The flight of a lifetime

George Kouba has never won anything in his life.

And when he did, it was hours before he discovered his good fortune.

Kouba didn’t see the phone call that he had won the raffle for “A Flight of a Lifetime!” on Stallion 51’s P-51 Mustang until 6 p.m., even though the winning ticket was pulled during a Facebook Live event at Stallion 51’s headquarters at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) in Florida on Sept. 21, 2020, at noon.

“I thought 2020 would be total wash-out, and then this!” said George.  “To get stick-time on a P-51, well, my wife is extremely jealous!”

Every other year, Stallion 51 and Mercy Flight Southeast team up to raffle off the half-day P-51 orientation experience that includes:

• Pre-flight briefing that tailors each flight to the individual’s experience, expertise and expectations;
• Preflight walk around and cockpit orientation;
• Hands-on flight that encourages the individual to do 95% of the flying;
• Post-flight briefing reviewing the recorded video that captures all the action during the flight;
• Photo with pilot and aircraft.
• Round-trip airfare up to $500 to Orlando.

George said he had purchased the raffle tickets more as a donation than looking to win a prize. In the past, he has supported aviation industry non-profits through donations and volunteering. He adds he really missed the aviation events that were cancelled in 2020.  

Raffle organizers noted that George bought six tickets after following a link on GeneralAviationNews.com.

Proceeds from the raffle help Mercy Flight Southeast coordinate free missions with volunteer pilots to fly organ transplant candidates, patients involved in clinical trials, chemotherapy or other recurring treatment, victims of abuse seeking relocation, families receiving help from Ronald McDonald Houses, Shriners Hospitals and many other charities, and disabled or sick children attending special summer camp programs. In addition, Angel Flight Southeast offers compassion flights including flying wounded veterans to counseling services and for many other humanitarian reasons. There is never a charge to Angel Flight Southeast passengers.