The Pacific Prowler Organization is looking for a few good men — and women. The Texas-based non-profit is forming the Prowler Command, a collection of general aviation pilots who can schedule and fly the group’s North American B-25 Mitchell bomber and a C-47 Gooney Bird.
Dues to become a Prowler Commander are $10,000 annually and are tax deductible. Each membership includes a Type Rating with Second in Command privileges in either aircraft. Pilot in Command training is also available. A hand painted WWII-style leather flight jacket is a Prowler Command member benefit, as well as discounts on the hourly costs to fly Pacific Prowler organization’s C-47 and B-25.
“A pilot who wants to get typed in a B-25 can expect to pay from $40,000-60,000,” the Prowler’s chief instructor Scott Perdue says. “but a Prowler Commander can get the same type rating for around $25,000 with us.”
The group intends to add a T-28 Trojan, L-39 Jet and an A-26 Invader to its menu of aircraft, all of which will come with significantly discounted rates for flight time and training for all Prowler Commanders, he added.
Prowler Commanders can also schedule either aircraft for long cross-country flights. “We’re going to assign one of our pilots to ride along for insurance reasons, but if you’re in the Prowler Command, you get to do the flying. Just load your family or friends in back and go!” says Jim Terry, the group’s aircraft commander. “Can you imagine the fun of traveling around the country in a B-25?!”
Proceeds from the Prowler Command support both the operational expenses of maintaining the historic aircraft but also the group’s programs exposing school kids to aviation.
The Pacific Prowler also accommodates businesses that see the value of including a classic warbird into their schedules. The group offers three levels of corporate sponsorship. Either aircraft can be scheduled for meetings, promotions, events or bonus incentives for employees. “Corporate sponsors can select from three levels of participation, ranging from $100 to $200 a month,” Perdue adds. “They get free airplane rides, use of the Prowler’s digs in Fort Worth and more.”
For more information: 888-274-6989 or 817-231-0715 or Pacific Prowler.org.
