Peachtree City, GA (November 22,2024) -Riding in a Commemorative Air Force (CAF) aircraft is more than just a thrilling experience—it’s an opportunity to connect with history in a deeply personal way. For many, the chance to take to the skies in a legendary aircraft is the realization of a lifelong dream, one they’ve cherished for years. At the CAF, hearing from riders about these unforgettable moments is a privilege that reminds us why we do what we do.
Recently, one rider shared his incredible story of flying in the iconic P-51D Mustang Red Nose from Airbase Georgia. The joy and emotion he expressed in fulfilling this dream touched us deeply. Knowing that these flights create such meaningful memories for those who step aboard is as rewarding for us as it is for the riders themselves.
The P-51D “Red Nose”, Mark Todd, and, Me
By Ralph Ferrusi
As faithful readers of this column—I hope there are one or two out there—must know by now, I’m a “Mustang Nut”, from ‘way back when I was a kid. And, as mentioned on Page 17 of my latest non-selling book, 195 Centre Street, P-51 Mustangs, and, Me “It’s my opinion that the P-51D Mustang is the sweetest, most perfect airplane ever conceived and devised by man.”
A while back I even had recurring dreams that I was actually in the cockpit, flying a Mustang! Fortunately, the dreams always ended before I had to actually figure out how to get my Mustang safely back on the ground.
There are some Mustangs that are still around that have had the radio paraphernalia, and the 78 gallon gas tank that was behind the pilot, removed, and a small seat jury-rigged back there to make it possible for people to actually get a ride in a Mustang. This has been a long-time dream of mine. Read on…
Some on-line searching led me to The Commemorative Air Force, Airbase Georgia, Dixie Wing, Peachtree City, Georgia, that dates back to February 28, 1987, and is composed of over 500 all-volunteer members. It operates several vintage World War II aircraft, including the P-51D tail number 473843 “Red Nose”, that fly at airshows mostly throughout the Southeast.
Red Nose is painted with the markings of the 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, piloted by Captain David W. Howe. He flew with the 334th from September 22, 1942 to March 30, 1945 when he returned to the USA.
He amassed 500 combat hours in two tours without an abort. The 334th was the successor to Number 71 Eagle squadron of the Royal Air Force when the 4th Fighter Group was activated on September 12, 1942. Interesting Note: September 12th is my birthday…
They were based at Debden Field, Essex, England. The “Fighting Eagles” as they were called, flew Spitfires until the arrival of P-47 Thunderbolts in 1943. A year later they changed to P-51 Mustangs, which they flew until the end of the war. The 334th was the top scoring squadron of the three squadrons in the 4th Fighter Group, with 395 kills.
I contacted the Commemorative Air Force and was informed their Mustang would be flying at Spaatz Field, Reading Pennsylvania in early June. A twenty minute ride would cost, GULP, $1,895.00. My wonderful wife said, “Just Do It”.
On Thursday, June 1, 2023 we arrived early at Spaatz Field, and, by chance, ran into CAF’s Yvonne and Wanda, who guided us right to the CAF Tent. My flight was scheduled for 6:30 PM, so we hung out and rubbed elbows with the CAF people and other folks who had booked rides. And, we got to see the Red Nose fire up, taxi to the runway, take off, eventually return, and land, several times.
6:30-ish I met my pilot, Mark Todd, and we really hit it off. I was, very solidly, strapped into the “back seat”, Mark fired up Red Nose and we taxied out and took off. OMG; I was giddy with excitement. Being a 20-minute flight, I figured we’d noodle around the airport, and scootch back and land. But, we flew out over sparsely-populated countryside, and Mark announced over my headset “Ralph, we’re going to do a snap roll to the left.” And, for the next 10 or 15 minutes or so he performed every aerobatic maneuver in the books, prompting me at one time to exclaim, “How’d you do that!?” This flight was a Dream Come True; I have never ever experienced anything anywhere like it. I loved every minute of it, particularly because I was strapped into a beautiful P-51D Mustang, flown by one helluva pilot. If you’re a Mustang Nut, Just Do It…
Ralph Ferrusi is a World War II aviation enthusiast. His all-time favorite aircraft is the North American P-51D Mustang. He has actually flown in a P-51D, and, a B-17G and B-25H. Born and raised in New York, he and his wife currently reside in Ocean Pines.