Warbird Information Exchange

I am planning to visit Florida (mainly Orlando) on holiday from the UK in November and would like to take in some aviation attractions whilst I am over. I'm planning to visit Fantasy of Flight and Lakeland but am wondering what else there is that a visiting English P51/T6/Yak11 enthusiast may be able to see? I believe there may be an airshow at Stuart is this worth visiting?

Many Thanks

Chris

Hello Chris,

Stallion 51 is in Kissimmee (just South of Orlando) and Stuart is about 2 hrs South of Kissimmee if you are driving. If you are in the area, I am about a 25 minute drive SW of Stuart if you would like to stop and visit. Just e-mail me!

The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum is at the Titusville airport, about an hour east of Orlando. They've got some pretty neat stuff.

I don't know how much of Tom Reilley's museum is left in Kissimmee, but it's about 15 miles or so south of Orlando, so it would be easy to check out. It was on the west side of the Kissimmee airport.

There are often some interesting jets on the ramp at Page Aviation on the west side of Orlando International Airport (MCO). I think there's a B-52 on display there also.

Not warbird related, but take a tour through the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. You get to see a lot of space hardware close up and personal.

If I recall correctly there is a TBM (or a TBF, can't recall which) being restored at Deland, just north of Orlando. Might be able to get in there to take a look.

If you have about $1600 US ( last time I checked. May be more now) that you don't know what to do with, the folks at Stallion 51 would be more than happy to give you a P-51 ride.

That's about all I can think of in the Orlando area that you hadn't already mentioned.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

Walt

The dual P-51 flights at Stallion 51 are first class, well worth it if you can afford it. You will not find many rental planes maintained like that. I have personally flown with Lee several times and he seems to sincerely try to teach people, not just give them a quick hop. Elliot is and has been one of the top acro pilots, though I have never had a lesson with him. Book early, and if they are not available there's also a T-6 outfit there or nearby. Definitely go to Fantasy, call first to see what's going on when. Also, go take a seaplane ride at Brown's. All of these are within an hour drive of each other. Don't forget to drink some OJ and get some seafood!

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Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK

Tom Reilly's place is completely gone, but Warbird Adventures, the T-6 operation on the field, is there, active, and in the process of completing their brand new hangar/facility......They are definately worth checking out and generally don't require booking as far in advance as Stallion does........

Tom Reilly's museum has been closed for two years now. The entire facility is being improved to open a new museum with flying aircraft.
P-51 flights are $3,300 an hour. There are many other aircraft on display there too.
Next to Stallion is Warbird Adventures. We offer training flights in the T-6 and Bell 47 helicopter. It is a great experience and I reccommend that you come to fly with me.
White 1 FW-190 is one block away from us and is a very rare restoration project in process.
Plan a whole day at Fantasy arriving no later than 11:00. You need to go on the tours to see all of the aircraft.
Lakeland has the Sun N Fun museum and some of Mr. Week's aircraft are on display there too.
NASA is also a worthwhile visit while you are here.

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Live to fly, Fly to live.....

The Kennedy Space Center is a must see...

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

Chris,

You really can't go wrong flying with Chuck......He's great fun to fly with!

All of the above, and for someting a bit different, I recommend Jack Brown's Floatplane J-3 Cub operation at Winterhaven Gilbert Field, a little south of Fantasy of Flight. A quick alligator hunt doesn't cost much and is great fun, and all at low level!

Chris,

The Cub seaplane flight at Winterhaven is not expensive,just make sure to phone for a resevation. Stallion 51 might be less busy on a weekday. If they are too expensive, I have also flown with 2 of the T-6 pilots from Warbird Adventures. Fantasy probably has rides or something special on a weekend. The Lakeland Museum is nice, but not to compare with what you have at Hendon or Duxford. Fantasy or Hooters for lunch.

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Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK

Many Thanks for all the replies, certainly gives me a lot to think about.