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CAF's P-51C "Redtail" - First Engine Run

Bomber_12th

Bomber_12th

SOH-CM-2025
Hey everyone,

I thought I'd post for those interested, that the CAF's P-51C "Tuskegee Airmen" had its first engine run today, and by reports everything went well. The first of its test flights will likely occur within days, and then it will be at Oshkosh the week of AirVenture. All of the parts are ready to be buttoned onto the airframe, and I'm sure some paper work still has to be filed.

Having grown up around the aircraft and having witnessed it go down in 2004, I can't wait to see it fly again, and the whole crew responsible for its rebuild are amazing individuals for being able to bring it back to life.

Here is a short video from today's engine run:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xbBLxp-Tgs
 
Congrats John, and good luck... That seems like just a tremendous amount of work to throw into two weeks....I hope you get it all ready and up there... My folks are going to their first Oshkosh with a twin beech... it will be sitting in Aeroshell Square if you are going... Tell us when she "slips the surly bonds" once again!

-witt
 
I got word this morning that it will very likely fly for the first time this afternoon! Of course I will post as soon as I get any more information, though first word might be spread on other forums before I can get around to it anyway.

Getting very exciting now! ;)
 
Yep, just watched the video again and "Redtail" sounds exactly like TP-51C "Betty Jane". :d
 
I'm very happy and excited to report that she flew two, very successful test flights yesterday! I believe she'll be flying off more hours today, and be at Oshkosh tomorrow. It is simply amazing to think that the aircraft is now flying once again! I've been told that photos and/or video may not be available until tonight, and I'm hoping it will be more substantial than the engine run coverage.

In any case, I will be keeping an eye and ear out for it tomorrow, just in case it comes through my area, its home base, headed to Oshkosh. Once at Oshkosh, there will be plenty of coverage I am sure.

A hero of mine, Doug Rozendaal, the lead pilot for the CAF Minnesota Wing, director of the Redtail program, and an overall excellent pilot, took the first two test flights in the aircraft. I know the late Don and Kelly Hinz, as with the whole Hinz familly, must be very pleased.
 
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Thank you for posting the updated link, WH. When I had originally posted the link, it was to their original version, which they soon updated and removed the old one...then SOH was no longer available.

I am hoping to go to Oshkosh, but I will for sure be on hand when she arrives back at her home in South St. Paul, next week.
 
John, my brother just sent me a pic from his phone @ Oshkosh... the placement of the CAF logo per our discussion isn't too badly placed... it could be worse... it doesn't look to bad really...

-witt
 
I've been watching the live Oshkosh webcam from time to time, here: http://www.oshkosh365.org/runwaycam.aspx and happened to see the C model taxi by earlier today. I agree that she does look excellent, and my joy and excitement about her flying again outweighs any thoughts about the logo decal, even though I agree, it's not bad at all. I would love to see any photos that your brother sends your way!
 
Okay John, You know how much I have been trying to find that link... I swear I was up & down their website and I couldn't find it... So thanks... The Grimes Flying Lab is suppose to be taking off around 7:45.... , probably make a few passes, leave, then be back tomorrow morning... I'll be listening tonight to see if I hear them on liveatc.net on my iPhone... I will see if I can find that crummy pic my brother sent me...
 
Thank you Witt for sharing the photo! Interesting to note this time around there are accurate stencils applied over the aircraft, such as seen on the gun bays and by the fuel caps.

I'm hoping the weather will be better the rest of this week, than it was today at KOSH!
 
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