hangtime, you amazinhunk.
Screw you and your P-51D to hell!!

*runs away crying*

[SFRT - Frenchy]

Wouldn't the P38 falls into the Experimental cathegory, thus you don't need any specific rating?

[Tac]

CW, talk to BOHDIARM. He is restoring a 38J to fully flyable status in his museum.

[Dago]

The FAA has a team of Designated Examiners just for Warbirds.  They are on the NDPER list and are listed by category of Warbirds they are authorized to conduct examinations in.  They are the ones who issue LOAs for Warbird operations.

Dago

[midnight Target]

I live and work about 2 miles from a very nice Air Musem. About 2 years ago, just before I quit smoking, I was outside taking another unauthorized smoke break when I heard the most amazing sound. Coming straight towards me at about 1000 feet was a P-38. I looked around to share this with someone, but I was alone. The plane came right over my head, made a hard flat turn 180 right above me and flew off in the other direction. I told all my emplyees and co-workers what I had seen, but they were all either mildly or unimpressed.

I found out later that a local Gentleman had purchased this bird in Florida and flown it out to this Museum for storage and display. It is a recreation of "Marge", and cost 1.4 million. It was maintained by the local chapter of the P-38 club which is mostly WW2 pilots and mechanics. They would just hang around the planes (the guy had a P-51D also) and swap stories till you got tired of listening.

Its been about a year since I visited, and I heard it is gone now. Maybe it went over to "Planes of Fame" which is close by. But I will always remember the day I got my own personal P-38 flyby.