I recently had an opportunity to fulfill a boyhood dream of flying a genuine WWII flying legend ……
the P-51D Mustang!

My pilot for the day was Frank D’Alterio, an ex-RAAF Fighter Combat Instructor and my aircraft was A68-769 a gorgeously restored, CAC-18 Mustang also known as the North American P-51D.

It was an unbelievable experience. After reading about the exploits of WWII fighter aces, it was finally my turn to experience the enormous speed and power of the Mustang. Frank demonstrated some “Basic Fighter Manoeuvres” and he wound her up to over 400 knots! Wow, what a rush! Definitely the most fun you can have siting down!

Thanks again Frank, for a “once in a lifetime” experience! Now I want to make it a “twice in a lifetime” event!

Kevin Smith of Brisbane

"FLIGHT OF A LIFETIME"
Below, a letter received from John Butler

Dear Frank,

FLIGHT OF A LIFETIME

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed our recent flight in the P-51D Mustang.
It was the realisation of a lifelong dream to fly the Mustang.

The whole experience, from the preflight, briefing, strap in, start up and taxi was full of the sights and sounds of flight of a by-gone era - my era. But nothing can compare with the noise and fury of the Mustang taking off and climbing to altitude. The sound was music to my ears and the aircraft felt like it was on rails, it was so smooth and responsive. But then, this aircraft is one of the icons of flight.

The flight was wonderful from start to finish and it was over way too soon. The aircraft performed magnificently and your airmanship and experience made the flight all the more enjoyable. Suffice to say, I had a very large grin "welded on" for days afterwards. It still gives me pleasure to recall the flight and the experience.

Thank you for a wonderful experience. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in aircraft or flying as the ultimate ride. I hope to repeat the performance in the future.

Yours sincerely,

John Butler

Below - Winjeel flyers

The smiles say it all...