Flight in a P-51
stiletto psychopath mk4
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: uk
Milt:
I can't comment on the first. 
But the TF-51 didn't feel too unstable. It took a while to get used to the strong nose-down position for flying straight and level, and elevator trim was important. But otherwise it was a delight to fly.
White Cloud, I didn't find a stick difficult compared with a rudder. Cdertainly for doing aerobatics, a stick seemed to be far more manoeuvrable and "natural" - I imagine a yoke would be a bit more unwieldy. But given that was the first time I've ever done aerobatics, mine is hardly the voice of experience!
And don't worry about your lack of experience - you will love it. Lee said that most people doing orientation flights are PPLs with about 200 hours. And those who have done lots of aerobatics in, say, a Pitts, can sometimes be at a disadvantage, because they are often too forceful on the controls; the Mustang actually requires quite gentle pressures. Just go for it!
You can feel very comfortable in a Mustang when you are being shot at when you have almost 3,000 rounds of 0.50 cal in the bins and 6 HV rockets.
You can feel uncomfortable if the fuel tank just behind the cockpit is topped up with 75 gallons. It's longitudinally unstable. Might be nearly stable again when that space is you.
You can feel uncomfortable if the fuel tank just behind the cockpit is topped up with 75 gallons. It's longitudinally unstable. Might be nearly stable again when that space is you.
But the TF-51 didn't feel too unstable. It took a while to get used to the strong nose-down position for flying straight and level, and elevator trim was important. But otherwise it was a delight to fly. White Cloud, I didn't find a stick difficult compared with a rudder. Cdertainly for doing aerobatics, a stick seemed to be far more manoeuvrable and "natural" - I imagine a yoke would be a bit more unwieldy. But given that was the first time I've ever done aerobatics, mine is hardly the voice of experience!
And don't worry about your lack of experience - you will love it. Lee said that most people doing orientation flights are PPLs with about 200 hours. And those who have done lots of aerobatics in, say, a Pitts, can sometimes be at a disadvantage, because they are often too forceful on the controls; the Mustang actually requires quite gentle pressures. Just go for it!
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 387
Likes: 37
From: Starring at an Airfield Near you
Proplover - Got to the PM today, many thanks! Reponded just now. Apologies for not responding sooner, reasons explained in PM.
Some of us have to earn a living to be able indulge in these expensive desires first!
White cloud: Stallion51 advise no experience needed. I am not a pilot - but nothing is going to stop me doing this somehow!
Some of us have to earn a living to be able indulge in these expensive desires first!
White cloud: Stallion51 advise no experience needed. I am not a pilot - but nothing is going to stop me doing this somehow!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Great White North
Originally Posted by White Cloud
I just worry I do not have the experience. Would it be a waste of money at the PPL level?
Originally Posted by singaporegirl
those who have done lots of aerobatics in, say, a Pitts, can sometimes be at a disadvantage, because they are often too forceful on the controls; the Mustang actually requires quite gentle pressures.
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: UK
Candian L, he didnt say the Pitts was unresponsive - the comment refers to the effort by the pilots behalf when executing the aircraft. Aerobatic pilots from a Pits, CAP etc background tend to go "bang" on the stick to roll, "bang" on the stick to recover, "bang" on the stick to go up etc etc WHEN doing a routine. P51's and Spits do not take kindly to that type of handling. Of course a Aerobat chap can adapt, we had a UK champion who flew brillantly but he had an extensive briefing and had it drummed into him that this was an historic aircraft and the controls are sensitive, speeds much higher etc but your not doing 8g routines.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 387
Likes: 37
From: Starring at an Airfield Near you
Just to close this out - Did it! Absolutely magnificent and worth every penny/cent!
Flew in Crazy Horse 2 - so there is a market for this and Stallion 51 seem to be doing very well if they can afford to add a second airframe.
The condition of the airframe has to be seen to be believed. It was immaculate and is polished/cleaned after every flight; even the blue exhaust 'bloom' behind the stubs is polished out after every flight.
VERY professional and friendly operation. Highly recommended and all power to their elbow. Saving starts for installment #2 wie.
By the way, they would like to add a 2-seat Spitfire to their collection to meet needs of the Brit enquiries they get.
Flew in Crazy Horse 2 - so there is a market for this and Stallion 51 seem to be doing very well if they can afford to add a second airframe.
The condition of the airframe has to be seen to be believed. It was immaculate and is polished/cleaned after every flight; even the blue exhaust 'bloom' behind the stubs is polished out after every flight.
VERY professional and friendly operation. Highly recommended and all power to their elbow. Saving starts for installment #2 wie.
By the way, they would like to add a 2-seat Spitfire to their collection to meet needs of the Brit enquiries they get.
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: london uk
If you are over in the UK and have a day spare then make your way to a little field called Brieghton, about 10 miles SSE of York. They have a P51 and you can go for a spin for appx £700/half hour. Airfield manager Bryan flies it. They also have an airworthy Hurricane and ME109. Great place to spend some money. I must say the prices your paying in the states seems a bit higher than i would have thought when you think we are paying £1.20 plus a litre!
Gnome de PPRuNe
Joined: Jan 2002
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 15,200
Likes: 1,202
From: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Snapper41, I believe Carolyn does, but the waiting list is quite lengthy!
More info on the UK's two-seaters on this thread. Also Bill Greenwood has one at Aspen in Colorado if you are ever over that way.
More info on the UK's two-seaters on this thread. Also Bill Greenwood has one at Aspen in Colorado if you are ever over that way.
