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One of the Flying sponsors on "TUSKEGEE Airmen" is Retired Brigadier General Reg Urschler. Gen Urschler normally flies one of the most photographed P51D's in the world;" GUNFIGHTER" . Reg is also a US Air Force Heritage pilot which means he one of a unique group of 12 civilian pilots who have trained for and fly formation with active duty Air Force pilots flying modern inventory aircraft such as the A-10 Warthog, F-16 Falcon and F-15 Eagle. These heritage flights are flown at air shows to help recruiting efforts.

Gen. Urschler is very passionate about the programs ability to link the present and the past, as he says "The program generates an enthusiasm for aviation among our young people. It creates a link between the technology of today's jets and the propeller- driven aircraft of WWII. And it offers recognition to those who have defended our freedom against those who would deny us that freedom". Because "GUNFIGHTER" was experiencing maintenance problems it appeared that Reg would be unable to appear at the Quad City airshow for a Heritage demonstration. Reg, however, is also a sponsor on P51C "TUSKEGEE Airmen" and because the "C" model was also scheduled to appear at the show it was a wonderful opportunity to have Reg fly "TUSKEGEE Airmen" in the Heritage flight program. It was a wonderful event, Reg and the aircraft received excellent reviews making headline news in the local newspapers. It also gave Reg the opportunity to share his wealth of experience (over 2,500 P51 Mustang hours) with the "C" model pilots. Reg's comments:

P- 51C vs P- 51D

Having flown the "D" model in my 27th year, I have come to be quite familiar with it's handing characteristics, consequently the "C" provided a few new insights to another model Mustang.

The first and most obvious was the restricted vision while in the cockpit. As you know, the "C" has the "greenhouse" canopy while the "D" has the bubble. The "C" canopy must be closed prior to engine start or the prop blast rattles the two hinged portions of the canopy with the good possibility and probability of ripping them off in the process. As a consequence, one's head is restricted to a much greater extent when taxiing and the normal "S" turn taxi procedure in a Mustang to avoid obstacles (tugs, cars, jeeps, fire bottles etc.) in front of the aircraft, becomes more pronounced. It can become even more challenging particularly on a narrow taxiway to execute a "S" turn to "clear" your "12" and not run a main gear in the mud as you maneuver.

There are two small sliding windows in the canopy but I hasten to advise you they are not large enough for a "helmeted" head to get through and look "downstream". Additionally, these two rather small windows are the only ventilation which equates to a very warm cockpit while on the ground. In-flight there's no ventilation with these windows closed and no fresh air entering the cockpit, so you have an idea of the discomfort level temperature-wise. Outside visibility in-flight isn't much better for the same reasons, plus the "razorback" precludes "checking 6" for "unfriendlies" as in the "D" model with the "bubble" canopy.

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My first experience with this aircraft left me with the impression that it "appears" a little quicker in turning and in acceleration. It is aerodynamically cleaner than the "D" model (razorback vs bubble) and of course it's lighter than the "D" which would explain the response to some degree. How much lighter I admit to not knowing. I did observe the aircraft accelerating quickly to 300 mph while working an "airfield attack" scenario, that is, diving from the down-wind to execute a strafing pass, while maintaining a 36" MP, 2,300 rpm "cruise" power setting. I personally found take-offs and landings pretty much the same as the "D" as I did cruise flight. I also had the opportunity for some formation work and admit to a challenge with the metal which joins the glass partitions in the canopy being exactly at "eye" level, which means stretching above or ducking your head to see under this impediment to vision.

The aircraft has been restored superbly, thanks to the dedication and generosity of Don Hinz from St. Paul, MN. He and others, along with the aircraft are fully involved in a long-overdue and honorable effort to educate ALL Americans about the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen during WW II. Overcoming hatred, racial prejudice and the accusation "they" couldn't fly and "wouldn't fight", these courageous Negro Americans suffered silently and went on to establish a reputation of "never losing a bomber they were escorting to enemy action". Initially shunned by the all-white bomber crews in 15th Air Force in North Africa and subsequently Italy, the outstanding and proven performance by the "RED TAILS" garnered them a "By Request" reputation with the bomber crews. Men who had to... "fight their country" to "fight for their country"... had proven to all they were equal to their task and to their fellow man.

For those of you who happen to live within traveling distance of Omaha, the "Red Tail" is scheduled to perform at the Offutt Open House and Air Show Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24 and I would encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to see and learn more about a chapter in our country's history which must be recognized and appreciated. Mark your calendars now and come see who and what...."Keeps 'em Flying".............

Lest We Forget!

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