T-6/SNJ checkout... best school?

[PHague]

I am interested in finding the best instruction and checkout in a T-6/SNJ up to a solo proficiency.

I have experience in Part 121 and military training and using that as a model I’m looking for the best school that will provide a ground school syllabus that would be similar to initial part 121 ground school. The flight syllabus would have each flight designed to accomplish specific goals and standards.

I’ve looked at all the different programs that are offered and I’m looking to gain insight into which might be considered the best available.

I don’t have a tailwheel endorsement so I’d also be looking at the best way to get that accomplished.

Thank you!
Peter

[Stoney]

warbirdadventures.com
stallion51.com

both in Kissimmee, FL

[PHague]

Thanks!

Yes I have taken a look at both of those schools. Any feedback on which one has the best program?

[RandolphB]

PM sent...

[Ken]

Seems like a tailwheel endorsement is in order first - and just because you have that under your belt doesn't mean that you're ready for the T-6 right away. You might recall that back in 1970, the AF took newly minted T-38 graduates and stuck them in the A-1E; most did fine but the gov't was paying the bill for scrubbed tires, wingtips, or smoked brakes.

I'd type "Tailwheel training" in google and see what was near me. Start in a Citabria or equivalent. Get to where you feel like you are capable of solo in the Citabria to include wheel landings and taxi in moderate winds. (You may not actually be solo due to insurance). Then find your local EAA chapter and get some experience in an RV-8 or Christen Eagle or something that will demand more attention and skill to build more experience.

Can you jump straight to the T-6 and skip this? Sure, but I predict you will save time & money by starting in something less expensive so you can focus on T-6's quirks vs still trying to master the basics.

Ken

[gary1954]

Then there is ever so L. P."Stoney" Stonich; a WIXer - have a look at http://www.northamericantrainer.org/t-6.htm

[flightsimer]

warbirdadventures.com
stallion51.com

both in Kissimmee, FL

dont know about Stallion, but flew at WBA twice when i was younger. Loved it! I dont know if he still doesnt the T-6 flying on a daily basis, or at all, but i flew with Tom both times.

[mlenoch]

Also, Gauntlet Warbirds in Aurora IL (near Chicago).

They have 2 T-6s plus 2 Decathlons for new tailwheel pilots.

http://www.gauntletwarbirds.com/

VL

[Scott 'Gunny' Perdue]

An Eagle Flying Museum has a formal program in Mineral Wells, TX

http://eagleflyingmuseum.org

gunny

[RandolphB]

warbirdadventures.com
stallion51.com

both in Kissimmee, FL

dont know about Stallion, but flew at WBA twice when i was younger. Loved it! I dont know if he still doesnt the T-6 flying on a daily basis, or at all, but i flew with Tom both times.

Thom owns the place. There are T-6 rides everyday, and if you book training with him, Thom fits the thrill rides in around the training. They have two birds in the air currently, and one other undergoing some corrosion repairs. To make it more fun there, Race 38, the Griffon Powered Mustang Precious Metal, is being worked on at a maddening rate to prepare it for Reno this year....

[PHague]

An Eagle Flying Museum has a formal program in Mineral Wells, TX

http://eagleflyingmuseum.org

gunny

Thanks Gunny! Didn't know about them. (Guess an old gunny can still show a boot ensign something!)

[F4U-1]

Also, Gauntlet Warbirds in Aurora IL (near Chicago).

They have 2 T-6s plus 2 Decathlons for new tailwheel pilots.

http://www.gauntletwarbirds.com/

VL

I agree with Vlado, go see Greg Morris. He's a great guy !

[flightsimer]

warbirdadventures.com
stallion51.com

both in Kissimmee, FL

dont know about Stallion, but flew at WBA twice when i was younger. Loved it! I dont know if he still doesnt the T-6 flying on a daily basis, or at all, but i flew with Tom both times.

Thom owns the place. There are T-6 rides everyday, and if you book training with him, Thom fits the thrill rides in around the training. They have two birds in the air currently, and one other undergoing some corrosion repairs. To make it more fun there, Race 38, the Griffon Powered Mustang Precious Metal, is being worked on at a maddening rate to prepare it for Reno this year....

Glad to hear he still does the training/T-6 Stuff. Wasnt sure if he did since he was involved with Precious Metal.

When I was their the first time, I came right off the street and flew the red banded T-6. The second time, again was off the street but I flew the white Marine one. Cant remember which flight it was, but with one of them, all three were flying together right before my flight.

Now i want to find my dvds and watch them lol.

[RyanShort1]

If you let us know where you are at, I'm sure someone could find a competent tailwheel instructor nearby to get you started. You'll probably want to get some good tailwheel hours under your belt before making the jump if you plan on doing a lot of it.
If you're in Texas, give me a call...

Ryan

[valdez25]

I have a beautiful T-6 and a proven syllabus. I am a 121 pilot with a major airline, and former Flight Safety ground and simulator instructor. I have time in the TBM and DC-3, and nearly 900 hours of PIC and instructor time in the B-25. I live in St. Louis, and a number of students have bunked at our house during training. I have the most reasonable rates in the country, and have checked out a number of students with no tailwheel time. I can provide you with many references. I believe that 100's of thousands of pilots have been trained in the '6, and I can provide you with training that is as good as anyone else in the country. Check out my facebook page or my rides business page (Warbird Rides USA)
Hope to hear from you.
Greg Vallero 636-373-4177
warbirdridesusa@gmail.com