ANGEL'S PLAYMATE

Looking at the teardrop
Lying behind the nose
Gently feeling the smoothly
Finished skin
As the air rushes
Past the outstretched arms
Feet dance, to keep her steady
While energy increases
She picks up speed
The wind passing beautifully
Over the laminar flow
Her breath staying constant
Her voice keeping smooth
Within a few seconds
She leaps in the air
Climbing effortlessly
Skimming the cloud tops
The warm glare
Of the early morning sun
Beaming on the canopy
Nothing matches the beauty
Of the bright sky blue silhouetting
The cotton white clouds
And all at once
I feel as if
I am flying with Angels


By: John Henry Price, III
Age 15

MUSTANG P-51

I'd like to restore and fly a P-51 Mustang
A P-51 that's the plane for me
I'd fix it up and keep it from rusting
And fly above the land and sea
When I am flying I'll never be sad
Cause I'd be freer than a bird when I was in flight
And I'd have two planes for my Dad and me
So we could do many practice acrobatic dogfights
Above the world, above the clouds
A great machine hot on my feet
The powerful engine roaring real loud
I can feel the plane while strapped tight in my seat
As I dive towards the earth from great heights that I climbed
Compared to this speed I have gone extremely slow
Quickly as ever through tight trees I wind
The ground is so close and so fast it makes my adrenalin flow
I swoop back up to the clouds in a movement so steady and swift
Loops and rolls and scissors are what I'm yearning
In big round turns my direction easily can shift
I get pushed into my seat from the G's in my turning
The feeling is great
The plane handles steady
At my current state
I know now to get my own P-51 - I'm ready.


By Jason Edwards

What A Day

Today's experience was comparable to renewing a love affair with an old sweetheart. To have had the opportunity to spend just a short time with American Beauty and her "friends" was something special.

I graduated with the Pilot Training Class 52D in June, 1952, at Craig AFB, Selma AL. 52D was the last USAF Fighter Training Class to train in the F-51. When we left Craig, so did the Mustangs. As sad as it is, progress has a way of changing things, but it is truly a shame that the young men and women flying our Fighter Aircraft today have not had the chance to experience the thrill of flying the MUSTANG. I am convinced that they have been short-changed. They will never know the unmistakable sound of that Rolls Royce/Merlin engine and experience that uncontrollable need to search the sky and find the Mustang that is making that sound. They will never experience the effects of the torque produced by that engine at full take-off power, or know how much assistance it gives when making a hard left break and how difficult it can make it to make a hard right break. They will never know that "what the hell happened" feeling you can get when the supercharger kicks in at the top of a loop when nobody has told you that there was a supercharger or what it was there for.

On January 22, 1953, Capt. Charles Beers and I flew the last two Mustangs in the inventory of the 187th FB Squadron from Clovis AFB, NM to Norton AFB, CA where they were reconditioned and sold to other countries. Those two Mustangs might have been the last two in the inventory of the entire US Air Force.

To have had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of the "Stang", Mad Max, was better than my first real Christmas. I thank you so very much for your having given me that opportunity.

In closing, it is truly gratifying to know that some of these wonderful old War Birds are being reconditioned and maintained in flyable condition so that future generations can look at and even touch, or better still, sit in the cockpit and maybe even have the opportunity to ride in the Fighter Aircraft that played such a major role in controlling the skies over Nazi occupied Europe during WWII. Thanks to all who have had a hand in keeping this truly special aircraft alive.

Oren R. Segrest, Jr.

Dear Lee,

First I would like to express my gratitude for the hospitality shown to Karen and I during my flight training at Stallion 51. You have personnel and an organization of which to be quite proud. My compliments to you as a leader.

Secondly, I thank you so much for assisting me in making a boyhood dream come true. As an 8 year old Cub Scout 48 years ago during a field trip to the Kentucky Air National Guard Base, I was allowed to sit in the cockpit of P-51 Mustang and I vowed that day that I would one day fly a P-51. Words cannot adequately express the experience of being able to fly Crazy Horse, especially from the front cockpit. This picture probably tells it all.

Enclosed are two 8" x 10" photographs. One is the picture you liked of you taxiing in after the test hop with Ian and the second is a picture for Ian. The negatives are enclosed for you to keep. Karen took a similar shot of us returning after my front cockpit flight.

Last but most of all not least, Lee I found flying with you extremely educational. It is readily apparent that you are a remarkably talented pilot who approaches your profession in a most sincere and professional way. If I were ever to take up flying again, I would want to spend time flying with you.

Thanks for the memories. My best wishes to you!
Mustangs forever!

Hill

February 14, 2002

Dear Lee and Candy,

Thanks for the business cards. They're going to good use. After I flew with you folks last year, I enlarged several photographs from your hangar and hung them on the walls of my clinic. My patients love to talk about Crazy Horse, Hell 'R Bust, the L-39 and the other planes in your hangar. Plus, I have to admit that I get a kick out of saying: "Oh, yeah, I flew that P-51 a year ago..."

The photos bring out the best in folks and to this very day I'm amazed at how many P-51 enthusiasts and pilots live in my area. Through my ride at Stallion 51 and the subsequent photos, I've met WWII and Korean Mustang pilots, P-47 Thunderbolt pilots, and a special B-17 pilot who, after spotting a photo of Crazy Horse on the wall, told me a wonderful story about the first time P-51 Mustangs accompanied him and the other B-17s to Berlin. To paraphrase his story, he said that the B-17s were shot to hell every trip over Germany until one very special day. The bomber pilots got up early (four A.M.) like they always did and headed over the North Sea toward Berlin. Then a couple hours later radio silence was broken by a new and strange transmission: Hello Big Chiefs... Little Indians checking in...

He looked up above the cockpit, and there they were! -- A squadron of P-51s, right overhead! The Mustangs accompanied him and the other bombers all the way to Berlin, and the Luftwaffe no longer caused so much trouble.

So what's my point? My point is that your operation sparks a special magic that transcends time, place or position. That's something you should be proud of. All of this is due to your top-notch operation and your own infectious love of P-51 Warbirds -- a love that got under my skin, worst than ever. My own persistent excitement from my flight in Crazy Horse can be witnessed by the number of business cards (over thirty), copies of my flight video (four), and photographs (over two dozen) that I've given to inquiring patients over the last few months.

Now there's only one more thing that I need to do -- go down to Kissimmee and fly again!! Keep up the good work -- and Mustangs forever!

Your faithful client,

Brett D. Goettsch, M.D.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

July 30, 1999

Dear Candace,

I realize as I finally sit down to write this letter that two weeks have now gone since my flight in Crazy Horse. The main reason for my letter is to thank you and the staff of Stallion 51 for a most incredible experience. Not only was the flight a true joy, exciting experience and unbelievably fun. It was done in a first class manor. From the moment I walked in the front door I was treated like more than another customer was. I was met by Eliot Cross, my pilot, who knew who I was. Then by Candy, whose answers to my telephone inquiry and faxes were immediate and clear. After my flight, I was met by Lee Lauderback, owner of Stallion 51. Lee also had taken the time to read my preflight paperwork and let me know I was expected and welcome. The preflight briefing with Eliot was thorough, complete, clear and done with true expertise in the Mustang. I have been flying for 20 years in many different kinds of aircraft. But, never have I experienced the exhilaration, grace and muscle like I was able to experience in the Mustang. One of the many machines that helped insure the freedom of our country so many years ago and still able to give the experience of a lifetime. To the staff of Stallion 51, thank you all for a most incredible and enjoyable flying experience. If you are in need of a recommendation from a customer, then I am the one you should have them call. Your operation is flawless in all respects. As I review the videotape over and over again, I can relive the feeling of the Mustang as though I were in it again. There is no doubt that I will be back!

Sincerely,

Dave Stefko
Canyon Country, California

June 21,1999

Dear Lee, Candace & Staff:

I would like to thank each and everyone at Stallion 51. On the afternoon of April 24, 1999, everyone performed their jobs very well.

A special commendation on everyone's part for a clean hangar and well maintained equipment. It makes me feel good to know that there are still people around who take pride in their work.

I will say it again - thank you all. I am looking forward to flying with you again.

Best regards,

Richard "Dickie" Picou
Houma, LA

May 20, 1997

Dear Candy:

Thanks so much to Elliot, Lee and you for giving us a really fine time at Stallion 51. As you could tell it was a terrific experience for me, one which I will never forget. Elliot was very professional and patient with my flying, particularly taking off on the left side of the runway (at least it wasn't on the grass). I am happy the two grommets didn't break anything while Lee was escorting them around the hangar. And you were so nice and hospitable to make us all feel at home in your wonderful hangar. Your whole operation is a Class Act, one which all of you are very proud of.

Maybe one day in the not so distant future I can find a Mustang of my own…I'm not sure, though, exactly how I'm going to justify it to Lorrie, I better think about how I'm going to do that.

I will be back to see you guys sometime, but until then best wishes for safe flying and happiness and prosperity in the rest of 1997.

With warm regards,

Peter Hambling
Renton, WA

February 6, 1998

Dear Candy:

I want to thank you and Lee Lauderback for a truly memorable afternoon of flying. It was worth the 47-year wait. Enclosed is the after picture I promised you to go with the before picture that I left with you. I carefully compared the two photos and there doesn't appear to be much change in my appearance.

Enclosed is a small gift for and Lee to commemorate the "sweet" time I had.

Sincerely,

Peter De Angelis
Tallahassee, FL

10 October 2000

Dear Friends and Caretakers of 'Crazy Horse',

I didn't want to come home directly from my recent visit to your fine facility without allowing sufficient time for my experiences with you to fully 'settle in'. I must begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you that helped to make my dreams turn into a lifetime memory. Your hospitality and professionalism have perfect balance to make ANYONE feel as a part of 'the family'. Again, I thank you. As an owner of a family business that has just enjoyed its 52nd year of success, I not only realize, but truly appreciate when ALL members of an organization are 'in sync' with the operation. At only 12 years young, you display this attitude with much pride and interest. Best wishes to you all for continued growth and success. [A special comment to Eliot Cross; your care and patience offered freely made my brief stay with you one that will be remembered as professional, knowledgeable and skilled. My admiration, respect and esteem to you. I thank you and will remember my ride with you always.]

I would like to share a few thoughts with you. Let us all agree that if just the pure site, sound and smell, and touch of 'Crazy Horse' doesn't find and grab that emotional place, that spot in us where passion and sentiment are too often hidden or tucked away, then I guess that you were born without a heart, have never truly breathed of life. What a shame it is that not being able to find that place and letting it take hold of your heart so to 'feel' that special moment or special something. Now that spot deep down inside of me securely holds each and every second of my time with this awesome, magnificent machine. I was having plenty of trouble with not being able to sleep properly, and not being able to focus on the day's duties for the weeks preceding my trip to you. Well, let me tell you, that the anticipation of what I imagined that it would be like is totally outweighed by the reflections and memories that I am now able to live every minute in sharing my adventure with family and friends. I dream, sleep, talk, work, CRAZY HORSE!!! It become most humbling when you stop to think that over 50 years ago when our country, friends and loved ones were threatened with loss of freedom, young men, without the luxury of time, technology, and advanced training techniques that we now enjoy, were thrusted into a program that would make them fighter pilots. I have not only imagined about what it might have been like then, but my thoughts, while sitting in this wonderful aircraft, went to those ones that went before me. Those young men readying themselves to engage the enemy and possibly die for the cause. This is the real reason for keeping this opportunity alive.

I am at that time in my life where I am able to enjoy the next step pf growth in my family. Already the proud grandfather of four fine boys, I shall see to the duty of making sure that they know that 'Crazy Horse' and ones like her are more than just pieces of metal, wire, rods and rivets. I'll always have heart-felt gratitude and respect for having had the opportunity to share in a small part of our exciting aviation history. Thank you all again for allowing me to "Take the Hop".

Yours truly,

Mark R. Patterson
Woodbury, NJ

October 11, 2000

Flight Operations Staff:

Let me start by thanking Stallion 51 Corporation for perpetuating the mystique of the historic P-51 Mustang, and for allowing those, like me, who otherwise would only sit and dream, have the opportunity to actually fly a powerful piece of this country's history, a legend!

I remember the first time I experienced the awesome growl of the massive Merlin engine housed in the mighty Mustang. I was all of seven years old witnessing my first air show in Ashland, Kentucky. Dad reminds me how I grabbed and hugged his leg. I was afraid! A new and unfamiliar sound! Ironically, the airplane stayed in my mind, perhaps from the introductory fear, perhaps because of her graceful lines, perhaps because of her showmanship. Whatever the cause, as my passion for aviation grew so did my interest in the Mustang. I am no different than most people who witness and study the airplane, but I am now different because of your willingness to share the Mustang with others. I am a member of a select few who have had the opportunity to feel her power, enjoy her grace, and ride the back of a truly powerful beast you have aptly names "Crazy Horse".

I wish I could describe how important 7 October 2000 was for me, I can't. Other than to say that it was difficult for me to hold my emotions. Maybe the following description will express my state of mind on 7 October 2000. Tower: Mustang 03, clear to move into position on runway 33 and hold. My dream was about to begin! My apprehension and excitement, a mixed emotion at its best, at full tilt. Eliot's poetic yet confident description of what was about to occur keeping everything in a comfort zone. Eliot: "Rolling the canopy closed going to 30 inches to get things moving, all the gauges look good; happy with what I see, coming up to 45 inches to roll along here a bit, bringing the tail up, let's go to 55 inches. Ok Craig, at 95 knots we'll rotate, break the wheels free and up with the gear, low transition to the break." That was a description before 7 October 2000 that was nothing more than fantasy. Something I might have heard in some child's video game. There I was, because of Stallion 51's desire to share the Mustang, actually experiencing the moment. A great moment it was, a great day it was, and I thank you. Every dollar spent for the day, for the moment, was well spent! Lee, Eliot, Candace, Angela, Mark and Stacey, thanks so much for your kindness and the professionalism with which you operate the Mustang experience. You have a "first class" operation! I must admit that I was a bit nervous upon arriving at Stallion 51. Lee thanks for being so kind during the introductions, and for your time on Sunday while assisting us with the hunt for the lost checkbook. By the way, we did locate the wayward checkbook at 'Medieval Times'. Lee, you made each of us feel welcome and comfortable!

Eliot, what a true aviation purest! Thanks for your patience and for sharing your skill and love of aviation with others. It's true that aviators are a unique group, a unique fraternity! I heard every word you said about introducing friends and others to the world of aerobatics, and I appreciate your sincerity. It's obvious that you truly love what you do! I am honored to have had the opportunity to have you as my instructor pilot for my "GO" in Crazy Horse. I will think about your words and will remember to "grab some sky" as often as I can. I will be back at Stallion 51, if not for checkout in my own Mustang, for another opportunity to experience Crazy Horse. I hope you will be able to continue my lesson in becoming an aviation purest. You are quite a pilot. Yu truly have the greatest job in the world. Eliot thanks for the experience!

Regards to all,

J. Craig Martin
Bowling Green, KY

August 4, 1998

Dear Lee:

What a thrill it was to be your student for a week! I couldn't have enjoyed my stay in Kissimmee any more. The flying was extremely challenging but also extremely rewarding. I was issued my LOA from the local FSDO office on Friday of last week.

I don't know when I have spent as much money as I did with Stallion 51 and felt like I had underpaid. The training I received was worth far more than I paid for it.

Your entire staff was wonderful. It was a real joy to be around people that love their jobs the way all of you do. Candy couldn't have been more helpful. And "the guys" were great to share some of their knowledge with me. Mark added the finishing touches to a fantastic week. I hope the combat injury Mark suffered doesn't slow him down too much and that he is off to a speedy recovery.

Thanks again for all of your assistance while I was at Kissimmee and please call anytime you are in the area.

Thanks again,

William H. Freeman
Tennessee