Warbird Information Exchange

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“PMURT KCUF”

In my humble opinion, I don't think it's terribly important to have the "first flight" pilots be ones that have flown a Mosquito before.

It's just a darn airplane, and all airplanes fly in practically the same way. Sure the systems are different, but it would just take some hangar flying to familiarize themselves with the systems unique to the Mosquito. Beyond that, any seasoned test pilot would do a good job. In fact, I would prefer a top notch test pilot over someone that flew a Mosquito many years ago. I'm not knocking Kermit at all, as he appears to be an excellent pilot, but a test pilot is so practiced in dealing with anything any everything that could potentially happen on a first flight like this one.

I can't wait to see her fly!

Peace,

David

Have you seen some of the different stuff that Kermit flies on a regular basis? The man is a test pilot for all practical purposes, if not in title. It just seems to me that it would be better to have somebody in the airplane that can say "uh...this isn't what a Mosquito is supposed to feel like." over somebody that says "uh...I wonder if this is normal for a Mosquito?". As I said earlier, I've got no doubt the pilots selected are capable of doing it with no problems. I just don't see the rationality in bypassing a very qualified pilot with actual experience in that type of plane. I'm sure they have a reason for it, I just don't understand it.

Maybe they just don't like Kermit's pony tail?

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Ben

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“PMURT KCUF”

I think that Skip Holm has flown one as well.

I'm sure you are correct that there are several pilots just as capable as Kermit Weeks. But not many of them are going to have the flying experience that he has. I'm not talking about flying ability or talent, I'm talking about the different types of aircraft and sheer number of makes, models and designs. But you seem to keep missing my point. Regardless of their experience, flying ability, political affiliation, marital status or whatever, how many pilots still available today, have flown the Mosquito? I had forgotten that Skip Holm had flown one. Howard Pardue is the only other person I can think of off hand that had flown one with any recency (last 25 yrs or so) but he's gone now.

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Ben

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“PMURT KCUF”

The part you cut out of my quote was "...that have flown the Mosquito?" Do you think you could simply answer the question? If you can't then I don't see why you are bothering to respond.

I'm not pressing the issue for Kermit Weeks. I'm just wondering out loud. Sorry, I didn't realize you were an employ, policy setter and spokemodel for Avspecs.

I'll look for a more welcoming forum to ask my questions. I thougt I'd try this one as I saw it advertised in Classic Wings. But thanks for the welcome Mark M. Allen, I've been here for a day and a half and you have already killed the fun.

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Ben

I think what it usually really comes down to, is who the restoration company (and/or owner) has had experience with in test piloting their aircraft, with the relationship and trust that has been accumulated over time. In this case, both the highly experienced and dedicated pilots, Keith Skilling and Dave Phillips, are the guys that fit that mould, and they'll do a right job of it.

To tell you the truth, I am quite unfamiliar with Kermit Weeks' mix of aircraft type experience. I know he's got a big collection of beautiful machines, but I am not aware of how many fly, and how many he flies. Based on that, he probably would be a good choice.

To an extent, that would also make Bud Granley a good choice too.

As stated by others, they must have several reasons for picking the fine pilots that they have chosen for the job.

All will go well, and soon there will be more Mossie experienced pilots walking this earth.

Peace,

David M

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“PMURT KCUF”

Ben,
1st Welcome.
I don't want to kill the fun but you've jumped in a little strong on some things.
Kermit Weeks is his own man. I don't see him jumping into another organizations operations whether qualified or not. Even though he has Mossie flight experience he is so far out of date flying one that it almost won't count to be legal to fly one. It is called being current. He probably has a type rating but would need to study up as much as the pilots down under are doing to prepare for the 1st flights of this Mossie. Even so they really aren't test flying a new design, just checking how this one functions. I can't comment down under for rules for a pilot being current so I won't.
There is several owners, operators, pilots and mechanics who watch this board and even contribute. Diving into discussions with a tone of how to or who should or why someone did that or what someone should have done isn't how most conversations are done here. At least while the people are alive or maybe even on recent events. We have our share of dust ups and disagreements but respecting others space and knowing that people here have direct contact with owners, aircraft and pilots being discussed we try to have some respect for them. If you wouldn't want it said to you, don't say it to them here.
Its a great place for knowledge and seeing how modern warbirds are operated and maintained. Several authors and editors smack us down when we regurgitate old myths. Photos from WWII and other important eras get posted here for the 1st time as well as relatives pop up trying to find info.
Sometimes we all need a little thick skin, suck it up and just troll while we figure out the way things are going on a topic. We welcome all here and hope you find the info enlightening.

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Rich Palmer

Remember an Injured Youth
benstear.org
#64- Stay Strong and Keep the Faith

BOOM BOOM, ROUND ROUND, PROPELLER GO

Don't Be A Dilbert!

You ought not speculate about things you don't know.
Let the operators of Warbirds operate them. You and I aren't going to influence how they do things.

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Rich Palmer

Remember an Injured Youth
benstear.org
#64- Stay Strong and Keep the Faith

BOOM BOOM, ROUND ROUND, PROPELLER GO

Don't Be A Dilbert!

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“PMURT KCUF”

You didn't answer my question. And it is the same question I have specifically asked twice now. I even made a point to specifically mention it in my last message. How many people today, currently flying, have flown a Mosquito? There are two that have been mentioned here. Are there any more? If you don't know the answer then kindly leave it alone. Maybe somebody else knows some names.



I appreciate the welcome. I'm honestly not trying to come on strong at all and that wasn't the intent. I asked a fairly simple question and Mr. Allen got snotty right off the bat and won't leave it alone. If he can't answer then I don't know why he's bothering to respond with the same thing over and over. I've been flying for a few years now and have done some twin beech flying and some stearman flying along with a lot of less interesting civilian types. I understand the currency issue, type ratings, proficiency and the legalities and the stuff you are talking about. I'm not even kind of hinting that they made the wrong choice. Far from it actually. I was just looking purely from an experience level and nothing else. Kermit has flown one, the chosen pilots haven't. Thats all I was trying to get at. Well, that and I'm still wondering the answer to my question about currently flying, experienced, Mosquito pilots.



Now what did I ever say that could even possibly be disrespectful to any owner, operator, pilot or mechanic? I fit a few of those categories by the way. I simply asked if somebody knew why a certain decision was made regarding an airplane and pilot. I wasn't rude about it and I didn't say they were idiots for making that decision. I simply asked if anybody knew the reason and was attempting to generate a discussion about it. This is supposed to be an information exchange isn't it?



Apparantly its not if you actually ask about the operation.




I will contribute the first $20 to purchase a thicker skin for Mark A. Allen

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Ben