Vagabond wrote:
Hi All,
The Pond Hellcat DID fly in the 2006 POF Airshow. I've been editing my video camera footage from that show and all 3 Hellcats flew on Saturday 5/20/06. The Pond flew during the Pacific aircraft demo and the other 2 went up for the 23 airplane gaggle closer for Saturday.
Thanks for the confirmation and correction Vagabond. I still kick myself for not being more diligent about taking a camera with me to every show. As noted by GRNDP51, it would be great to see the video if you are willing and able to share it.
PS - I still wonder if the appearance of these three Hellcats at the show right after the loss of PoF's own Hellcat was possibly some sort of tribute to the late Art Vance. I know I was blown away to see the three airplanes as I was expecting, at most, the CAF aircraft. Friedkin's airplane was a bit of a surprise but the Pond airplane was totally unexpected. I don't think it had been flown in many years and I don't think it has been flown since. Certainly not in public that I'm aware of anyway. Just wondering out loud here...
I know it hasn't been flown since, doubt it was flown very much if at all before 2006. Also curious if anyone knows the status of any other PSAM planes besides Bunny and Pretty Polly. Which is next in line? P-47? Hope all of them are own and flow by PSAM one day