Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Puma44 on April 13, 2017, 11:38:16 AM
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Mrs Puma and I were invited along with other graduates of Staliions51's Mustang Training Course for their 30th Anniversary Celebration at Sun N fun. A couple days prior, Mustangs started arriving at Stallion51's facility at the Kissimmee Airport. By mid afternoon last Monday, there where 18 Mustangs on the ramp and in hangars. With a little imagination, it was easy to see a WWII fighter base. Couldn't have swung a dead cat without hitting a Mustang on the ramp or in a hangar.
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4267_zpsrjk3z1lg.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4267_zpsrjk3z1lg.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4270_zpsnhqldsuz.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4270_zpsnhqldsuz.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4350_zps9dxntrpd.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4350_zps9dxntrpd.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4360_zpsfxmz57fc.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4360_zpsfxmz57fc.jpg.html)
If that wasn't enough, while sitting an airframe and maintenance seminar, my instructor from the check out program tapped me on the shoulder and said "come with me". When we got out of earshot, he said there was a four ship photo mission launching in a bit, he had an empty back seat, and did I want to go? My response, "when do we leave?" I was very honored to fly with some of the most talented Mustang pilots of our time, led by "Mr. Mustang" himself, Lee Lauderback. Lee has in excess of 9,000 hours in Mustangs. A few photos taken with the iphone 7.
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4325_zps1sqcpdxi.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4325_zps1sqcpdxi.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4357_zpsew3ufi5i.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4357_zpsew3ufi5i.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4243_zpsiznf2lul.jpeg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4243_zpsiznf2lul.jpeg.html)h
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4242_zpsdqskurpm.jpeg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4242_zpsdqskurpm.jpeg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4340_zpseaaztzzv.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4340_zpseaaztzzv.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4339_zpsxkse7xsr.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4339_zpsxkse7xsr.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4262_zpszxiyhgaz.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4262_zpszxiyhgaz.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4260_zpsqx5ov68d.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4260_zpsqx5ov68d.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4259_zpsgjohtfmy.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4259_zpsgjohtfmy.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4332_zpstdvzk7yq.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4332_zpstdvzk7yq.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4254_zps5bqtolvk.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4254_zps5bqtolvk.jpg.html)
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4346_zpsnpiwjczw.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4346_zpsnpiwjczw.jpg.html)h
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4347_zpstvkt1vof.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4347_zpstvkt1vof.jpg.html)
Mrs. Puma hanging out with Lee Lauderback on Crazy Horse.
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4484_zpspiqgtges.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4484_zpspiqgtges.jpg.html)
And if all that wasn't enough top off the week, I had the pleasure of meeting WWII Mustang Ace, Bud Anderson. Bud said he had about 35 hours of Mustang time when he went into combat with it. He said most guys had 2-4 hours before combat. Prior to the Mustang, he had several hundred hours in the P-39 which he said helped experience wise transitioning to the Mustang.
When asked what advice he had for this newbie Mustang pilot, he said "keep it straight".
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4400_zpsigr72syl.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_4400_zpsigr72syl.jpg.html)
Lee preparing to do his Saturday sunset routine which he culminated with Bob Hoover's signature landing gear down roll to touch down maneuver.
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_2295_zpsc7dhvdh4.jpg) (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/puma44/media/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_2295_zpsc7dhvdh4.jpg.html)
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Wow! Now that's the way to spend a week. :banana:
Thanks for sharing. :aok
:salute
Sik
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Ok I am jealous. WTG!
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Awesome! Congratulations!
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Thanks gents! It was definitely a once in a lifetime event(s).
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Wow. Very cool,
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Color me jealous.
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Will us mere mortals be able to converse with you after all this?
I'd tell you to get your head out of the clouds but I doubt you could hear me over the sound of that Merlin! :aok
Just wish I could be there!
:salute
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Will us mere mortals be able to converse with you after all this?
I'd tell you to get your head out of the clouds but I doubt you could hear me over the sound of that Merlin! :aok
Just wish I could be there!
:salute
What!? Did you say something Morf?
I also am jealous, being the only grad there that didnt fly his own or someone else's Mustang to Stallion51. Most definitely still among us mortals. Everyone of these guys I had a chance to talk with all considered what they were doing as "taking care of a national treasure" until it was passed on to the next guardian. :salute
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There is a 1+07 formation video I'd like to share but, can't figure out how to load or attach it in here. Any know how? Thanks!
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Bah! I mean, who hasn't done all of those things? Not only that, but who would want to fly with a bunch of Mustangs that choose a Bonanza as their leader? No self-respect, I say.
- oldman (WTG, dude)
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Bah! I mean, who hasn't done all of those things? Not only that, but who would want to fly with a bunch of Mustangs that choose a Bonanza as their leader? No self-respect, I say.
- oldman (WTG, dude)
Thanks Old Dude. The Bonanza was just the make believe lead, kinda like ATC thinks they control :D airplanes.....OOPS, sorry, drove off in the ditch a bit. The pro photographer shared three of his photos with the caveat of no social media until his pictures are published, maybe as magazine covers. When he clears me, I'll share those also. His are beyond spectacular! :salute
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Wow. Just wow Puma. Lucky bastige! Congratz on the free ride!
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Wow. Just wow Puma. Lucky bastige! Congratz on the free ride!
Ya, definitely in the right place at the right time. Thanks!
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:aok
Lucky devil!
That had to be a blast. All those P-51s and Bud Anderson and Lee Lauderbach to boot!
I got a ride in the backseat of Gunfighter with a little dissimilar ACM tossed in against Doug Jackson's Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero Replica. Needless to say, horsepower makes a difference. Poor Doug. One of my more favorite flying memories.
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Thanks Toad! ACM for real against a Zero. That's way cool! :aok
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What!? Did you say something Morf?
I also am jealous, being the only grad there that didnt fly his own or someone else's Mustang to Stallion51. Most definitely still among us mortals. Everyone of these guys I had a chance to talk with all considered what they were doing as "taking care of a national treasure" until it was passed on to the next guardian. :salute
Amazing folks for sure. They know the importance.
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Nice photos man.
I'm starting a T-6 course this Fall with the goal of doing the Mustang eventually...just to say I did. Now I'm really REALLY motivated. :)
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Thanks! The T-6 will be a lot of fun. Stallion51 has a T-6 course in addition to the P-51. The premiere place to trained in the Mustang.
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Thanks! The T-6 will be a lot of fun. Stallion51 has a T-6 course in addition to the P-51. The premiere place to trained in the Mustang.
A bit far for me atm--but I have options close by for the T-6/SNJ. When it comes time to do the '51 (God-willing and the creek don't rise) I will be heading to Florida, though. Gotta' save up some vacation time which is rarer than hen's teeth. :D
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Wow, that's sick. Great pics. I can't imagine being around so many on the ground, much less in the air. A friend of mine flew his companies' P51 through central Canada back in 2015, and I got to see it and then hear it fire up about 25 yards away - nothing like that sound.
If you need help posting the vid, PM me if you need an account/help/whatever. Really interesting in seeing that.
Quite a while back I flew in a Harvard twice, sort of like a T6, but really really yellow/orange in color (cue laughtrack). There was a vet in Calgary back in the mid 90s to early 2000s who kept one there, and would offer rides that he advertised in the yellow pages of all things. It was very, very reasonable compared to other warbird rates, I did extra time both sorties. Citabria/Fester here has a lot of time in a T6 to IIRC. When the older gent I flew with moved on to a new squadron in the sky, his plane went to these fellars = https://harvards.com/
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The T-6 will be a lot of fun.
I enjoyed the T-6 every bit as much as the Mustang....in some ways more.
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Gman, thanks for the PM on posting video. While down there I met a guy who has flown with a Canadian T-6 team. I'll check and see if it's the same team.
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Here's a link for some video during our four ship photo mission. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/OIDLC2pFoCI
https://youtu.be/8knZ05dDOtE
https://youtu.be/zPGYT7dm294
I'll add more today after some editing.
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Very nice!
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The Lauderbachs are a class act. I remember when they started up. Are Pete and Rich still building aircraft?
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The Lauderbachs are a class act. I remember when they started up. Are Pete and Rich still building aircraft?
Yes they are. I was told they built up the wing for the Collings Foundation D model.
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Here's RTB from the photo shoot. Go around at the end because #2 wasn't visible on the runway.
https://youtu.be/oL1u2Dbcb48
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Rejoin after takeoff and some stack formation for the photographer.
https://youtu.be/oL1u2Dbcb48
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I enjoyed the T-6 every bit as much as the Mustang....in some ways more.
I agree.
HiTech
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Wow!! :rock
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Thursday afternoon last week at SnF, Mustang Day. Six ship of Mustangs and two B-25s, each with two Mustangs on the wing.
https://youtu.be/sDN_TG8KU_I
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My new desktop pic.
TY and <Salute> Puma44!
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/puma44/Stallio51%2030th%20Anniversary%20Celebration/IMG_2295_zpsc7dhvdh4.jpg)
(I hope the pic above link worked so it can be seen here)
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Glad you enjoyed the photo! :salute