Warbird Information Exchange

Historic Flight Foundation is kicking off the flying season by celebrating the inaugural flight of their newly restored DC-3 this Saturday. Today I was able to catch the DC-3 returning to Paine Field on one of its training flights.

The aircraft arrived in November and today was its first flight since then. Here are some pics soon after it arrived:


IMG_2683-HDR(2) by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr
Resident B-25 "Grumpy" in the background.


IMG_2662-HDR(2) by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr
Originally this aircraft served as a C-47.


IMG_2627 by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr

Fast forward to today:

IMG_2559 by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr


IMG_2570 by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr


IMG_2596 by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr

And some videos for good measure:

http://youtu.be/HgRrRN-gAfA
HFF's F8F Bearcat and F7F Tigercat put on a great display at Vintage Aircraft Weekend 2012


http://youtu.be/AIXBSvnVl-k
HFF's B-25D Mitchell "Grumpy" having some fun with Heritage Flight Museum's A-1 Skyraider "The Proud American"

Great stuff Jason!
Thanks for posting and keeping us updated.

Andy Scott

She's a beauty!

Nice videos, too.

Without a doubt, that is one fine looking aircraft! Thanks for the photos.

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

Thanks everyone, glad you like the pics!!

If the weather cooperates today and they're able to fly, I will try to have the video up later this afternoon. This inaugural flight is also the first passenger flight for their aircraft, so I'm not sure what to expect from the flight profile. I hope we get some good passes before they head out for the scenic portion of the flight.

The weather held out just long enough for folks to get back inside the hangar once the DC-3 arrived. The plane looked beautiful and it was a great day meeting with fellow spotters, photographers, and Warbird enthusiasts!


IMG_2783-HDR(3) by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr
A quick shot of the interior...


IMG_2732-HDR(3) by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr
And of course a shot of the front office.

Here's my video of the event...

http://youtu.be/4sv5F1jbGb4

BOY! the 87's are really stacking up aren't they? Your Saturday was better than mine 40 miles North was, it was like being locked in a psychotic carwash

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

Had to show an open apartment in my building all weekend so missed the DC-3 debut. Was glad they made a circle down to Seattle though so I got to see them pass by anyway.

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-Al Sauer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spookythecat

35 of them puppies at the present moment. Batteries not included.

You're sick! I like you!!

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

Thats funny right there I dont care who you ar e.

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Hang The Expense

Originally HFF had planned on having their "shake-down" fly day for last weekend, however, with our usually predictable flying-friendly weather, it was postponed it to yesterday, the 20th. somehow the weather cooperated and they were able to get some flying in. They fired up Grumpy but had to taxi back before taking off, but they did get to fly the Texan, Mustang, Tigercat, and DC-3. Of course, I was there, cameras in hand!


IMG_5996-HDR(2) by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr
Impatient Virgin? Soaking up some brief sunshine.


IMG_6002-HDR(2) by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr
Had to get some shots of their Beaver.

Grumpy start up and taxiing: http://youtu.be/Kw_-UeU8fvM


IMG_6237 by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr
Here's "Checkers" their Texan, just before heading out to do some landings.

And video: http://youtu.be/ToXwxk0JTGQ


IMG_6129 by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr
"Bad Kitty" getting ready to taxi out to the runway.


IMG_6150 by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr


IMG_6217 by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr
Yeah, I was pretty happy to be standing right there.

And again, video, featuring both the Mustang and Tigercat and an AWESOME formation pass at the end: http://youtu.be/td3jIeZR9Os

Finally, the DC-3 start u and takeoffs: http://youtu.be/sClYvIxzFXU

And then a few photos to wrap things up...


IMG_6292-HDR(2) by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr


IMG_6295-HDR(2) by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr


IMG_6313-HDR(2) by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr

Just a note on personal safety, never stand directly in the track of a turning propeller, never walk through or stand in the arc of a prop even if the engine has been shut down for days. Nice stuff, I'm waiting to see how Mustangs and Ponies works @ KBVS this August-

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

Yup, always good to remember that. I would not have intentionally positioned myself there. As you can see in the video, John just stopped the plane right in front of us for a few moments.

Thanks for posting the pictures. Very nice.



I guess I missed it, but I didn't see any standing inside the arc of any propellors.

Ryan