"Stop wasting warbirds"

[Inverted]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

I dont think he means destroyed as in crashed. I think he means destroyed as in the original look/essence of the aircraft.

[Randy Haskin]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

I dont think he means destroyed as in crashed. I think he means destroyed as in the original look/essence of the aircraft.

Have you seen how "restorations" have been performed over the last decade?

If Yeager's standard is used, then the restoration shops are guilty of the biggest "wasting" of warbirds anywhere.

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

This is always a touchy subject but I think, in truth, there are several examples of warbirds that would not be here if not for racing. Tiger told me that had they not wanted to make Dago back in the day... the airframe would, likely, have been discarded or forgotten.

Steadfast is a new build "old" airframe... Rare bear would very likely have been forgotten had Lyle not wanted to race.. it was in pretty pitiful shape and not in a good location..

I think Gen. Yager's comment was uninformed and out of line.

Can anyone name any rare warbirds that have been ruined by racing? I think the list would be pretty short.

Wayne Sagar

[Inverted]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

Have you seen how "restorations" have been performed over the last decade?

If Yeager's standard is used, then the restoration shops are guilty of the biggest "wasting" of warbirds anywhere.

Trust me I agree with you 100%. No warbird flying today is 100% original.

Look at planes like Glacier Girl. I bet she is more than 75% new sheet metal and parts.

[W J Pearce]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

Can anyone name any rare warbirds that have been ruined by racing? I think the list would be pretty short.

Wayne Sagar

First off, I see where Gen Yeager is coming from and he has definitely earned the right to express his opinion. I do feel he is incorrect and that a very large number of warbirds exist today solely because of air racing. I also feel that some aircraft have a far more colorful/successful history in air racing than military service.

Having said that, Wayne asked a question and I'm answering it. Don't confuse that because I am answering it I agree with Gen. Yeager, because I do not.

I believe there have only been two types that air racing has snuffed out, both in the Cleveland days; Curtiss XP-40Q and YP-60. I do not believe either pilot/owner were spoiled or rich.

[wingman]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

Randy -- I was referring to the previous post, and to several prominent folks who I've spoken to over the years who are, shall we say, not great fans of the General. I should have been more clear...

[mrcraigarcher]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

Can anyone name any rare warbirds that have been ruined by racing? I think the list would be pretty short.

Wayne Sagar

Wayne,
I can't think of any rare birds that were lost due to racing, but I have to admit I always thought Mike Brown may have been just a little crazy to be racing his Tigercat. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he did and will miss BBM like mad, but I'm not sure I would have the cajones to race that plane if it were mine!

For my two cents, General Yeager is a bit of an ornery old fart who was (and is) disgusted with fame and fortune - including his own. It's too bad, cuz he's lived an amazing life, but ornery is as ornery does, sir.

[5150]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

Evan,
Thanks for the link to your interview. I thought you asked some great questions. I also found the General's answers very interesting. I've bookmarked your site, there are several other interviews I'd like to read when I get the chance.

[JET1]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds" heh!

Mr. Yeager is NOT liked at all in the aviation community by most people. Besides Bob Hoover and Bud Anderson, is there anyone who has spent time with him who actually likes him? I've spent time with the man, socialized with him and had dinner with him. I don't want to go into details on a public forum like this, but I am not a fan of his at all! You will find that the vast majority of warbird owners/operators/mechanics all feel the same way as I do. I respect his unselfish service that he gave to our country - I applaud that! But I don't respect him personally based off of the way he treated me, my friends and numerous people I've talked to. I'm not the only one who feels this way, by the way.

as a mater of fact I HAVE spent time with him.....he has become a legend....IN HIS OWN MIND!

[evanflys]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

Evan,
Thanks for the link to your interview. I thought you asked some great questions. I also found the General's answers very interesting. I've bookmarked your site, there are several other interviews I'd like to read when I get the chance.

Thanks! I'm interviewing a WWII P-51 pilot tomorrow who got shot down over Germany and I have a lead on a German Messerschmitt pilot who lives near me.

Happy Holidays!
Evan

[hm66sk]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

Thanks! I'm interviewing a WWII P-51 pilot tomorrow who got shot down over Germany and I have a lead on a German Messerschmitt pilot who lives near me.

Happy Holidays!
Evan

looking forward to those. Can't get enough of these first person accounts.

[John H]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

I read that commetary last night at Borders. It's a real pointless article- 80 percent of it is just combat stories, then theres just a few lines about "airline pilots" crashing mustangs at Oshkosh and airplanes being used up air racing. And him listing how many Mustangs he's flown. I thought it would be some well thought out long commentary with facts and reasoning, but it's not. It's just typical Yeager bs- like his comments on the Voyager (that landed 22 years ago today) It doesn't deserve any attention at all. Total waste of time.

John

[Skyracer]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

And this is from a guy who was flying those same warbirds into combat where the "wasting" rate was at least an order of magnitude higher than we will ever see (no disrespect intended). And, the US Government has, and will continue to, waste (melt down) perfectly good warbirds faster than they can be built.

(Before hitting the "reply" button, firmly implant tongue in cheek.)

[KAHNZILLA]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

In the early 70's (1970 I think), the weather at RENO was freezing and windy. They held a race with Staggerwing Beech's, that was scary to watch.
I would have to say if there was never a need like "Fire Fighting" for Tigercats there would be none today.
If I had the $250,000 for the FW190a kit when they were selling them I would bring it to RENO.
I also remember someone the Air Force stuck in a F-15 to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of breaking the sound barrier, sounds like a spoiled American Hero. Bottom line, old people say old things (like me). Thanks, KC

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: "Stop wasting warbirds"

As we try to do with anyone... Let's please agree to not go after personality in this discussion. It's OK to disagree with Gen. Yeager, but trashing him, I think, is going a bit too far.

OK?

Thanks in advance!

Wayne Sagar