This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Wed May 21, 2008 4:02 pm
What do you think the percentage of current warbird pilots? ... Are currently military pilots or had military flight training. ... Are WWII vets still flying warbirds. ... Are or had been commercial pilots.
Wed May 21, 2008 4:15 pm
4.3 %
not much anymore
Yes
Wed May 21, 2008 5:42 pm
I don't know of any former W.W. II pilots that are still flying warbirds. There might be a couple of them, but most retired just in the last 3 or 4 years or so. Remember, they're all at least in their 80's by now.
I know Chuck Yeager was still flying P-51's up until he had his T-6 accident. I think after that he he got out of flying the big iron. I just talked to someone who lives near him in California, and he said that Yeager still regularly flies his Aeronica Champ. I know that Yeager's friend and wingman, Bud Anderson, was flying P-51's until recently also. I don't know if Anderson still flies though.
As far as warbird pilots who are former military, there's probably a lot. I would bet it's pretty much about half of them out there. As far as commercial pilots, yes, I believe quite a few are or have been commercial pilots.
In addition to this, though, there are a LOT of "homegrown" warbird pilots out there. They are the ones who started hanging out at different flying museums at a very early age, worked hard and worked their way up. I believe just about all of the original "Chino Kids" from the 70's were in that category, including Steve Hinton. The next generation of "Chino Kids", including Steve Hinton, Jr. are already flying P-51's, Bearcats, etc.
So, the moral of the story is, flying a warbird is very nearly obtainable for just about anyone, as long as you're willing to put in the hard work and dedication to make it happen. Starting from scratch, you can't expect to fly a P-51 or Corsair within a couple of years. Everyone must pay their dues, in one way or another. Experience and lots of taildragger time is a must to fly the warbirds.
Wed May 21, 2008 5:54 pm
Chuck Gardner wrote:4.3 %
not much anymore
Yes
4.3 huh? ... you sure it's not 4.4%? ... I would tend to guess that CY and BA are done. But I here there are a few bomber vets still flying.
Wed May 21, 2008 6:23 pm
We currently have a WWII vet flying our T-6 at the West Houston Sq. He is out there every weekend and flys quite frequently. Great man.