I just love re-visiting this thread.
Thought it was time to add a couple to it.
The first is CA-18, Mk. 21, s/n A68-100. Registration in the photo is N51AB, which was Green w/ white trim. Dates are uncertain, likely betwwen '68-'70. She later it became 'Miss Escort', and most recently 'Flying Dutchman'.
The next is N711SQ, a SNJ-4.
I wrote up some history on her, for another project earlier this year. Recieved permission to use this excellent photos.
Rosie O' Grady's acquired the aircraft in the mid 1970's, and operated it as part of their Flying Circus Sky Writing routine. The aircraft was just one of many operated when Rosie O Grady's Good Time Emporium was in the swing of things back in Orlando, Fl. In the 70's-80's.
Details of the aircraft, and personal recollections were reported to me by my friend, Alan Wengren, who lived in Orlando during the hey-day of the Circus. “...Rosie's was also known as Church Street Station back in the days.”
In May 1st of 1987, N711SQ was involved in a fatal mid-air collision with a Cessna 310, about 3,000ft above Orlando. The NTSB reported that the air traffic control experienced failure to monitor and conduct traffic, having approved 1SQ to a decent of 1,500ft, and to conduct operations within immediate traffic of Cessna N8716K. Robert Favreau, pilot of the Texan, and the Cessna pilot in command Bernard LeFils, along with his wife and son, were killed.
Heavy lawsuits toward the FAA, and ATC ensued on behalf of both Favreau's widow, and the family of Lefils.
N711SQ will be remembered for it's artistic and stunning aerial display over the skies of Florida. One of the original true 'Sky Writers'.
I also have two, un-seen photos of P-51 N5445V, while it sat at Merced, in very crude bare aluminum, and large black registration on the side. I'll post those at a later date.
- Joseph
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