![]() ![]() It was converted to the T-41 configuration prior to its donation to the Museum. This was first the C-172E, and was built in 1967. This model was used by the United States Army as a primary trainer and liaison aircraft. ![]() Only three T-41s remain at the Air Force Academy in order to support certain academic classes as well as the USAFA Flying Team. In 1993, the US Air Force replaced much of the T-41 fleet with the Slingsby T-3A Firefly for the flight screening role, and for aerobatic training, which was outside the design capabilities of the T-41. In 1996, the aircraft were further upgraded to the T-41D, which included an upgrade in avionics. The T-41B came with a 210 hp Continental IO-360 and a constant-speed propeller. In 1964, the US Air Force decided to use the off-the-shelf Cessna 172 as a preliminary flight screener for pilot candidates and ordered 237 T-41As from Cessna. In fact, Richard is planning his next flight adventure: a “ world tour” that could begin next year with Africa.The Mescalero has been used by the United States Air Force and Army as well as the armed forces of various other countries as a pilot training aircraft. The evening before the departure the much-awaited news arrives from the judges: The winners of the elegance contest are “we”, or rather, she (Hap)! Further satisfaction for the whole crew and especially for the owner who, after such hard work, has realized, or rather, is realizing a dream. My homework? Manage the flow of onlookers willing to get on board, sometimes giving some hints on the history of “Hap Penstance” or on the journey to get there, then passing the word on to the pilot or owner who best met the questions of young and old, fascinated by the majesty and elegance of “Hap”. Here, in fact, a few meters from our right wing appears a Spifire MK.T IX (two-seater training version) which, between changes of position and maneuvers, keeps us company for about 10 minutes.Īfter 2 exciting flights with passengers during the first day, 3 days of static exhibition follow, where fans from all over Europe admire the lines and listen to the adventures of an airplane so full of history, surrounded by as many legends, such as P51, Tiger Moth, C47, FW44, Klemm35, T6 and many others who took part in the competition. Two legends of heaven meet to greet each other, remembering the old days where together, albeit for different but allied nations, flew with the same ideals. Not even the time to relax admiring the characteristic landscape of West Sussex, made even more suggestive by the low visibility and low clouds, and here the solo flight becomes in formation. One, its full power is unleashed, 20 Kts, the tail rises, 30, 40, 60, 84 Kts … with an almost unthinkable lightness for its 10,000 kg we are flying over 80 years of history and adventures. Get on board, placed on comfortable seats and cradled by the roar of its two Pratt and Whitney R-1830-75, 1350 horsepower each (for more picture of this event click here)Īfter several weeks of waiting, the dreamed moment arrives on September 12th. Right here I had the chance to meet the pilot, the co-pilot and the owner, who offered me the unique and unforgettable opportunity: to be part of the crew during 5 days in England, where their plane would take part in the elegance contest between vintage aircraft “ Freddie March spirit of aviation” at the Goodwood Revival from 13th to 15th September. Not the usual Dakota we are used to see in films or aerial demonstrations overseas, but the conversion of a DC-3 to VIP transport aircraft. One of them is the C41-A N341A, skillfully restored by Richard Martin. Today Dc3-C47 are not rare, in fact its technical characteristics, its resistance and its popularity have led various enthusiasts to restore and maintain old pieces. Sometime fundamental and complicated roles which it has always done at its best, thanks to its characteristics and performances. In fact, it was used as a flying gunship for electronic warfare, to carry out radio measurements or in the SAR service. Produced in over 16,000 units since 1936, it has served military and civil air forces from over 75 different countries ensuring the transport of materials, paratroopers and passengers, as well as being used in the most varied roles with its numerous versions. One of these is certainly the Douglas DC3 with its many model variations. There are planes that have made history, planes that will always have a place of honor in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts. ![]()
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