Veteran's Day pics

[phxtoad]

Some pics and movies (if the links work) from "The Gathering of Legends" event at the CAF yesterday... Amazing day and a real honor to meet the men and women who fought and fight for our country.

Stang flew in from North Dakota the day before

Three P-51's in attendance!

Historical significance: In 1941 Falcon Field was the home of the British Flying school - prior to the US entering the war. British fighter pilots were trained here since England has less than ideal training weather. The T-6 in the foreground has markings that were originally used at Falcon. BP refers to British Program. In the air beyond the two Stearman's are making a low pass. The Stearman's were the Primary training aircraft used at Falcon Field. Pilots would transition from the Stearman to the T-6, and then on to actual fighter aircraft like the Spitfire or Mustang.

Maid in the Shade beyond one of the P-51's. Both flew during the day.

A P-51 and a replica Spitfire splitting formation in preparation for landing. This Spit is a custom built version powered by an Allison engine rather than a Merlin. It also has a composite wing, vs. aluminum skin. Really a slick bird.

Here's links to two vids of the Spitfire then Mustang taking off in succession. Love that sound!

 

[Mr. Leary]

I grew up down the road from a flight museum. Brings back memories. They would let me watch them do maintainance on the WW2 aircraft in the hangers.

A long gone era of combat. I think we lost something since then!

Thanks for posting!