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Fly a fighter, courtesy of First Flight Society

Warbird experience offered in fundraiser

As part of a fundraiser, the First Flight Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to telling the story of the Wright brothers through community events and education, will award one lucky winner a World War II experience: flying in two iconic products of North American Aviation, a TF–51 Mustang and a T–6 Texan.

Stallion 51’s T-6 Texan and TF-51 Mustang that will be part of the World War II flight experience. Photo by Paul Bowen.

The flight experience is operated by Stallion 51, an FAA certified flight school that offers training and experience flights in the TF–51, a two-seat variant of the legendary P–51 Mustang that was used to train U.S. Air Force pilots after World War II. Stallion 51 also operates the T–6 Texan, and Aero Vodochody L–39 Albatros in Orlando, Florida.

The experience begins with a thorough briefing and preflight with an instructor who will customize the flight based on the recipient’s experience and expertise. Once in flight, the winner can take the controls and do most of the flying from basic maneuvers to aerobatics. After the flight the recipient will go home with a video to commemorate their experience.

Interested individuals have until December 10 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern to enter for a chance to win. It is free to enter the sweepstakes, but donating to the organizations ensures more entries into the contest. Proceeds from the fundraiser go to support the First Flight Society’s annual events, community outreach, educational programs, and scholarships.

The drawing for the sweepstakes will take place on December 17 at 11 a.m. during the organization’s annual celebration at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. This year, Walter and Olive Ann Beech have been selected as honorees to be inducted into the Paul E. Garber Shrine displayed at the Wright Brothers Memorial.

The flight recipient will have 12 months to schedule their ride. The winner will also receive $800 toward travel expenses to Orlando. For more information on the sweepstakes or to enter, visit the First Flight Society’s website.

Niki Britton
eMedia Content Producer
eMedia Content Producer Niki Britton joined AOPA in 2021. She is a private pilot who enjoys flying her 1969 Cessna 182 and taking aerial photographs.
Topics: Warbird

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