27-30 September 2007: An airshow at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus Ohio.
I have been looking forward to this trip for 18 months.
150,000 people in attendance this weekend; the weather cooperated perfectly.
This is aeronautical heaven: Mustangs everywhere!
This Mustang bears the markings of Col. John Landers, commander of the 78th Fighter Group.
I like the paint scheme of this bird from the 353rd Fighter Group, but I would not have selected this name for her.
Shangri-La was flown by Don Gentile, credited with 30 aircraft shot down in WW II.
Shangri-La's nose art up close.
Maj. Pete Peterson's Mustang bears the closing remarks of every war letter Peterson's wife sent: "Hurry Home Honey."
Lt. Jim Brooks' Mustang of the 31st Fighter Group, 307th Fighter Squadron.
Like all of these Mustangs, this plane has been carefully restored.
Glamorous Gal wears the colors of the 4th Fighter Group.
Not to be confused with Chuck Yeager's Mustang.
"Wild Bill Bailey's" aircraft of the 353rd Fighter Group
Clyde East's bird, delivered to the USAAF towards the end of the war
Excalibur performs aerobatic routines, Heritage flights and static displays around the country.
Truly the P-51D Mustang is an American Beauty.
Col Bud Anderson's Mustang. His book To Fly and Fight is in my library.
There are two Mustangs named Petie 2nd.
WWII pilot John C. Meyer flew Petie 3rd.
All of these aircraft have been restored and painted to match Mustangs that fought in the 2nd World War or arrived too late for the war, but went on to serve in Air National Guards or in the Armed forces of other countries. There are about 165 vintage Mustangs remaining. Would you like one? If you can spare $3M you might find someone willing to sell their bird.
Row after row of Mustangs! Wanna see more?