P40 Kittyhawk Ground School

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One of the great perks of volunteering at Vintage Wings of Canada is the opportunity to work with such knowledgeable people as Dave Hadfield. Over the weekend Dave ran the P40 Ground school as part of the Warbird U program at Vintage Wings with participants from across Canada. Along with input from another great warbird pilot John Aitken and Mike Potter the attendees learned all about the history, the Allison engine, and flying characteristics of the P40N. On Sunday Dave did a run up and taxi run with a very lucky participant in the back seat, like they say the "early bird gets the worm!". Interestingly enough including Dave there were three WIX members participating!

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Unfortunately an oil pressure issue precluded flying the P40 on the weekend which is why you see the cowl off during the taxi runs. The brakes were adjusted and the oil pressure was being monitored. In any event Dave gave the participants an interesting talk on the comparisons of the Merlin and Allison engines.