Matthew Baker submitted this photo and note: “This photo was taken at Bartow Executive Airport (KBOW) in Florida, which has a long history with the P-51 back to World War II and started in 1943 as a training facility. To this day those same runways still have P-51s using them.”
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It’s the family model- 2 seater.!
My boss at the 86th AD, Ramstein AFB GE, Colonel Thomas L. Hayes, drove the P51 in WWII. He also drove the F-102 Delta dagger which he Commanded 120+ from Bitburg, Hahn, Ramstein and Schursturberg 32FIS, 525FIS, 526FIS. I forget the other FIS. As his Enlisted Aide, I picked him up at his quarters at 0600. He invited me in and made breakfast for both of us.
Colonel Hayes was always a cool, calm and collected Commander.
He was always a kind, sincere and profession Officer who commanded the respect and loyality of his forces.
Colonel Hayes retired as a Brigidear General and is interned at Arlington National Cemetery. At 81, and a long way from 1961-1965, I remember Colonel Hayes as a Great American!
Daniel V. Kling, A1C
AF 13751918
Peachtree City, GA
404-394-8441
P51D is almost as beautiful as the B or C. (B or C is identical, only difference is where they were built.
That is a rare P51. There were not many of the two seat versions
Full flaps…it’s landing
That’s an F-51. Note the canopy and the vertical stab
P pursuit
F Fighter
Letter changed when the USAF was created.
Not (absolutely not) an expert but I think that F or P depends on the moment in time only.
Glad to know more though.
Don’t want to start a popcorn war, just know the facts.
J-P Bonin
The tall tail means it was likely. Cavalier conversion in an attempt to create a fast self-flown executive transport. I don’t think the military ever did that, at least not as widespread mod, maybe for testing.
P/F-51. All same plane, just depends on the date on the calendar when Army Air Forces split off to become the US Air Force.
Awesome Picture!
I have seen an awesome model of a
P-51 at Vero Beach airport.
My friend in MD knows the wife of the mechanic of that planes squadron.
Does Vero has any connections to the P-51 plane?
They are beautiful machines.