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May-June 2012
- Ride of a Lifetime
- “Twilight Tear”
- SteadFast
After being passed from owner to owner, Bell AH-1G Cobra (Serial No. 70-15945) finally found a permanent home with Rick Clemens and the Cactus Air Force in Carson City, Nevada. Clemens bestowed the honor of flying this beautifully restored helicopter to Vietnam War veteran and Cobra pilot Mike Billow.
While many warbird enthusiasts generally consider the warbird community as existing within their own geographic boundaries, the phenomenon is truly international. Some of the best restoration work is taking place in New Zealand and Australia, including some exciting bomber projects. James Kightly checks in from the other hemisphere for a special update.
Reading history in a book can be boring while experiencing it first hand is unforgettable. At the Cavanaugh Flight Museum history can be experienced through all five senses, in no less that eight different aircraft representing World War Two, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
It seems most Reno Unlimited Class racers are dedicated to a sole endeavor—to scream around the pylons and race for the gold. Not this team. Will Whiteside and Team SteadFast have energized the warbird community as they add new pages to aviation history by shattering long held world records.
When the Commemorative Air Force returned their Liberator to its original B-24A configuration and changed the name to Ol’ 927, a minor identity crisis was created. Realizing the importance of name recognition, the CAF made the bold decision to return the bomber to its original name. Diamond Lil is back, and more beautiful than ever.
What would a warbird reenactment be without “the bad guys?” Luigino Caliaro travelled from Italy to learn more about the group that has for decades brought the ultimate December 7th reenactment to airshows across America.
P-51s with combat history are rare, and among those still flying “Twilight Tear” is arguably the most accurately restored in the world. The award winning restoration is not simply a trophy to the Fagen family; it is an exciting addition to their flying collection and new museum that endeavors to preserve heritage, honor veterans, and promote education.