Warbird Information Exchange

Hi all,

I am still so very very excited as I type this. I was in Witchita, KS all this week for a conference for my work. Anyways, yesterday we all went down to Stearman Field, Benton KS, where we were all told that there was the possibility of Stearman rides, if it wasnt blowing a 30 kt gust of wind like it had the day before. So we arrived there, and one of the conference hosts runs up to me and asks if I would like the first Stearman ride! I say enthusiastically "Sure!", and walk over to the Stearman in question (N3256A) and was shown how to get it and met the pilot "Randy", who would take me up.

With only a little bit of difficulty, I got into the front cockpit and got strapped in and put my helmet on. Then Randy started the Stearman and let its radial engine warm up a bit as I was the first ride of the day! Then we got moving and hauling down the runway was my real introduction to open cockpit flying (I had flown in a Travel Air 4000 when I was 9!) and soon we were up up and away! I was grinning from ear to ear!

We flew out a few miles and Randy asked me if I would like to have a go at the stick, so I agreed and minutes later, I found myself piloting the 1943 PT-17, did a few turns and straight flying, then Randy had me turn a few hard right turns and then he took back the airplane. Man, at this time, I was still grinning! He had told me to look outside while flying (while I had the stick), so I did. He then asked me if seeing the smoke as we did our low pass down the runway would bother me, i said of course not.


That low pass was rather exhilarating! We then flew a little bit more, and then we turned back to the pattern. He then asked if I was easily scared, I said no, of course not. I have been flying in GA planes/ heavy metal since I was 3. He then pulled the power back, did a sharp right turn and glided down to a nice landing on the grass side of the field. We then taxiied back to the ramp, where the other conference members were awaiting their ride

That is my report of my first warbird ride!!!

F6FFan

I know the grin- I still have it on every time I fly the L-5!

_________________
REMEMBER THE SERGEANT PILOTS!

Open cockpit flying is great! My first time was in a 1940 Waco UPF-7. I've also been up in a Ryan PT-22. Low 'n slow, lettin' the wind blow! Fun stuff! Not sure if having the canopy open on a T-6G counts, but that was fun, too!

_________________
Dean Hemphill, K5DH
Port Charlotte, Florida

All I know is that I will remember that ride for the rest of my life! I'd say an open canopy on a T-6 counts, it would be a very cool "open cockpit." ride.

F6FFAN,
Glad you were able to visit Stearman Field, a great airport and take a Stearman ride. There are several Stearmans as well as many other classic aircraft based there. Mr. Jack Pelton has aircraft hangared there.
The name of the Airfield is very fitting for the type aircraft based there.
Phillip