Warbird Digest #45 November/December 2012
Cover: Scott Slocum photographed Thom Richard flying his reworked P-51XR,
Precious Metal, over Lake Lewisville near Dallas, TX. Thom was en-route to Reno for the 2012 National Championship Air Races and only had a few minutes to spare for photos, however that's all it took for Scott and his photo pilot, Doug Jeanes, to capture great images.
Photo: Scott Slocum
Reno Air Racing Does Return in 2012A year ago when a tragic crash ended the 2011 Reno National Championship Air Races, author Joe Kates and many others speculated it would be the end of the sport. Through cooperation with the NTSB and FAA, some changes were implemented to the course layout. Through widespread love of the sport the devoted participants and fans returned to Reno-Stead Airport for an exciting year of camaraderie and competition.
Precious Metal RebornWell known in the Unlimited Category and a veteran of many Reno races,
Precious Metal returned to Stead Airport in 2012 with a new look and mechanical refinements that placed the team as a top contender in the search for Gold. Pilot Thom Richard shared the story with Ken Kula and Warbird Digest.
Unlimited Triple Threat—The Racing Teams of Lewis Air LegendsAuto racing has Roush and Penske, but who in the aviation world has a multi-aircraft presence? Frank Mormillo shares the story of Texas based businessman, warbird collector, and pilot Rod Lewis, who is a significant force in air racing with three Unlimited Category entrants.
Steven Hinton—Pace/Safety Pilot of the National Championship Air RacesThrough the history of air racing at Reno, legendary pilot Bob Hoover was known for his role as the pace pilot in his P-51 Mustang. Who do you get to take over when Bob Hoover retires? The perfect choice to fill those shoes is a warbird legend of his generation, Steve Hinton, flying in a T-33
Shooting Star. Phil Myers caught up with Hinton to learn what the Pace/Safety Pilot role is all about.
The T-6s of RenoWhile the spotlight focuses on the Unlimited Category at the Reno National Championship Air Races, there is another warbird category that offers excitement and competition. Phil Myers followed rookie Nathan Harnagel through the process of becoming a race pilot and competing in the T-6 Category.
National Aviation Heritage Invitational 2012Considered by some to be more significant than winning “Grand Champion” at EAA’s AirVenture, the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) invites some of the most amazing restorations in the country to compete. The 2012 winner was a boon for all warbird owners and historians who crave the retention of the battle scars of a wartime veteran aircraft.
A Tribute to Robert OdegaardForever to be remembered as one of the kindest gentlemen involved in aviation, the warbird community says goodbye to one of its most loved friends, Robert Odegaard.
Not Many — But MuchAfter a long restoration and trip to its new home in Everett, Washington, a Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk.IXe joins John Session’s Historic Flight Foundation and becomes a favorite aircraft in the collection. Nathan McGrew shares the wartime history that makes this warbird an invaluable artifact.
My Enemy — My Friend
Texan Roundup 2012Gary Daniels traveled to Fredericksburg, Texas to document a gathering that reflects all that is great about flying warbirds. The Texan Roundup serves to teach formation skills, maintain proficiency, and strengthen friendships.
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