Jim, you know my resume' so I will THANK YOU for also allowing me to flashback to a time where my Country called on me to help them. I did so proudly! Many members also did so here on FM and MA2A! That is what makes this particular forum so enjoyable to particpate in and so special! A bond among us service men that is unknown by a civilian!
I THANK ALL members for their service and hope nothing but happy days to you! We made it home!!! Whether in combat or in service! Makes no difference to me.
I will be at Arlington on Saturday for the Wreaths Across America's laying of the Christmas wreaths on our heroes graves. May they rest in PEACE!
Hawkeye One Zero 1967-1969 US Army Ranger 75th Rangers-"H" Company
The US retired the last of theirs in 2016.
Turkey, South Korea, and Iran still fly them.
The Collings Foundation has one in Houston, It is rarely flown, but it is considered airworthy.
With enough cubic dollars and a private, multi-engine ticket you can go flying with them. Last I heard it was in the area of $18k.
But that is all up in the air since the foundation announced an end to their warbird tour and the news that they want to build an addition to their museum in Stowe, MA for all the airplanes.
The US retired the last of theirs in 2016.
Turkey, South Korea, and Iran still fly them.
The Collings Foundation has one in Houston, It is rarely flown, but it is considered airworthy.
With enough cubic dollars and a private, multi-engine ticket you can go flying with them. Last I heard it was in the area of $18k.
But that is all up in the air since the foundation announced an end to their warbird tour and the news that they want to build an addition to their museum in Stowe, MA for all the airplanes.
Zane, Collings Foundation flys here about every 2-3 years. They only flew B17, B29 and P51 into the local airport.
I am really saddened in the news that they are discontinuing their warbird tour!
The US retired the last of theirs in 2016.
Turkey, South Korea, and Iran still fly them.
The Collings Foundation has one in Houston, It is rarely flown, but it is considered airworthy.
With enough cubic dollars and a private, multi-engine ticket you can go flying with them. Last I heard it was in the area of $18k.
But that is all up in the air since the foundation announced an end to their warbird tour and the news that they want to build an addition to their museum in Stowe, MA for all the airplanes.
The Greek AF is also still flying them but are in the final stages of retiring.
I thought they had retired them a couple of years ago. Maybe soon then.
Dan,
Great shots, I see the late Mac Mcauly in the B-24 shot.
I really enjoyed the relationship I had around the edges of the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour and the jet folks in Houston.
I looked forward to seeing the circus arrive in Texas every spring. At first, it was just the airplanes. Then I got to know some of the people. That ended up being the best part. It was amazing to go flying with them in their awesome machines. But I enjoyed hanging with the crew just as much over the years. They welcomed me in like family, some of the best folks in aviation around.
Lesson learned...again...Ya never know when the good old days are happening now.
I thought they had retired them a couple of years ago. Maybe soon then.
Dan,
Great shots, I see the late Mac Mcauly in the B-24 shot.
I really enjoyed the relationship I had around the edges of the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour and the jet folks in Houston.
I looked forward to seeing the circus arrive in Texas every spring. At first, it was just the airplanes. Then I got to know some of the people. That ended up being the best part. It was amazing to go flying with them in their awesome machines. But I enjoyed hanging with the crew just as much over the years. They welcomed me in like family, some of the best folks in aviation around.
Lesson learned...again...Ya never know when the good old days are happening now.
I had an early supper with the crews and we had a great conversation! They mentioned that the budget was getting tight and need some infusion of funds. And this was a few years ago.
This is a shame to have disappear Zane! They bring much happiness to olde farts! The past has much to learn from if we only embrace that. You and I do as do the MA2A folks but that doesnt pay the bills!
The B17 accident was a hit for them from a financial and a PR standpoint. The FAA/NTSB came down on them pretty hard as well and I think that all factored into the decisions.
Just saw some YT clips of B-1s taking off with afterburners, truly amazing sight and sound. I have seen B-1s in the air or as static display quite a few times but never seen one taking off. My question to you folks, where can I see them taking off without getting arrested?.
Douglas L wrote:
Just saw some YT clips of B-1s taking off with afterburners, truly amazing sight and sound. I have seen B-1s in the air or as static display quite a few times but never seen one taking off. My question to you folks, where can I see them taking off without getting arrested?.
I would think Nellis or where ever they are stationed.
Jim, Bill, great shots and thanks for the info! Looks like Nellis is the way to go! Now the next trick is find out when and if the Bones fly. I will look into Red Flag more.
Douglas L wrote:
Jim, Bill, great shots and thanks for the info! Looks like Nellis is the way to go! Now the next trick is find out when and if the Bones fly. I will look into Red Flag more.
Red Flag and I think Green Flag still maybe...
Whether in combat or in service! Makes no difference to me.
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