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May-June 2013
- Swamp Fox
- Wingman
- Back When I was Learning to Fly
- The Conqueror
Targeting a niche for serious aviators who yearn to learn in aircraft from yesteryear’s military, three partners have joined forces to create Old School Aviation at Sonoma County Airport in sunny California. Darryl Bond, Rob Gordon, and Dan Vance created a flight school that offers a new option to aspiring warbird pilots who want anything from a flight experience to a complete checkout in a Boeing Stearman, North American AT-6 Texan, or the TF-51D Mustang.
Frank Mormillo has become a regular passenger on transatlantic flights in recent years. He has developed a great appreciation for the British fervor for aviation, which they routinely celebrate in some of the world’s best air shows. Frank shares some of his images and gives some insight into the UK air show scene. Get your passport ready!
With a little serendipity mixed with destiny, a restored P-51D Mustang brings together two proud owners with a World War II veteran fighter pilot. While fate introduced the Dickson family to Lt. Colonel Will Foard, restoration experts at Vintage Airframes, Morgan Aircraft Restorations, and Roush Aviation created the masterpiece that would serve as the catalyst. The result of determined efforts and pure happenstance culminated in a heartwarming reunion.
Stephen Chapis offers another history lesson with the story of aviation legend Darryl Greenamyer. Equally comfortable in a J-3 Cub at 65 miles per hour as in a Lockheed A-12 at 2,000 miles per hour, what Greenamyer loved most was racing around the pylons in a Grumman Bearcat. As a pioneer in the sport, intense competitor, and a pilot with natural abilities, he truly earned the title“conqueror.”
An 18 year old boy entered aviation cadet training with visions of being a fighter pilot. At 19 years old he earned his wings and went off to war as a hot shot second lieutenant. At 20 years old the seasoned fighter pilot had realized his goal and earned a solemn maturity through combat experience. Will Foard’s story tells us that being a hero doesn’t always involve glory.
When Jim and Cathy Read made the difficult decision to divest their warbird collection and to close the doors at the Indiana Aviation Museum, they didn’t divest completely. One of the few planes they kept was the delightful de Havilland Chipmunk. To keep the “Chippie” exercised, Steve Buchelt has been in a unique position as the aircraft’s primary pilot. Steve shares a little history of the Chipmunk and tells why it is so much fun to fly.