Bill Greenwood wrote:
Wade, those Aeroshell boys can fly! I ran into them once skiing at Vail. I know Alan and sort of know Mark from airshows. I saw Alan once land a Mustang at Leeward Air Ranch 3 point and use about half the runway most of the other guys were using.
You're right, Bill. As you know, Alan and Mark are country boys, but don't let their "down home" fool ya. I've flown with them both in different planes, and they can handle an airplane . . . I'd put their stick and rudder skills in high-performance machines up there with anybody you can name.
They got the 'bug' and their early experience from their late father, Tom, who flew his own P-51. The boys still own the kite, but last I heard the engine was in the shop - still. Last time I talked to Mark about it, he mentioned that they want to paint her up in the 353rd FG's
Alabama Rammer Jammer markings of George (?) Cundy, an ace, IIRC. I'm too lazy to Google him real quick. That's the name of the 'Bama student newspaper, IIRC.
Mark bases his T-6G at Bessemer, AL; same airport I fly from. Alan keeps his at their farm in western AL, last time I heard. Bessemer is only a 10 minute drive from here, and every now and then as I'm painting I'll hear the unmistakeable sound of one (sometimes more) "Sixes" heading into Bessemer. Luckily the approach path to runway 23 is right over my house, so I'll open the blinds and watch 'em pass over in formation.
Wade