Largest P-51 Formation Since Korean War To Fly Next Year

by ANN Correspondent James Aronovsky

They are getting older -- both the airplanes, and the brave pilots who once flew them. Of the nearly 16,000 Mustangs built, only around 150 are currently flying. As rare as the Mustang has become, the great pilots of WWII are even scarcer. Of the 274 Mustang aces from the war, only around 80 survive today. Every year, their ranks become fewer.

In September 2007, the largest group of P-51 Mustangs ever assembled together since the end of the Korean War is scheduled to arrive at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, OH.

"There will never again be as many P-51 Mustangs and their pilots together in one place" said Lee Lauderback of Stallion 51 Corporation, who spearheaded the last gathering in Kissimmee, FL in 1999.

He is again the lead wrangler for this, the Gathering of Mustangs - the Final Roundup. Famed airshow performer Bob Hoover, and multiple-ace Col. Bud Anderson appeared with Lauderback and promised they would attend and encourage their many comrades to make an appearance as Aces and Legends.

Hoover added that it would be inspirational for young people to see the old airplanes and the men who once flew them. In addition, since many of the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen were based here, there will be a number of events celebrating the famous "Red Tail Mustangs".

The highlight of the fly-in will be 51 Mustangs in formation. While over 65 aircraft are confirmed to arrive in Ohio, the target number is 100. Air Boss Wayne Boggs will determine the final cut based on pilot experience and aircraft performance for the massive formation. In addition to the Mustangs, two P-38 Lightnings, two P-40 Warhawks, a few Spitfires, a P-63 King Cobra, and a German Focke-Wulf 190 are expected to be at the Gathering. These planes will be used specifically to compare their performance envelope to that of the P-51. Other WWII warbirds have also been invited, including bomber and cargo aircraft.

Unlike the last event, where publicity was minimal and the public was discouraged from attending by charging $25 for daily tickets, Lauderback is actively encouraging visits to the 2007 gathering. In fact, preliminary estimates call for 100,000 attendees and Louderback promises "competitive" pricing for entrance. Event Director Angela West said that she was in serious negotiations with many Columbus area hotels and rental car agencies to provide the most economical accommodations.

Lauderback reiterated that there will never be another opportunity to witness so many of what many consider the finest fighter ever flown or to visit with so many of the aces who flew it.   

Dates: Sept. 27-30, 2007
Location: Rickenbacker International Airport, Columbus, OH
Ticket Prices: To be Determined

FMI: www.gml2007.com