Breaking news or the rumor mill at work? You be the judge.

[PatM]

Maybe Travolta will fly in the other cockpit when they return to the Mother Ship.

[paulmcmillan]

This rumour is now printed in the latest issue of Aeroplane Monthly in the UK (June 2006) issue with 'Authoriative Sources' saying he will assume Sponsorship for the P-82. So perhaps we can now have the verdict from someone at Warbird Digest??? (as hinted at in the last issue)

Paul

[Tim Savage]

This rumour is now printed in the latest issue of Aeroplane Monthly in the UK (June 2006) issue with 'Authoriative Sources' saying he will assume Sponsorship for the P-82. So perhaps we can now have the verdict from someone at Warbird Digest??? (as hinted at in the last issue)

Paul

As far as I know this deal is not done, and therefore, we won't publish it until it is. We have known about it for several months and were asked to keep a lid on it. We honored that request.

I am afraid that some publications are more interested in getting the scoop, whether it harms a deal or not. We feel strongly that our job is to support the warbird movement with accurate news even if it means losing the scoop.

[Michel Lemieux]

Tim.......

We feel strongly that our job is to support the warbird movement with accurate news even if it means losing the scoop.

Hat's off sir. Truly. You just pointed out to what is totally ##@#$^%$$ up with today's world media.

One can appreciate the effort for true journalism ethics

[paulmcmillan]

Tim

Thanks for your input

Paul

[warbirdguy]

This rumor is also in Air Classic's!

[Jase]

I was gonna keep my mouth shut, but......

Who really cares what religion someone practices? Try this for size: Instead of saying Scientology, substitute "Jew", or "Catholic". I've said for years that I'd take anyone's donations, to keep these beautiful airplanes in the air where they belong. I'm not into Scientology, but I have ZERO issues with those who are, and more power to em if, like Travolta and Cruise, they put their long green $$ into preserving and flying old airplanes.

Let's all stop being quite so grade schoolish, shall we?

[k5083]

Jase - probably your original instinct to keep quiet was the right one but since you piped up, I totally agree. There are plenty of people in the warbird movement whom I'd consider religious nuts, but in mainstream religions. And WHO CARES - they're mostly good people and they're doing a good thing.

My own thoughts about Mr Cruise are:

1. If this rumor proves true, I hope MI:3 does well! I'll buy a ticket, at any rate.

2. I am surprised/delighted that Mr Cruise is even aware of CAF, the F-82, and by extension the warbird movement. Most celebs and many other private owners buy warbirds as toys and never engage with the historical aspect or help out the warbird movement. We warbird fanciers could all benefit not only from the money, but from the profile raising impact of someone like Mr Cruise. No matter what the tabloids or Jay Leno say about his religion, Mr Cruise is still a very respected film star in this country. Think what he could do for an airshow by appearing with his plane. Celebs like Harrison Ford and Cliff Robertson have been a big help to the EAA with their appearances at OSH and support for Young Eagles, etc.

3. Maybe Mr Cruise would enjoy being part of a community where he is just one of the guys, and all the cameras are pointed at his airplane instead of him and his wife for a change. If so, shouldn't we make him welcome?

It's just possible that Mr Cruise checks out this forum, since everybody with much awareness of the warbird scene does sooner or later. So if he really is sponsoring the '82 and if he's reading this thread, I'd say: Good on ya, mate, and welcome aboard.

[Jerry O'Neill]

Maybe he loves the sound and flying characteristics of the P-51 so much that he just wants to experience TWO P-51's at the same time!!! (could you blame him?!!!)
I say "Go for it, Mr. Cruise"!!
Blue skies,
Jerry

[Rob Mears]

Oh so let see the US Military is going to bow down to Mr. Cruise get real. It would be the US Goverment telling Mr. Cruise to shove it or we might have to ook into this whole Crazy Cult you belong to.

I'm thinking worldwide popular acclaim and a nine-figure bank account will pretty much guarantee an open door to whatever Senator or Congressman you wish to "ask a favor" of (and thus the USAF Museum). We all saw what the action of one Senator was able to do for Lex Cralley's situation. I imagine if Tom Cruise made it his ambition to free up the ownership of the P-82, it would get done one way or another.

[aerojock]

If Tom gets "REALLY" involved in the CAF they may Have to change the name again. What do you think - "Cruisememorative Air ForcE"?????


AERO

[mrhenniger]

I was gonna keep my mouth shut, but......

Who really cares what religion someone practices? Try this for size: Instead of saying Scientology, substitute "Jew", or "Catholic". I've said for years that I'd take anyone's donations, to keep these beautiful airplanes in the air where they belong. I'm not into Scientology, but I have ZERO issues with those who are, and more power to em if, like Travolta and Cruise, they put their long green $$ into preserving and flying old airplanes.

Let's all stop being quite so grade schoolish, shall we?

Well said Jase. I should have said it.

Mike

[tom d. friedman]

i second the opinion on jase's reply!! very witty & quick!!

[Alan Brooks]

Good Morning, Ladies and Gents.... just a few comments. That west coast magazine was very, very premature to announce anything concerning the P-82. In fact, the more that is said, lends a greater chance to blow everything apart. People, if you love flying and love to see warbirds fly, then let this thread quiet down, and let all the pieces fall into place.... if they still can. If all the hurdles are cleared, then I promise, the story will be told from the mountain top. All flying organizations have a huge potential benefit if this goes on through.... 'cause we all need sponsors. It does not matter if it's Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, JohnTravolta, Treat Williams, or Micheal Dorn. They have the public eye and $$$$$$. As for the P-82..... This is very far from a "done deal". Rob, the meeting DID occur, If you don't believe it, I can't help you, but all parties were represented. You keep referring to the original loan documents..... there might be more...... and I don't know why you have such a large axe to grind against the CAF. You have such a huge potential benefit, why are you so ticked? Have not forgotten the Navy stuff. Is Bob R interested or not, I don't know. We can ask, but if it boils down to money...... Headquarters really just does not have any money for large capital expenditures, unless a donor ponies up the bucks for an airplane. Rob, if you really want to see this bird fly again, just ease off a little, sit back, and lets see if some really positive things happen. Alan

[krlang]

If all the hurdles are cleared, then I promise, the story will be told from the mountain top.

Or OPRAH's couch!

Let it fly! Put it in a movie, I would even pay $10 to see that in a theater!