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
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