Warbird Information Exchange

Warbird Digest #48 May/June 2013
Cover: Robert T. Dickson Jr. flies his newly acquired Mustang, Serial No. 44-74202, named Swamp Fox, on a special flight near his hometown, Concord. NC. The pilot of the original Swamp Fox, William W. Foard, enjoys a ride from the back seat. As they commenced the flight Dickson asked Foard if anything looked familiar, with the response, "it feels like home." After having a little fun, Dickson jokingly asked his WWII veteran fighter pilot if he had any advice on how to land the plane. Foard quipped, "Close your eyes and cross your fingers." Jack Roush's Mustang, Gentleman Jim, was flown by Ray Fowler. Photo: Greg Morehead


Swamp Fox Story by Greg Morehead
With a little serendipity mixed with destiny, a restored P-51D Mustang brings together two proud owners with a World War II veteran fighter pilot. While fate introduced the Dickson family to Lt. Colonel Will Foard, restoration experts at Vintage Airframes, Morgan Aircraft Restorations, and Roush Aviation created the masterpiece that would serve as the catalyst. The result of determined efforts and pure happenstance culminated in a heartwarming reunion.


Wingman Story by William W. Foard
An 18 year old boy entered aviation cadet training with visions of being a fighter pilot. At 19 years old he earned his wings and went off to war as a hot shot second lieutenant. At 20 years old the seasoned fighter pilot had realized his goal and earned a solemn maturity through combat experience. Will Foard’s story tells us that being a hero doesn’t always involve glory.


Back When I was Learning to Fly Story by Scott Germain
Targeting a niche for serious aviators who yearn to learn in aircraft from yesteryear’s military, three partners have joined forces to create Old School Aviation at Sonoma County Airport in sunny California. Darryl Bond, Rob Gordon, and Dan Vance created a flight school that offers a new option to aspiring warbird pilots who want anything from a flight experience to a complete checkout in a Boeing Stearman, North American AT-6 Texan, or the TF-51D Mustang.


The Conqueror Story by Stephen Chapis
Stephen Chapis offers another history lesson with the story of aviation legend Darryl Greenamyer. Equally comfortable in a J-3 Cub at 65 miles per hour as in a Lockheed A-12 at 2,000 miles per hour, what Greenamyer loved most was racing around the pylons in a Grumman Bearcat. As a pioneer in the sport, intense competitor, and a pilot with natural abilities, he truly earned the title “conqueror.”


"Alvin" the Chipmunk Story by Stephen Buchelt
When Jim and Cathy Read made the difficult decision to divest their warbird collection and to close the doors at the Indiana Aviation Museum, they didn’t divest completely. One of the few planes they kept was the delightful de Havilland Chipmunk. To keep the “Chippie” exercised, Steve Buchelt has been in a unique position as the aircraft’s primary pilot. Steve shares a little history of the Chipmunk and tells why it is so much fun to fly.


UK Air Shows -- It doesn't get any better than this. Story by Frank Mormillo
Frank Mormillo has become a regular passenger on transatlantic flights in recent years. He has developed a great appreciation for the British fervor for aviation, which they routinely celebrate in some of the world’s best air shows. Frank shares some of his images and gives some insight into the UK air show scene. Get your passport ready!

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