Bill:
I imagine Jack Cook, or Randy or others'll jump in and correct me if I'm wrong. The CAF's old Scatterbrain Kid II was Experimental, as is Rod Lewis'. I am pretty sure Jack Ericson's -38 is also Experimental, which I think was the one that Jeff flew for that movie.
IIRC, the "Limited" P-38s were those that were used for civil photo-mapping and such after the war. I am pretty sure that one couldn't use Experimental registered aircraft for "hire" as it were.
So far as needing an initial type rating, my understanding is that the Feds will issue a temporary type rating for training purposes only (no pax, no ops over highly populated areas, etc). This would be issued on the basis of a competent CFI or NDPER's signoff attesting that you are capable of safe flight in the subject a/c. When the pilot candidate is comfortable in the a/c, you fly it for the Feds or their designee (an NDPER or some such). I dunno who was Jeff's I/P, I would presume that he had at least one. I only watched the movie once, just too hard to watch, especially when he pointed out the complex fuel system and how it could hurt you at the worst possible time....
About all I can say, regarding folks like Jeff, and Joe Tobul, and other "good friends, gone too soon" is to raise a glass and toast "Absent Friends".
Bill Greenwood wrote:
Jase, were/are there any P-38s in Experimental rather than Limited? I assume Jeff was capable of flying the 38, because of his time in other similar twins and warbirds. The legal queston is another matter. One would likely not need a type rating initally to fly even a limited 38 as there has to some time for practice and proficincy flights solo before doing the demo for the examiner to get the rating. Did anyone act as instructor pilot for his previous flights in the 38? I had about 20 hours in type including solo before I flew for the FAA. I think I will look at the video again and see what Jeff demonstrated when he made it. Bill Dodds was a good guy and a friend as he was to most everyone. I can't think of any great words for losses like these.
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Regards,
Jase
www.b26marauder.com
"I'm having a BLAST!!" 2007 CAF Wing Staff Conference
RIP Gary Austin..always in our hearts