Got to fly in a P-40!!

[martin_sam_2000]

So a bit of back story. June 30, 2014 was the Chris Hadfield Youth Leadership Summit at Gatineau Airport hosted by Vintage Wings of Canada. Chris, the Snowbirds and a number of aviation and military speakers were on hand to discuss the future possibilities to roughly 300 Air Cadets, and Chris' grand entrance was to be flown into the airport by his brother Dave in the P-40. I contacted Dave a few weeks ago when I saw the schedule and asked if I could hitch the one way flight outbound when he went to get Chris. He said yes and the rest is history.

It was just a short flight from Gatineau to Rockliffe, but it was worth the wait! one of the most exhilerating experiences I have ever had. acceleration on take-off was like nothing I have ever experienced and the in a flash we were airborne. We stayed down around 1200-1400 feet due to a low ceiling, but that afforded a better sense of the speed. After we landed in Rockllife, I hoped out, and after a brief family reunion with Chris, Dave and a few others(plus a healthy dose of randoms wanting autographs and pictures!!!) Chris climbed in and they headed back to Gatineau while I waited for my dad to show up and drive me home...not the most dignified end to a great flight!!!

Here are a few picture from the day, I didn't take much in the plane, mostly video.
Me in the plane:






And then a few of CHris, Dave and the family:








Chris and Dave putting some ice in the oil cooler before they left(It was about 32 degrees Celsius):




and finally me with Dave and Chris, after Chris convinced me to get a picture with them. He can be quite convincing when he wants to be!!!


and here is the Youtube video of the flight. It is a little long, but you can jump around a bit to get the feel if you don't want to sit for 15 min.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKauidZVJHY

Sean

[DH82EH]

Nice!
Really cool!
I've had the chance to fly with Dave a few times. Not in the P-40 mind you

Great opportunity, and a dream realized.

Andy Scott

[Sopwith]

Well done, what a fantastic opportunity. Good for you

[TAdan]

Good for you Sean, that's awesome! I'd love to go for a flight in a Warhawk.

[cooper9411]

Ahhh quit your bragging! Just kidding and congrats Sean. Thanks for the link.

[mebrown20]

Wow, really cool Sean! I love the shots! It was great to meet up with you and your Dad at the Canadian Warplane Skyfest, see you at a future airshow, either on the ground, or in the air!

[ripcard]

Here is what the jealous people on the ground saw.

[martin_sam_2000]

Here is what the jealous people on the ground saw.

Those are some great shots!! Do you mid if I save them for my own use??

Sean

[ripcard]

Sure Sean, thanks. I'll see if I can't dig up a few more for ya. Gimme a day or two.

[tacoope]

It is a great ride isn't it

I had the honour of a trip in the back of the Kittyhawk a couple of years ago for Nov 11th. The added twist on that trip was that we were flying #2 to John in the Spitfire. We unfortunately had to abort our mission due to a low ceiling over the city, but it was a great experience.

Terry

[CWBuff]

Oh... I envy you, guy!




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