As i approach the end of my life, i had always regretted never getting to ride in the P51 Mustang, (not that it was ever possible). I did serve as a combat aviator, with 2 tours of duty in the Vietnam war, (1753 combat hours logged), so the feelings and responses came back to me as i watched this from my bed. This was a pure joy to watch and share with you both. Thank You for allowing me to come with you guys with help my imagination coupled with past memories and experiences. What a Blessing.
I flew in the Commemorative (Confederate) Air Force’s Mustang a few years ago. I was online planning to ride in the B-29 and saw the sign-up for the P-51. It was $2,000! I thought about my father, who had been a Marine in WWII, describing the sight and sound of the Mustang’s arrival in the South Pacific. I had to spend the two grand. The pilot asked me what I was looking for in the half-hour ride. I told him to treat me like a student pilot and show and explain everything that the plane does. Among many other things, he spotted a Piper on TCAS and did an “attack” run on it. He flew right up its rear and pulled up at the last second. We passed them about 150 feet above going about 300 knots. At the end he did a high-speed fly by of the field for my family and others. Money well spent.
I am glad you got your ride. Bob Love flew me twice in his P51-D in November 1982 from Livermore airport in NorCal. 42 years later I recall every bit of those flights. I thought the wings looked too short from the back seat, the engine sound was totally different inside and it reminded me of the sound of an old flathead Ford V-8 dune buggy with straight pipes. That exhaust smell was memorable on startup and that popping from the exhaust was wicked when he cut to idle. Those 2 rides were one of the top 5 good experiences of my life.
I flew in the Bratt II about 13 years ago out of Wiley Post airport. It also was 2K for 30 minute flight. Somewhat disappointing that he was not allowed to do the kind of manuevers you did, but still worth it for a once in a lifetime ride.
This guy is one of the most professional pilots that I have ever encountered. Love the enthusiasm for flying and the updates on actions. That stall recovery was soooo smooth!
THANK YOU! 67 years old, and that's the closest I'll ever come to a ride in a P-51 - an airplane I've loved as long as I can remember. This was just absolutely wonderful. THANKS FOR THE RIDE!
I am 67 too. I plan very much on paying for a ride in a two seater P51. I am staying healthy. Still have items on my Bucket List. Some sort of jet fighter is also on my list.
You should look into DCS; Digital Combat Simulator. I fly the P-51s in life like sims with head tracking on WWII accurate maps and missions...so much fun.
I'm 67 as well, I just wish I was still limber enough to squeeze into the rear seat of a Mustang. I crossed flying in a B-17 off my list, but the Mustang would have been amazing.
I started flying in 1974, the last year I was active duty with the Navy. I earned my private pilots license off a dirt field in Virginia (which is no longer there) before driving to Colorado to spend a year with the most intensive aviation training imaginable under the GI Bill when it actually was worth something. Fast forward 4 years, after receiving my 2nd college degree, a slew of certificates and finding work in Colorado. My boss, Max Hoffman owned a flying school (Falcon Air) among other ventures, as well as being the owner of a couple of Beech craft, a couple of T-34's and a P-51D named BOOMER. On 6-13-1978 Max asked if I wanted a ride in Boomer. The smile on my face was ear to ear. You bet! I sat in the back where a 50 gallon fuel tank would normally sit. It was tight, but at that time I was a skinny kid. I would make me fit.... The rumble of that engine is indescribable... it's not only the sound but the vibration and smells of this magnificent bird... we taxied out and would take off to the north. We Max poured the coals to the Merlin, the tail came up, eased off the ground, stayed in ground effect, sucked the gear up and by the end of the runway we were over 200 mph, back in the day when airspeed indicators were indicated that way. Then Max popped the nose up and rolled inverted and we climbed out inverted. Max flew eat over the plains and did strafing runs and other max performance maneuvers, such as diving down to the ground, leveling off after gaining airspeed to 400 mph before sucking the yoke back, telling me to look at the lake we had just flown over. We went vertical and that lake became very small. We leveled out just below 18,000'. Max did the obligatory rolls and loops and then did a 4 point roll. I doubt I will ever forget that ride. Max was a bit of a hot dog and the old saying that there are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old bold pilots. Max was killed in an aircraft accident 12-27-1986 in Gilcrest, CO. DEN87FA035. I went on in aviation obtaining another college degree, 8 type ratings and finally retired from United Airlines in 2014. It's been a great career ride... but that ride was the one I will never forget.
I started flying in 1974 also, although I never attained a certification beyond Private Pilot License... although at the time, I had every intention of attaining a Commercial Pilot Certification. But life has a way of throwing curveballs... I met the most wonderful girl of my life. I couldn't afford a family and pay for the hours needed just to keep proficient, let alone the instructor and rental fees to get a Commercial Pilot Certification. I continued to fly for a while after marriage, but when our first child was born, I felt it was time to give up my dream of a career flying for a living. I've never regretted making that decision, but I missed flying tremendously. I thought once the kids were grown, I would try and get recertified and continue where I left off, so many years ago. However, at the age of 42, I had a stroke that left me unable to pass the physical... Now I just read aviation mags and watch videos of pilots flying their aircraft. The spark that led us all to fly, never goes out. I still miss it tremendously.
Climbed out inverted, did you? Guess they must have installed a special engine in that P-51 so it could fly inverted for longer than the fairly standard *10 seconds* before the fuel starvation turned the noise off. 🙄
My dad's best friend was stationed near him in the S. Pacific. He flew B-25's in combat. When they both got out, Don Seiler (pilot) purchased a surplus P-51 mustang and a P-38. He rebuilt the Mustang and took me up (at age 12) out of Berk lake front airport in CLE. I will never forget that experience as long as I live. great vid Stevo.
My Father, Lt. Col. Louis O. Thomas from Oklahoma flew the P51D in the European Theater . Stationed in Wattisham, EN flying many missions while there. He said they'd take out the rear seat area and put in extra fuel tanks for long range missions. So many memories seeing this video! Thanks for sharing !!
Absolutely. A wonderfully designed aircraft, and the engine that helped make it so great is amazing. A place I (UK based) often go is on a common flight route of preserved warbirds (likely Spitfires and Hurricanes), probably due to the local geography. When I was doing some weekends of work on the roof some years ago, it was not uncommon to see them flying overhead, and from the first sound of them approaching to the time they disappeared into the distance, work just stopped so everyone could just drink in the experience.
@@dodgeking9194 Technically, yes, it actually might. As an "plugin" or "App" of some sort. But a digitally produced, fake sound via speakers is not exactly the same, is it. Anything fake is completely uninteresting i my book.
@@ollyalme same you may be able to fake the sound but you'll never be able to fake the vibrations and stuff that come through the frame from the engine and rumbling
I used to have dog named Scooter. My ex girlfriends dog I inherited. I used to apologize to him on a daily basis because his mom gave him such a horrible name. He was an, otherwise, great dog. He just got stuck with a horrible name. I felt sorry for him. Wasn't his fault. "Scooter"? What kind of monster does that to somebody?
I was an F-15 crew chief and was lucky enough to get 2 back seat rides in the F-15 while I was stationed at Luke AFB in the early 1980's. Of course, these were rides dreams are made of and I am truly blessed to have been able to do it. However, I also have the dream of riding in a warbird. I am currently 62 years old so my time is running out. It's videos like this that fire me up to get a ride at the first opportunity. Great video guys.
Thank you for that. I served a total of 37 years with the Air Force. 21 Active duty and another 16 as a civilian. Loved every minute of it. I finished my career at the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson AZ. It was an awesome place and probably one of my favorite jobs I had during my career, but, I loved all of them.
My father, Flight Officer Fred Burry Sr., flew P40’s and P51’s in WWII in the US Army Air Corps, and said the Mustang was the absolute favorite plane anyone ever flew in that War. He was proud to have served, and 3 of us 4 Brothers ( his sons) served in Vietnam. Thank you for this excellent video!🇺🇸
This is great , Thank you !!! My Dad was a P-51 Mustang Pilot in WW2 . He was well decorated with a Silver and Bronze Star. His plane was called "? " Bad Penney" ! So proud of his service ! Your Plane is beautiful What a thrill !!!! Thanks you lucky guy !
I took a ride on a P-51 2 years ago. Did an hour long flight out of Chino in So Cal. What a thrill! One of the best days of my life. Congrats on your flight!
The only thing cooler than that Mustang is Scooter, he’s pure right stuff! Great commentary, I’d love to ride with him, he really involves you with the whole operation.
I am "gob smacked" at the volume of things the pilot MUST remember to check and or perform prior to pushing the throttle to FULL and heading to 'rotate' and lift off. @10:57,, the tower mentions ",, the second tail dragger,,". That was awesome!
Damn boys, I actually feel like a real pilot finally. I flew my dad's P51 into Oshkosh, and I did not embarrass myself by doing a ground loop. There's nothing in this world that feels better when you're sitting in the cockpit and everybody's standing around you and you get to yell clear
The P51 has to be one of the most iconic aircraft today. You just don't know about its quirks until you ride in one. To the men that flew them in war, my hat is off to you. The level of concentration needed to stay alive in a dogfight is staggering. To Scooter, you know your stuff.
I totally agree. I love watching the P51 documentaries and 3rd party views of mass formations of WW2 aircraft and its contrails. I have the utmost respect for WW2 veterans, esp the front line ground guys and the pilots in those long cold lonely flights, esp during radio silence.
I image that for those pilots it was a lot like learning to drive in the family station wagon and a few weeks later being put behind the wheel of an F-1 racecar.
Fabulous! Loved all the chatter. Got to fly in a P-51 for media day at the Geneseo (NY) air show and it was thrilling! Before the introduction of the P-51 Mustang U.S. B-17 bombers were sitting ducks for the German Luftwaffe! "The cost of ridding the Nazi scourge was staggering, 26,000 Eighth airmen were killed in action; another 28,000 became prisoners of war." (Eighth Air Force Nati'l. Museum) Wikipedia: From late 1943, P-51Bs and P-51Cs (supplemented by P-51Ds from mid-1944) were used by the USAAF's Eighth Air Force to escort bombers in raids over Germany, while the RAF's Second Tactical Air Force and the USAAF's Ninth Air Force used the Merlin-powered Mustangs as fighter-bombers, roles in which the Mustang helped ensure Allied air superiority in 1944.
This is the most informative warbird preflight/inflight video I have seen. There was an explanation as to “why” for every step taken instead of just blowing through them. Very, very well done.
Thank You! I got to go to the EAA Fly in back in the 80's. It was Awesome, the Kristen Eagles, Duane Cole in his J-3 and so much more. This was an exceptional Ride Along in the P-51. Do you have another video with the F4U Corsair? Thanks Again... I Need To Get Back Up in the Air...👍🤣😎
I don't think I've ever had tears of absolute love of aviation engineering... Until today. Thank you. This was an awesome demo of the sheer beauty that is the P-51 Mustang. What a flight and honor to have seen this. 48 years old and never felt like I was right there quite like this. ❤❤❤❤
This pilot has the gift of hand eye and foot coordination on that stall. I was never able to get my Van's RV-12 E-LSA to do a power on stall as smooth at that, learning to fly at 63 years of age. My plane always wanted to dump the right wing pretty violently. Sure, you could feel the buffeting pretty strong in advance, but once that right wing let go, she dumped you pretty quick. My CFI was a hell of a lot better at it than me. I never quite mastered it for my check ride, and washed out, sold my plane. Couldn't do a power on stall and maintain course within 10 degrees in my plane. Added about 60 hours on the hobbs in my ownership.
Very cool old plane, that P-51 Mustang! It played such a big roll in our WWII victory. Also love the F-22 Raptor at the end of the video. That's my favorite modern day fighter.
@@barrydraper My first time seeing the Raptor was at the Dayton International Airshow many years ago. The plane was pretty new then, and was flown by a demonstration pilot named Max something or other, as I remember. Yes, it is an unbelievable aircraft!
All I can say is WOW...F...ing..WOW. What a ride. Fell in love with this great bird. Since I was a kid in the early sixties when I built my first P-51 Mustang model.
Five of my favorite aircraft were the B - 17 Bomber, P- 38 Lightning and the P- 51 Mustang, the ME-109 Messerschmitt and the Mitsubishi A6M Japanese Zero from the WW2 era. Thanks Steve for another video!
Awesome video Steveo! It's Friday, 1:39 pm EST, and I am at work. After watching this video and hearing and seeing the enthusiasm of Scooters voice and his flying, I'm going flying... right now. While it is often difficult owning your own business, being the boss is good sometimes :) Keep the vids coming!
I grew up in the military Navy in Air Force. This video is just great actually I’m crying because I always wanted to go up in one of those planes. Thank you so much for sharing with the general public.
I have watched videos of this P51 on YT and am amazed at the advantages it gave our pilots in WW2. Bomber escorts, dogfighting, all around hunting for targets on the ground. This was an amazing weapon. There was one pilot that told of a move he had to employ to get rid of a german pilot, and I'm going to go watch that one again. Thanks for this video. Sounds like it was a lot more than just learning to get off the ground. Those men were AWESOME!
No sound like a RR Merlin, sweet. Great video, excellent education/narrative. "Slaving away over a hot Mustang," what a line. Those ATC folks are pure gold.
What a privilege just to tag along and get a chance to go up in the greatest war bird ever made. Thanks for sharing and a special THANKS to Scooter for his narration on what goes through the mind of a pilot for flying this piece of history.
Brilliant! Watched from the UK as the Mustang one of my favourite WW11 aircraft. Very clear commentary from Scooter, certainly knows his stuff and clearly has a lot of hours in his log book. Have seen a Mustang close up at a local airfield in a family day for Rolls Royce employees. Was able to walk around the aircraft as it taxied to it allocated parking spot and watched the RAF pilot exit over the left wing. All pre Health and Safety era, and a great memory.
Great video. I couldn’t stop grinning for the entire duration. What a magnificent machine. I hope that the few still flying can survive for future generations to see.
What a great experience Steve! Wow Scooter can fly his aircraft! Here in Wichita, KS the Blue Angels are here for the first time in 17 years this weekend. Can't wait
Great airplane, he'll of another of history. One of the most beautiful aircraft ever . I'm glad our guys had this weapon to bring them back home after missions. Wonderful thank you sir
Great video! I had a ride in an Australian built P51 in around 1998. It cost $400. One thing that struck me was how solid the plane felt when climbing in compared to flimsy private planes I’d been in a couple of times before. Of course it had to be solid being a war plane, but it was just something I noticed.
I really enjoyed that ride. From the mental checklist , through the explanations, run ups, nose level for visibility to climb out! Happy to say, no problems with the G-forces. All smiles with this once in a lifetime opportunity! Thank you.
In the pre-flight checks sitting on the ground. During the war, Imagine trying to do all this, when the enemies planes are coming in on you. After the calm flight explaining instructions. War time, slamming the stick back and forth, working the peddles like you're riding a bicycle. Hats off to those guys.
My late Dad got called back to active duty and flew P-51 Mustangs for CAS missions during the early dark and desperate days of the Korean War. He loved his 'Stang and always described it as 'the Cadillac of the skies.' But they were ill-suited for the CAS missions and losses were high. He was extremely lucky to survive tour as they roamed up and down the Korean peninsula. His Mustang was never as clean and beautiful as those in this video. The sights and sounds brought back a lot of memories of my Dad. Thank you.
Thank the good Lord for the many courageous heroes of the greatest generation. Your dad was definitely in that class! Much respect. My father was an aviation machinest mate (carburetor specialist) in the U.S. Navy during WW-2. I believe he was stationed in New Caledonia. Dang, do I miss him. Most of my elders served. Even had an aunt in the Army Air Corp. She was a photographer. Thanks for sharing. 😊
If I were a pilot, I'd act the same way. Piloting a P-51 must be similar to driving an early era muscle car or race car. It's as close that I could equate it to. I'm sure it's an experience like no other....thanks for bringing us along for the ride.
One thing I love is that not only within the Aviation community but the classic car community. Maybe it's just my age but these man made machines take on life. They become an extension that is almost a living breathing entity that has become an extension of yourself. That is an amazing thrill topped with pure human satisfaction..
I was blessed to score a backseat ride in P-51 The Rebel in 2013 at Oshkosh (my best man is an airshow pilot). This video really captures the experience well. So even if you never get that ride, you'll at least know what it's like, and with some very good aircraft commentary I didn't get on my ride. Thanks so much for posting, great memories.
I had the great fortune to fly in a P-51D “Little Horse” in formation with the “Dakota Kid” over Galveston Bay in 2012. Wingtip to wingtip flying the some loops and barrel roll, amazing looking straight up the canopy and seeing sailboats in the bay. Great day, like a giant hot rod!
Metallica is tired, lame overrated old grandpa music. They're not even good guitarists. T-Swizzle was rated one of the best guitarists of all time. Metallica schmetallica. They couldn't write a song anywhere even close to Taylor Swift.
What a fantastic narration from Scooter the pilot. It made the video that much more realistic as far as the "What it's like to fly the Mighty P-51!" Fantastic job and excellent video, and much appreciated!
My father-in-law flew the Hump from India to Kunming in transports. After the war, he was maintenance officer in Kunming for a time. Because of his role, he could fly anything he wanted for maintenance check rides. Of course he checked himself out in Mustangs. Lots of fun in those days without the Japanese in the way. Many years later, his daughter met the mayor of Kunming as part of a scientific conference in China. They still remember our assistance in the war. A big dinner was held for her, in her father’s memory. Good to know that even in China, nowadays, they remember and honor our efforts.
Many years ago, I watched Buzz Aldrin and Chuck Yeager at Oshkosh fly in formation, in P51’s. And then walked down the flight line and was able to handshake both, legendary Men!
This Mustang vid tour felt like vids with an F-16 or F-22 flight, maybe because the pilot was chill like he had the same level of experience as an AF pilot. It made it all somehow more relatable. A cool piece of history!
Absolutely beautiful ❤ That is on my bucket list! My father was a pilot in the Swedish Air Force. He didn’t get to fly the P-51 and I know he was sad about it. So I’m still hoping to honor him by doing just this❤️
Not a pilot, but love and respect these vintage planes and pilots so much! Collins Foundation gives rides in a P51, which used to be $1000. We rode in the Nine -O-Nine instead. Amazing experience!! ( RIP 909).Thank you for this video! I enjoyed every second of it without getting motion sickness!🙌👏👏🇺🇸
Two things I liked. 1) Scooter narrates what he's doing the whole time. 2) Oshkosh tower procedures & communications. Wasn't following Scooters description until tower called "Break", then it became instantly clear.
……..One of the best videos I ever watched on TH-cam. Absolutely fantastic… Everything is just perfect from the first second to the last one… Americans you guys are over the top. Big salut 🫡 from southeast coast France 🇫🇷 and THANKS A LOT for this dream ViNZ.
The P51 and pilot stand for proud so let me comment on the video production: no minimum standards here. Every shot and cut beautifully created and motivated. A visual masterpiece that perfectly dances with the subject matter. Wow!
I got to ride in a P-51D back in 2012! Awesome Bird!!! So enjoyed that ride. Your video was great, especially hearing Scooter describe what he’s doing. When I was in the bird I rode, I was so “fan boy’d” up, I almost couldn’t think but the young Navy Captain that flew me around “Big Al” was great!!! Hope you get to pilot one soon!!
I flew a Mustang at Stallion 51 in Kissimmee, Florida. Amazingly stable aircraft. I did loops, barrel rolls, Cuban S's and other acrobatics. After you've flown one, it's easy to understand why it was praised for being such a stable gun platform in WWII. C.M Wilson, CPT, U.S.Army, Ret.
RIP Col/General Bud Andersen the best. Scooter flight was really amazing and thank you for this wonderful video., the best P51D flight I have seen... Born in the town where Reginald Mitchel (spitfire) was born and 10 miles from Rolls Royce where that Engine made in WWII . Big Av Fan, Thank you ! Moved to TX !
Fantastic video of the ride in the Mustang. The Merlin engines have a unique and very pleasing purr. Thanks for sharing the Raptor video at the end. I worked that program for many years and never tire of watching it perform the way we designed it.
Always love watching a P-51 in the air! Noting like hearing the sound up close ( only time at Oshkosh was in 1970!). Great memories! Thanks for sharing Steve and Scooter!
I have no clue how any airplane outside of a 172 or Bonanza behaves, much less how a Mustang behaves, but watching this video with scooter's commentary made me understand how this thing flies. You can tell he is a CFI. Awesome video.
As i approach the end of my life, i had always regretted never getting to ride in the P51 Mustang, (not that it was ever possible). I did serve as a combat aviator, with 2 tours of duty in the Vietnam war, (1753 combat hours logged), so the feelings and responses came back to me as i watched this from my bed. This was a pure joy to watch and share with you both. Thank You for allowing me to come with you guys with help my imagination coupled with past memories and experiences. What a Blessing.
Stallion 51 0:46 in Kissimmee Florida offers rides in dual control Mustangs.
Many blessings to you sir, I worked on the F4J and J/S till I went into pulling a trigger. All my instructors were Nam vets.
A 😊😊😊will 😅8
I flew in the Commemorative (Confederate) Air Force’s Mustang a few years ago. I was online planning to ride in the B-29 and saw the sign-up for the P-51. It was $2,000! I thought about my father, who had been a Marine in WWII, describing the sight and sound of the Mustang’s arrival in the South Pacific. I had to spend the two grand. The pilot asked me what I was looking for in the half-hour ride. I told him to treat me like a student pilot and show and explain everything that the plane does. Among many other things, he spotted a Piper on TCAS and did an “attack” run on it. He flew right up its rear and pulled up at the last second. We passed them about 150 feet above going about 300 knots. At the end he did a high-speed fly by of the field for my family and others. Money well spent.
I am glad you got your ride. Bob Love flew me twice in his P51-D in November 1982 from Livermore airport in NorCal. 42 years later I recall every bit of those flights. I thought the wings looked too short from the back seat, the engine sound was totally different inside and it reminded me of the sound of an old flathead Ford V-8 dune buggy with straight pipes. That exhaust smell was memorable on startup and that popping from the exhaust was wicked when he cut to idle. Those 2 rides were one of the top 5 good experiences of my life.
for 2k you've got to let me fly it
British Rolls Royce engine has the best sound.
I flew in the Bratt II about 13 years ago out of Wiley Post airport. It also was 2K for 30 minute flight. Somewhat disappointing that he was not allowed to do the kind of manuevers you did, but still worth it for a once in a lifetime ride.
@@algroyp3r We don't have to do anything. 2K well spent.
This guy is one of the most professional pilots that I have ever encountered. Love the enthusiasm for flying and the updates on actions. That stall recovery was soooo smooth!
THANK YOU! 67 years old, and that's the closest I'll ever come to a ride in a P-51 - an airplane I've loved as long as I can remember. This was just absolutely wonderful. THANKS FOR THE RIDE!
I am 67 too. I plan very much on paying for a ride in a two seater P51. I am staying healthy. Still have items on my Bucket List.
Some sort of jet fighter is also on my list.
You should look into DCS; Digital Combat Simulator. I fly the P-51s in life like sims with head tracking on WWII accurate maps and missions...so much fun.
Crazyhorse 1 & 2 are waiting on you in KSM. You won't regret that ride for one minute.
I'm 67 as well, I just wish I was still limber enough to squeeze into the rear seat of a Mustang. I crossed flying in a B-17 off my list, but the Mustang would have been amazing.
Agreed💞✈️💞
I started flying in 1974, the last year I was active duty with the Navy. I earned my private pilots license off a dirt field in Virginia (which is no longer there) before driving to Colorado to spend a year with the most intensive aviation training imaginable under the GI Bill when it actually was worth something. Fast forward 4 years, after receiving my 2nd college degree, a slew of certificates and finding work in Colorado. My boss, Max Hoffman owned a flying school (Falcon Air) among other ventures, as well as being the owner of a couple of Beech craft, a couple of T-34's and a P-51D named BOOMER. On 6-13-1978 Max asked if I wanted a ride in Boomer. The smile on my face was ear to ear. You bet! I sat in the back where a 50 gallon fuel tank would normally sit. It was tight, but at that time I was a skinny kid. I would make me fit.... The rumble of that engine is indescribable... it's not only the sound but the vibration and smells of this magnificent bird... we taxied out and would take off to the north. We Max poured the coals to the Merlin, the tail came up, eased off the ground, stayed in ground effect, sucked the gear up and by the end of the runway we were over 200 mph, back in the day when airspeed indicators were indicated that way. Then Max popped the nose up and rolled inverted and we climbed out inverted. Max flew eat over the plains and did strafing runs and other max performance maneuvers, such as diving down to the ground, leveling off after gaining airspeed to 400 mph before sucking the yoke back, telling me to look at the lake we had just flown over. We went vertical and that lake became very small. We leveled out just below 18,000'. Max did the obligatory rolls and loops and then did a 4 point roll. I doubt I will ever forget that ride. Max was a bit of a hot dog and the old saying that there are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old bold pilots. Max was killed in an aircraft accident 12-27-1986 in Gilcrest, CO. DEN87FA035. I went on in aviation obtaining another college degree, 8 type ratings and finally retired from United Airlines in 2014. It's been a great career ride... but that ride was the one I will never forget.
What a wonderful story. Thank you for your service, and enjoy your retirement. I was Navy, too, 89-93 Special Warfare, and I miss it dearly.
@@garyhainlinejr1688 Thanks...
I started flying in 1974 also, although I never attained a certification beyond Private Pilot License... although at the time, I had every intention of attaining a Commercial Pilot Certification.
But life has a way of throwing curveballs... I met the most wonderful girl of my life.
I couldn't afford a family and pay for the hours needed just to keep proficient, let alone the instructor and rental fees to get a Commercial Pilot Certification.
I continued to fly for a while after marriage, but when our first child was born, I felt it was time to give up my dream of a career flying for a living. I've never regretted making that decision, but I missed flying tremendously.
I thought once the kids were grown, I would try and get recertified and continue where I left off, so many years ago. However, at the age of 42, I had a stroke that left me unable to pass the physical...
Now I just read aviation mags and watch videos of pilots flying their aircraft.
The spark that led us all to fly, never goes out. I still miss it tremendously.
@@bobbyh.3911 I understand completely... that dream never leaves
Climbed out inverted, did you? Guess they must have installed a special engine in that P-51 so it could fly inverted for longer than the fairly standard *10 seconds* before the fuel starvation turned the noise off. 🙄
My dad's best friend was stationed near him in the S. Pacific. He flew B-25's in combat. When they both got out, Don Seiler (pilot) purchased a surplus P-51 mustang and a P-38. He rebuilt the Mustang and took me up (at age 12) out of Berk lake front airport in CLE. I will never forget that experience as long as I live. great vid Stevo.
My Father, Lt. Col. Louis O. Thomas from Oklahoma flew the P51D in the European Theater . Stationed in Wattisham, EN flying many missions while there. He said they'd take out the rear seat area and put in extra fuel tanks for long range missions. So many memories seeing this video! Thanks for sharing !!
The pilot’s commentary is perfect. It’s instructional and he enjoys talking about it. Who wouldn’t enjoy flying a P-51?
Not me...!
I disagree. He was corny.
@@TheMrjetdoc35 "Mute" works just fine.
@@johnhickman106 did you mute yours?
Loved his energy..
Such a gorgeous aircraft. And that Merlin V12 sound is imo the absolute best engine sound. Raw and cultivated at the same time.
Sounds almost as good as a DB605
Do you think Tesla will ever have anything that sounds as good as a Merlin
Absolutely. A wonderfully designed aircraft, and the engine that helped make it so great is amazing.
A place I (UK based) often go is on a common flight route of preserved warbirds (likely Spitfires and Hurricanes), probably due to the local geography. When I was doing some weekends of work on the roof some years ago, it was not uncommon to see them flying overhead, and from the first sound of them approaching to the time they disappeared into the distance, work just stopped so everyone could just drink in the experience.
@@dodgeking9194 Technically, yes, it actually might. As an "plugin" or "App" of some sort. But a digitally produced, fake sound via speakers is not exactly the same, is it. Anything fake is completely uninteresting i my book.
@@ollyalme same you may be able to fake the sound but you'll never be able to fake the vibrations and stuff that come through the frame from the engine and rumbling
Scooter is the best Mustang display pilot on the planet today.
I used to have dog named Scooter. My ex girlfriends dog I inherited. I used to apologize to him on a daily basis because his mom gave him such a horrible name. He was an, otherwise, great dog. He just got stuck with a horrible name. I felt sorry for him. Wasn't his fault. "Scooter"? What kind of monster does that to somebody?
I was an F-15 crew chief and was lucky enough to get 2 back seat rides in the F-15 while I was stationed at Luke AFB in the early 1980's. Of course, these were rides dreams are made of and I am truly blessed to have been able to do it. However, I also have the dream of riding in a warbird. I am currently 62 years old so my time is running out. It's videos like this that fire me up to get a ride at the first opportunity. Great video guys.
Thank you for your service to our country! 🙌🏼
Thank you for that. I served a total of 37 years with the Air Force. 21 Active duty and another 16 as a civilian. Loved every minute of it. I finished my career at the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson AZ. It was an awesome place and probably one of my favorite jobs I had during my career, but, I loved all of them.
My father, Flight Officer Fred Burry Sr., flew P40’s and P51’s in WWII in the US Army Air Corps, and said the Mustang was the absolute favorite plane anyone ever flew in that War. He was proud to have served, and 3 of us 4 Brothers ( his sons) served in Vietnam. Thank you for this excellent video!🇺🇸
This is great , Thank you !!! My Dad was a P-51 Mustang Pilot in WW2 . He was well decorated with a Silver and Bronze Star. His plane was called "? " Bad Penney" ! So proud of his service ! Your Plane is beautiful What a thrill !!!! Thanks you lucky guy !
Thank you for your dad’s service to our country. 🇺🇸
Honor to our beloved WW2 vets🇺🇸
What Fighter group was he with ^^
@@steveo1kinevomagneto reliability for the win.
I took a ride on a P-51 2 years ago. Did an hour long flight out of Chino in So Cal. What a thrill! One of the best days of my life. Congrats on your flight!
Scooter is very entertaining to watch and listen to. If he doesn’t already he needs his own channel!!
Beat me to it!
AYE - that he DOES
@@SuperLuminalElf AYE!
The only thing cooler than that Mustang is Scooter, he’s pure right stuff! Great commentary, I’d love to ride with him, he really involves you with the whole operation.
unbelievable talent and utmost respect to the guys who flew these in combat
I am "gob smacked" at the volume of things the pilot MUST remember to check and or perform prior to pushing the throttle to FULL and heading to 'rotate' and lift off.
@10:57,, the tower mentions ",, the second tail dragger,,". That was awesome!
Damn boys, I actually feel like a real pilot finally. I flew my dad's P51 into Oshkosh, and I did not embarrass myself by doing a ground loop. There's nothing in this world that feels better when you're sitting in the cockpit and everybody's standing around you and you get to yell clear
Details. Sounds interesting.
Great video... Helmets? Which brand??
2 of my fav war birds, P51D and the Corsair F4U
Mine was Mustang and Flying Fortress
This is the best in-cockpit video I've seen. That guy is just brilliant, explaining everything. I'd love to see him doing a Spitfire.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Boy... that SCOOTER knows his business!
I'd love to fly with this guy, he completely knows his ride.
I want to fly in Cruises Mustang that he used in TG Maverick
Pleasure to watch a competent pilot show his stuff and the P-51s stuff in such a beautiful aircraft. Well done Steveo!
The P51 has to be one of the most iconic aircraft today. You just don't know about its quirks until you ride in one. To the men that flew them in war, my hat is off to you. The level of concentration needed to stay alive in a dogfight is staggering. To Scooter, you know your stuff.
I totally agree. I love watching the P51 documentaries and 3rd party views of mass formations of WW2 aircraft and its contrails. I have the utmost respect for WW2 veterans, esp the front line ground guys and the pilots in those long cold lonely flights, esp during radio silence.
I image that for those pilots it was a lot like learning to drive in the family station wagon and a few weeks later being put behind the wheel of an F-1 racecar.
Fabulous! Loved all the chatter. Got to fly in a P-51 for media day at the Geneseo (NY) air show and it was thrilling!
Before the introduction of the P-51 Mustang U.S. B-17 bombers were sitting ducks for the German Luftwaffe! "The cost of ridding the Nazi scourge was staggering, 26,000 Eighth airmen were killed in action; another 28,000 became prisoners of war." (Eighth Air Force Nati'l. Museum)
Wikipedia: From late 1943, P-51Bs and P-51Cs (supplemented by P-51Ds from mid-1944) were used by the USAAF's Eighth Air Force to escort bombers in raids over Germany, while the RAF's Second Tactical Air Force and the USAAF's Ninth Air Force used the Merlin-powered Mustangs as fighter-bombers, roles in which the Mustang helped ensure Allied air superiority in 1944.
During the 4 point roll... pilots head stable like the statue of liberty in a storm... Steveo's head bouncing like a basketball on the ring.
AWESOME ride-a-long in my favorite plane!!!! Thank you Steve and Scooter!!!!!! Let's do that again!!!!!
This is the most informative warbird preflight/inflight video I have seen. There was an explanation as to “why” for every step taken instead of just blowing through them. Very, very well done.
Thx Stevo and a special thanks to Scooter for a fine Mustang flight...awesome.
CAVU and following winds.
Respect for the veterans who did battle with the aircraft God bless from a commando paratrooper veteran cheers
Had a great time flying with you buddy!
We all did.....!!!!!
Thank You! I got to go to the EAA Fly in back in the 80's. It was Awesome, the Kristen Eagles, Duane Cole in his J-3 and so much more. This was an exceptional Ride Along in the P-51. Do you have another video with the F4U Corsair?
Thanks Again...
I Need To Get Back Up in the Air...👍🤣😎
This pilot has such an infectious passion for his craft! Love it!!
I don't think I've ever had tears of absolute love of aviation engineering... Until today. Thank you. This was an awesome demo of the sheer beauty that is the P-51 Mustang. What a flight and honor to have seen this. 48 years old and never felt like I was right there quite like this. ❤❤❤❤
"let her get happy for a second"... I love it... what a great airplane!
What a tremendous thrill, I had chill bumps throughout the flight and I will never forget it. Thank you !
Scooter and Sean D. Tucker could be brothers. Their enthusiasm for aviation is overwhelmingly and addictive. Thanks for the ride!!
That was one of my favorite aviation videos I have ever seen. I absolutely loved the piolets narration during the flight.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This pilot has the gift of hand eye and foot coordination on that stall. I was never able to get my Van's RV-12 E-LSA to do a power on stall as smooth at that, learning to fly at 63 years of age. My plane always wanted to dump the right wing pretty violently. Sure, you could feel the buffeting pretty strong in advance, but once that right wing let go, she dumped you pretty quick. My CFI was a hell of a lot better at it than me. I never quite mastered it for my check ride, and washed out, sold my plane. Couldn't do a power on stall and maintain course within 10 degrees in my plane. Added about 60 hours on the hobbs in my ownership.
Very cool old plane, that P-51 Mustang! It played such a big roll in our WWII victory. Also love the F-22 Raptor at the end of the video. That's my favorite modern day fighter.
Love the F-22 Raptor! I had to make sure to put it in the end of this video.
@@steveo1kinevo I first saw the F-22 Raptor at the Sun & Fun Airshow in Lakeland, FL. Unbelievable aircraft!
@@barrydraper My first time seeing the Raptor was at the Dayton International Airshow many years ago. The plane was pretty new then, and was flown by a demonstration pilot named Max something or other, as I remember. Yes, it is an unbelievable aircraft!
All I can say is WOW...F...ing..WOW. What a ride. Fell in love with this great bird. Since I was a kid in the early sixties when I built my first P-51 Mustang model.
Great P-51 video!!! One of the best, Steveo!! Thanks for taking us along.
I really enjoyed how Scooter was talking through all the maneuvers like he was an instructor. Cool to see him do slow flight and stall in a mustang
Great video Steveo! Great meeting you there at the end . Thanks for including me in the Vid😊
Thanks for coming over to say hi! 👋🏼
Five of my favorite aircraft were the B - 17 Bomber, P- 38 Lightning and the P- 51 Mustang, the ME-109 Messerschmitt and the Mitsubishi A6M Japanese Zero from the WW2 era. Thanks Steve for another video!
Awesome video Steveo! It's Friday, 1:39 pm EST, and I am at work. After watching this video and hearing and seeing the enthusiasm of Scooters voice and his flying, I'm going flying... right now. While it is often difficult owning your own business, being the boss is good sometimes :) Keep the vids coming!
I grew up in the military Navy in Air Force. This video is just great actually I’m crying because I always wanted to go up in one of those planes. Thank you so much for sharing with the general public.
This pilot is fantastic with his sharing of knowledge.
I commend the guys who can do this and feel comfortable doing it. Such a beautiful war bird. Love those old p-51s. Legendary
I loved the video. Mustang break reminded me of the 1970's and early 80's when I flew jet helicopters!
I have watched videos of this P51 on YT and am amazed at the advantages it gave our pilots in WW2. Bomber escorts, dogfighting, all around hunting for targets on the ground. This was an amazing weapon. There was one pilot that told of a move he had to employ to get rid of a german pilot, and I'm going to go watch that one again. Thanks for this video. Sounds like it was a lot more than just learning to get off the ground. Those men were AWESOME!
Steve - your last 2 videos have been spectacular. Keep up the great work!
No sound like a RR Merlin, sweet. Great video, excellent education/narrative. "Slaving away over a hot Mustang," what a line. Those ATC folks are pure gold.
Fantastic!
Always a joy to watch and listen to professional aviators.
Thanks for the ride!
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a privilege just to tag along and get a chance to go up in the greatest war bird ever made. Thanks for sharing and a special THANKS to Scooter for his narration on what goes through the mind of a pilot for flying this piece of history.
Thank's for sharing this experience, you know that you're a lucky pilot to do all that 😊
Brilliant! Watched from the UK as the Mustang one of my favourite WW11 aircraft. Very clear commentary from Scooter, certainly knows his stuff and clearly has a lot of hours in his log book. Have seen a Mustang close up at a local airfield in a family day for Rolls Royce employees. Was able to walk around the aircraft as it taxied to it allocated parking spot and watched the RAF pilot exit over the left wing. All pre Health and Safety era, and a great memory.
Nice flight. Reminds me of my ride in the Collington P-51. Will fondly remember it forever...
Great video. I couldn’t stop grinning for the entire duration. What a magnificent machine. I hope that the few still flying can survive for future generations to see.
What a great experience Steve! Wow Scooter can fly his aircraft! Here in Wichita, KS the Blue Angels are here for the first time in 17 years this weekend. Can't wait
Great airplane, he'll of another of history. One of the most beautiful aircraft ever . I'm glad our guys had this weapon to bring them back home after missions. Wonderful thank you sir
WHAT A RIDE!
Thank you Steve & Scooter!
Great video! I had a ride in an Australian built P51 in around 1998. It cost $400. One thing that struck me was how solid the plane felt when climbing in compared to flimsy private planes I’d been in a couple of times before. Of course it had to be solid being a war plane, but it was just something I noticed.
The response is staggering
@@whatcher8151 It was a pretty amazing experience.
Awesome flight Steveo, and a salute out to your pilot!
I really enjoyed that ride. From the mental checklist , through the explanations, run ups, nose level for visibility to climb out! Happy to say, no problems with the G-forces. All smiles with this once in a lifetime opportunity! Thank you.
WOWZERS what a RIDE! SUPERFANTASTICWONDERFUL Congrats!
In the pre-flight checks sitting on the ground. During the war, Imagine trying to do all this, when the enemies planes are coming in on you. After the calm flight explaining instructions. War time, slamming the stick back and forth, working the peddles like you're riding a bicycle. Hats off to those guys.
My late Dad got called back to active duty and flew P-51 Mustangs for CAS missions during the early dark and desperate days of the Korean War. He loved his 'Stang and always described it as 'the Cadillac of the skies.' But they were ill-suited for the CAS missions and losses were high. He was extremely lucky to survive tour as they roamed up and down the Korean peninsula. His Mustang was never as clean and beautiful as those in this video. The sights and sounds brought back a lot of memories of my Dad. Thank you.
Thank the good Lord for the many courageous heroes of the greatest generation. Your dad was definitely in that class! Much respect. My father was an aviation machinest mate (carburetor specialist) in the U.S. Navy during WW-2. I believe he was stationed in New Caledonia. Dang, do I miss him. Most of my elders served. Even had an aunt in the Army Air Corp. She was a photographer. Thanks for sharing. 😊
My second favorite.my favorite is the Windsor spitfire
Real good video
'great narration - thank you
😅
If I were a pilot, I'd act the same way. Piloting a P-51 must be similar to driving an early era muscle car or race car. It's as close that I could equate it to. I'm sure it's an experience like no other....thanks for bringing us along for the ride.
A 3D muscle car on steroids
Thanks Steve, Great job Scooter.
One thing I love is that not only within the Aviation community but the classic car community. Maybe it's just my age but these man made machines take on life. They become an extension that is almost a living breathing entity that has become an extension of yourself. That is an amazing thrill topped with pure human satisfaction..
Roger that everyone favorite P51 Mustang, nice flight.
I was blessed to score a backseat ride in P-51 The Rebel in 2013 at Oshkosh (my best man is an airshow pilot). This video really captures the experience well. So even if you never get that ride, you'll at least know what it's like, and with some very good aircraft commentary I didn't get on my ride. Thanks so much for posting, great memories.
Thanks for the ride along Steveo. 🛩
I had the great fortune to fly in a P-51D “Little Horse” in formation with the “Dakota Kid” over Galveston Bay in 2012. Wingtip to wingtip flying the some loops and barrel roll, amazing looking straight up the canopy and seeing sailboats in the bay. Great day, like a giant hot rod!
0:52 it should be a crime to end the music there lol
Metallica is tired, lame overrated old grandpa music. They're not even good guitarists. T-Swizzle was rated one of the best guitarists of all time. Metallica schmetallica. They couldn't write a song anywhere even close to Taylor Swift.
It should be a crime to put music in videos period!
@@davearonow65the rage bait is crazy 😂
What a fantastic narration from Scooter the pilot. It made the video that much more realistic as far as the "What it's like to fly the Mighty P-51!" Fantastic job and excellent video, and much appreciated!
My father-in-law flew the Hump from India to Kunming in transports. After the war, he was maintenance officer in Kunming for a time. Because of his role, he could fly anything he wanted for maintenance check rides. Of course he checked himself out in Mustangs. Lots of fun in those days without the Japanese in the way. Many years later, his daughter met the mayor of Kunming as part of a scientific conference in China. They still remember our assistance in the war. A big dinner was held for her, in her father’s memory. Good to know that even in China, nowadays, they remember and honor our efforts.
Many years ago, I watched Buzz Aldrin and Chuck Yeager at Oshkosh fly in formation, in P51’s. And then walked down the flight line and was able to handshake both, legendary Men!
Just about the best flight I've ever had in a P-51, great job, great explanations of what and why, definitely one on my favorite war birds of WW II.
Pretty cool video shows how busy a pilot is just in control and navigation before a dog fight or attack with this warplane of the past.
That was soooo AWESOME I LOVED IT !!!! The 4 point barrel role & loop were AMAZING. Thank you so,so much …….. WOW
My great uncle flew the p 51-D in Europe WW2 so I've loved these bad boys for as long I can remember!
Wow, what an experience, love it. Memories of WWII kicking ass with the P51.
This Mustang vid tour felt like vids with an F-16 or F-22 flight, maybe because the pilot was chill like he had the same level of experience as an AF pilot. It made it all somehow more relatable. A cool piece of history!
Absolutely beautiful ❤ That is on my bucket list! My father was a pilot in the Swedish Air Force. He didn’t get to fly the P-51 and I know he was sad about it. So I’m still hoping to honor him by doing just this❤️
Not a pilot, but love and respect these vintage planes and pilots so much! Collins Foundation gives rides in a P51, which used to be $1000. We rode in the Nine -O-Nine instead. Amazing experience!! ( RIP 909).Thank you for this video! I enjoyed every second of it without getting motion sickness!🙌👏👏🇺🇸
Two things I liked. 1) Scooter narrates what he's doing the whole time. 2) Oshkosh tower procedures & communications. Wasn't following Scooters description until tower called "Break", then it became instantly clear.
I’m slowly falling IN LOVE with aviation… Awesome bird!!! Thanks for the upload!!
……..One of the best videos I ever watched on TH-cam. Absolutely fantastic… Everything is just perfect from the first second to the last one…
Americans you guys are over the top.
Big salut 🫡 from southeast coast France 🇫🇷 and THANKS A LOT for this dream
ViNZ.
The P51 and pilot stand for proud so let me comment on the video production: no minimum standards here. Every shot and cut beautifully created and motivated. A visual masterpiece that perfectly dances with the subject matter. Wow!
I got to ride in a P-51D back in 2012! Awesome Bird!!! So enjoyed that ride. Your video was great, especially hearing Scooter describe what he’s doing. When I was in the bird I rode, I was so “fan boy’d” up, I almost couldn’t think but the young Navy Captain that flew me around “Big Al” was great!!! Hope you get to pilot one soon!!
I flew a Mustang at Stallion 51 in Kissimmee, Florida. Amazingly stable aircraft. I did loops, barrel rolls, Cuban S's and other acrobatics. After you've flown one, it's easy to understand why it was praised for being such a stable gun platform in WWII. C.M Wilson, CPT, U.S.Army, Ret.
RIP Col/General Bud Andersen the best.
Scooter flight was really amazing and thank you for this wonderful video., the best P51D flight I have seen...
Born in the town where Reginald Mitchel (spitfire) was born and 10 miles from Rolls Royce where that Engine made in WWII . Big Av Fan, Thank you ! Moved to TX !
Fantastic video of the ride in the Mustang. The Merlin engines have a unique and very pleasing purr. Thanks for sharing the Raptor video at the end. I worked that program for many years and never tire of watching it perform the way we designed it.
Completely, utterly amazing! Pilot’s descriptions are superb! Arguably the greatest fighter plane ever! And the F-22 at the end was awesome!
Always love watching a P-51 in the air! Noting like hearing the sound up close ( only time at Oshkosh was in 1970!). Great memories! Thanks for sharing Steve and Scooter!
I have no clue how any airplane outside of a 172 or Bonanza behaves, much less how a Mustang behaves, but watching this video with scooter's commentary made me understand how this thing flies. You can tell he is a CFI. Awesome video.
Pilot is just a No Big deal guy . Love it he knows the how's and why's. The balls!
To have that much aviation/aviator history in one place is magical!!!
Wow SteveO! I needed this! The Mustang is one of my favorite airplanes.