After the tragic incident at the Reno Air Races, many have voiced concerns about flying vintage warbirds. What’s it like to be in the cockpit of a WW II aircaft that’s designed for speed and maneuverability in combat? In this podcast, Flight Journal editor-in-chief Budd Davisson shares his experiences during his check out in a P-51 Mustang, from what it’s like to climb over the wing and into the cockpit to landing. Click here for the full story.
Flying a P-51 Mustang
I am presently 72 years young, and sadly never got to fly any WWII airplanes, fighter, bomber, pursuit, etc. I have 450 hrs logged, and mostly Cessna/Piper light planes, SEL.
Just reading about the antics of real fighter/bomber pilots is something that while reading, I am just like I was there. There is a word for that, but it escapes me. No apologies. I want to thank every person who has ever written about these experiences. Also of note is my respect and regards for all the danger and sacrifice those men shouldered. Very, very sobering.