Warbird Information Exchange

To those (if you think this is directed at you, it probably is) who think that having an opinion contrary to "hero worship of certain rich people" is "crying", it's not. It's called having an opinion. Sorry that mine differs from yours. I didn't realize so many people had the internet version of "loving to hear themselves talk".

To the other gentleman, wishing that more warbirds capable of flight were not grounded by other reasons, that's not the same thing as proposing legislation whereby the government would seize private property if "they didn't play with all of their toys". It would seem to be a simple concept.

Rich (not apologizing for being an aviation photographer who prefers that aircraft are in the air....that's why they're called AIRcraft)

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Rich Kolasa
www.crystalgraphix.com

I do not think anybody is accusing people of crying and everybody is aloud thier opinion. My reason for addressing this issue to make people realize the other side of purchasing,owning, restoring and operating a large collection of aircraft.All of us in the warbird movement would love to see more aircraft fly but unfortunately it does [ to some peoples dissapointment] come down to money and being able to continue to afford to pay employees,pay the electric bill and keep the doors open.

It is easy to play armchair aircraft collector but it is a different story all together to be able to continue to fund and run a large facility and make a profit, which is hard to do in the aircraft museum buisness.

As far as other owners displaying the aircraft at shows on thier dime that's fine more power to them. But being in this buisness I have spoken to people like Jerry Yagen and he has told me that most of the time they only break even or loss a little money by the time they pay for maintenance and insurance costs. No matter how much money anbody has if they continue to see thier financial assets twindle away they will cut back on how much flying they actually do.

Since Marauders are not like P51s... I am totally fine with him never flying that again. Especially after the CAF accident...the two pilots on board weren't exactly weekend warrior screwups, (as is sometimes portrayed) but were the most experienced in type in the whole world at that time and were high time warbird veterans. Accidents can happen to anybody. That airplane is irreplacable (and people more so, of course)

John

Kermit get's an A+ with me. I love what he has done with all his "Stuff", as he calls it. He has lit a fire inside of me. I have been acused by some of the staff, of spending more time there than they do! When I'm south, I visit almost daily. I am an Annnual Pass holder and would recommend it with out reservation. By the way, Paul, you look great on the web site video! Thanks -JOE

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Joe Amend - YAM Restoration

Well I had fun today at Fantasy of Flight. I have to say the Marauder is really special, my favorite I think but Ina the Macon Belle is a close second. After reading the story of the Million Dollar Valley so many years ago it is great to finally see one of them.

I have some shots of the Mk. 16 Spit also for KK, it was conveniently next to the Widow Maker. I was surprised that only the N number is visible, didn't see any trace of the original serial number on the 26. I'll get the pictures up as soon as I can. The B-24 was not accessible today along with the P-40 so I was a little disappointed about that.

I highly recommend the place esp. if you like stuff with wooden wings.