Warbird Information Exchange

To the Membership:



One of the first CAF members I met when I joined this organization was Reg Urschler, pilot of P-51 Gunfighter. Under his 30 year stewardship, Gunfighter has become an icon to air show spectators across the country. I would venture a guess that he has become the most recognizable face within the industry. Like all of you, I have enjoyed his passion and dedication to the goals of the organization and look forward to working with him in the future. Thank you Reg for your eloquence and your friendship, it is a standard to which we all aspire!



Reg has asked me to forward the following email he sent to me this week.



Gordon Stevenson

Chief of Staff CAF





Dear Gordon:



As you know, I have been fortunate for the past several years to serve as one of the initial cadre of civilian pilots selected by the Air Force to participate in their popular and successful recruiting program the Heritage Flight. This idea first was conceived in 1997 as a "one-time" display to celebrate the USAF's 50th Anniversary as a separate service.



Financed originally by the pilots themselves, the USAF subsequently formalized and funded the program following a review of the positive, enthusiastic response elicited from air show attendees across the country and internationally. As a direct result of our participation in this very successful effort, we have generated in excess of one million dollars in revenue which the CAF has distributed to various CAF projects and aircraft.



Recently the USAF and Air Combat Command (ACC) established a sixty-five year age limitation for participants. The new restriction automatically terminated the tenure of three pilots; Maj.Gen. Bill Anders USAF, (Ret.), Chuck Hall and myself. This unexpected and unanticipated age constraint has prompted me to reflect and evaluate the impact on my level of participation in future air show activities and commitments.



This year culminates over thirty years of Gunfighter sponsorship and more than three thousand hours in Mustangs, the fulfillment of a dream which began as a youth during World War II. A dream and avocation which I have shared as a history lesson and remembrance with as many individuals of all ages as possible, especially and particularly with those of the fading "Greatest Generation", whose always emotional and grateful responses provided the most satisfying reward of all.



None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication and loyalty of the ground crew who have maintained the Gunfighter during this extended period. Also, all those who have supported and helped sustain the reputation of this well known CAF aircraft's enviable record of performance and wide-spread positive public image. In the final analysis, I believe it now is appropriate to "Pass The Torch" of responsibility and tradition to the next generation.



Larry "Lumpy" Lumpkin has been a member of the Gunfighter Team for many years and shortly will mark his fifth anniversary flying the Mustang. A superb pilot and CAF representative, he enjoys the complete support and confidence of the Gunfighter Crew. He has established his own personal reputation as an exceptionally well qualified professional who is highly respected by fellow CAF members, as well as his peers in the air show arena. I believe the CAF is most fortunate to have him accept the responsibility of maintaining the established, recognized and acknowledged standard of excellence and record to which he has contributed and supported.



In conclusion, I extend my heart-felt and deepest appreciation along with my very best wishes for continued success to him, the Crew and to all those who support the noble and worthy cause to....."Keep 'em Flying".



With kindest regards,

Reg

Chuck Hall has also had himself "retired" from the Heritage Flight program.

this is BS, I have flown with both Chuck and Bill and both are excellent sticks. If they are worried about skill deterorating, have them go for a check ride. They have flown more hours in formation than the current USAF pilots have total hours.

Has anyone got any idea how many P-51 hours Reg has. He must be one of the highest in the country.

I hope we can still see him fly

Thanks Reg

Steve

This year culminates over thirty years of Gunfighter sponsorship and more than three thousand hours in Mustangs, the fulfillment of a dream which began as a youth during World War II.