Warbird Information Exchange

Hi Scott,

Better not forget the Timm Tutor!

http://www.daveswarbirds.com/usplanes/a ... /tutor.htm

In fact, one of the few still flyable is based down the road from you in Watertown, owned by one John Drews. John has also restored a PT-23 and BT-13 over the years.

Speaking of bases, I can't help but anticipate where a first gathering would be held. Something that has become increasingly popular are the mass fly-ups to Airventure at OSH of certain types of aircraft. These groups typically assemble at other Wisconsin airports (in some cases hold brief seminars, barbeques, and/or FAST clinics) and then head on their merry way to OSH. I'm sure you're familiar with what NATA does at Kenosha during the days prior to Airventure. I think you could really generate some interest by holding something similar for the PT/BT guys & gals at another location.

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Most if the FAIRCHILD PT trainers are registered as a M-62. That was the factory designation for the airplane. Also CONSOLIDATED merged with vultee and most civilian BT-13 are registered as a CONSOLIDATED Bt-13 not VULTEE.

Thanks for the leads and info gents.

Regarding a "fly-in", I was actually thinking about trying something here in Waukesha at Crites Field (Waukesha International Aerodrome). Obviously there is a lot to do to research the requirements but my thoughts would be to do a 2 day prior to Oshkosh as it is close and I think most guys normally like to be at Airventure when it opens.

To make it worthwhile, I'd like to get a lot of local press and maybe even some corporate sponsorship so visitors can meet and greet the pilots, see the aircraft, and maybe get some gas $$ to the guys who actually show up. First I have to create the organization and give it meaning, get owners and enthusiasts involved, have "shwag" to sell and or give away, etc. I have to make it real. Can that happen between now and July?

With continued input from you guys, who knows. I'm good for a go at it!

Keep the ideas coming & thanks!

Scott

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"There are old pilots and bold pilots but few old, bold pilots."

Well, for all it's worth...

Unless you're the kind of guy that actually enjoys inventing wheels, I believe your most efficient move would be to contact the local CAF bunch. They have experience hosting fly-ins at Crites. They have worked with the airport manager of Crites. They've worked with the tower at Crites.

If you're going to go with a multiple-day event, don't forget that camping by the aircraft may be a big issue for some of your attendees. I really don't know about doing that at Crites.

If you'd like the experience to be a bit more than just a gathering of aircraft, you might want to connect with some of the folks that put on the NATA event before Airventure each July. Although I don't wish to volunteer others' services, "Stoney" Stonich posts here occasionally, and could probably connect you with some of the movers and shakers of the Kenosha event. I know that Bev Greenhill (Chuck's wife) used to do much of the grunt work for the Kenosha event, but I don't know if she's still involved.

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Thanks Dan for the input. I know I have alot to consider here just to get this thing off the ground.

So, I'm requesting images of trainers, preferably in flight, that can be shared in the creation of the website and retained for the galleries. You can send them to me (jpg's preferred) at sdennison@wi.rr.com Please make sure that I can give proper credit where necessary.

I'd love to hear from aircraft owners as well re: interest and participation. What would you like the organization to be in order to participate?

Thanks all!

Scott

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"There are old pilots and bold pilots but few old, bold pilots."