How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

[grampi]

I'm 50 years old and I've been trying to get a ride in a warbird (preferably a P-51 or a Bearcat) for most of my life without success. I guess I've just never been at the right place at the right time. I may be on to something now though. There's a small air museum at Valparaiso, IN that has a P-51 (it's a 2 seater). I was talking to the museum's director yesterday and asked about the possibility of going along with the pilot sometime when he plans on flying the plane anyway. I even said I would be willing to make some sort of contribution towards fuel. However, I would never ask anyone to put their warbird in the air specifically for the purpose of taking me for a ride because I know how expensive it is to fly and maintain these rare planes. She said she would get back with me and let me know. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed as this has been a lifelong dream of mine.

So, have any of you been fortunate enough to ride in a warbird? If so, which plane have you flown in, and what was the experience like?

[Red]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

If you get the chance I highly reccommend it! If you're an airplane nut it is something you will not soon forget.

P-51
TF-51
Yak 3U
Sea Fury
T-6
L5
Stearman

Other that would be a stretch to call Warbirds!

[MT mechanic]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

PB47-privateers. P2V neptunes, A-26 invader, KC-97, C-130 and various others

[MT mechanic]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

sorry The experiences are great good luck to ya in getting your ride itll happen

[BJH]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

T-28 and T6 for me.

When I get back to the states a P51 ride is hiigh on the to do list.

[Stevo]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

KC-135
KC-10
C-5
C-17
... oh, you probably mean something a little older huh?

How about the L-2 Grasshopper? Even though slow it was a kick in the pants. But then again, for me, anytime I get my feet in the air I love it.


Other than those I'm pretty inexperienced as well. I've been around many a time when the Collins Foundation has brought their birds through giving flights... I've just never been able to part with the money required to take one. One of these days...

[grampi]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

KC-135
KC-10
C-5
C-17
... oh, you probably mean something a little older huh?

How about the L-2 Grasshopper? Even though slow it was a kick in the pants. But then again, for me, anytime I get my feet in the air I love it.


Other than those I'm pretty inexperienced as well. I've been around many a time when the Collins Foundation has brought their birds through giving flights... I've just never been able to part with the money required to take one. One of these days...

I was a flight engineer on C-5's for a couple of years when I was in the AF.

[crazyb1]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

P-51 (Diamondback) previously Stiletto
F-4
B-1B
C-130
F-18
F-15
F-16
T-33 (that was interesting....)

Crazy

[grampi]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

P-51 (Diamondback) previously Stiletto
F-4
B-1B
C-130
F-18
F-15
F-16
T-33 (that was interesting....)

Crazy

Damn, that's an impressive list. Who do you know, or what is it you do that gives you that type of access?

[crazyb1]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

Air National Guard WSO:
Idaho F-4G, C-130
Georgia B-1B

P-51 previously owned by Mr Bob Jepson in Savannah (now sold)
T-33,F-18 exchange rides with the Canadians
F-15, F16 mission orientation rides

Add one that's interesting:
Turbine Thrush with the late, great Gary Hubler (I was a flagger for him for three summers when I was young)

[catalinadave]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

B-24 (LB-30) Diamond Lil, and a PBY-5A Catalina flying boat. Both belonging to the CAF. And that was over 20+ years ago.

Dave

[Air Race Addict]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

P-3 (various stripes) A,B,C, EP
P-2V
TA-4 USN Test Pilot School Patuxent River NAS, MD
P-40N (Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, Idaho)
B-25 (ditto)
S-3A
SH-3D
SH-2F

[Peashooter]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

Stearman & B-17!

http://www.airshowbuzz.com/videos/view.php?v=628fda3d

[tjyak50]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

Best ride ever was in Ridge Runner III.

But this is more fun on a daily basis...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCFkIdNzzNo

Tj

[Paynts]

Re: How many of you have actually riden in a warbird?

First time in Reno! & a P51 ride

changed my life for ever!!!! ( shame I had to wait til I was 40 to do it!