The Wargamer

Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m a prophead. I’ll take the classic lines and the growling low pitched rumble of a WWII thoroughbred fighter over the high pitched screech of a sophisticated 21st century fighter any day. Like a fine vintage wine, the classic warbird only gets better as time passes. The P-51D Mustang, for WWII enthusiasts in America, is the epitome of what a fighter should be. Fast, maneuverable, and powerful, the Mustang combined great all around performance with the range to escort the vulnerable heavy bombers to the deepest targets of Hitler’s Third Reich and back. The arrival of the Mustang in late 1943 helped turn the tide of the American strategic bombing campaign.

I had the opportunity to actually fly this vintage warbird at Georgia’s Falcon Field at Peachtree City, during the second annual WWII Days, sponsored by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF – the new, more politically correct name given to the old Confederate Air Force).

The first step to flying the Mustang was agreeing to the standard waiver or basically “signing my life away” (gulp). From there, I quickly made my way to the flight line to get a good look at the marvelous beast I was about to take to the sky.

Every pilot, before each and every flight, does a “walk around” to make sure the craft is in good shape, with no visible signs of damage or fuel/fluid leaks. This is in addition to the countless FAA mandated inspections that are required to be performed by a licensed A&P (Airframe and Power plant) mechanic. As I do a cursory (since I am not yet qualified in the Mustang) walk around, I am impressed at just how squeaky clean and leak free this bird is. You get a certain feel for the overall health of an airplane just by looking for the tell tale signs of potential mechanical problems. I feel better now after signing my life away and it is obvious to me just how meticulously maintained this fine old machine is. The CAF takes great pride in their warbirds and it shows.

I anxiously waited for my opportunity to fly the Mustang. This particular aircraft, dubbed “Red Nose” by the CAF, was built in April of 1945 and never actually fired its six .50 caliber guns in combat. It was assigned to the 388th AAF Base Unit of the Third Air Force, at the Page Army Air Force Base in Florida. Not much is known of its service there, but it was probably used for training. In November of that year, it was shipped to Hobbs AAFB in Texas and placed in storage.

In January of 1951, “Red Nose” was dropped from the USAF inventory and transferred to Canada and placed in stored reserve. This aircraft was once again flying in February of 1951 with the No. 416 "Lynx" Squadron (regular) of the RCAF, based in Uplands, Ontario. On 19 July, 1956 the aircraft was listed as “awaiting disposal” and placed into storage again. It was then bought by a private company in the United States, and ended up in San Antonio, Texas.

On October 17th 1957, Mr. Lloyd P. Nolen, then of "Mustang and Company," bought the aircraft with three friends for $2,500. In December of that year she was repainted with invasion stripes and coded VF*G, and at this time the members began referring to the aircraft as "Old Red Nose." She was officially donated to the CAF in 1977 and became part of the collection of the American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum in 1991. The airplane was restored in 1993 and remains in excellent shape.

The moment finally arrives for me to mount my shimmering silver “pony”. My heart begins to race. I slide my 6’1” frame into the rear seat. Red Nose has been modified as a TF-51D, or a two-seater complete with throttle, stick and rudder pedals, as well as a few flight instruments. Down comes the bar separating the front and rear cockpit seats. I am now occupying what was once an 85 gallon fuselage fuel tank. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I did not feel cramped in the sleek little fighter. Over seven years have passed since I last slipped on a parachute, and as I am getting adjusted in the rear seat I put the chute on without a hitch.