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Path: utzoo!decvax!tektronix!tekred!normb
From: normb@tekred.UUCP (Norm Babcock)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: P-51 rides
Message-ID: <404@tekred.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 11-Oct-85 13:35:39 EDT
Article-I.D.: tekred.404
Posted: Fri Oct 11 13:35:39 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 13-Oct-85 02:29:34 EDT
Reply-To: normb@tekred.UUCP (Norm Babcock)
Distribution: na
Organization: Tektronix, Redmond OR
Lines: 49
Xref: tektronix net.aviation:02198 

O.K. guys, if your "significant other" is always complaining
that she doesn't know what to get you for Christmas, run a
print of the following and leave it on the kitchen table as
a subtle hint.

A high flying fantasy comes alive. Imagine yourself seated in the
cockpit of a P-51 Mustang-one of the most famous of all WWll
fighter planes. Your white silk scarf blows in the wind.(?).
You're climbing toward the clouds, diving straight toward earth
only to pull up at the last minute (!) finishing off with
dazzling aerobatics. It's the kind of excitement and exhilaration
known to only a few, but now you can experience this fantasy first
hand. For the adventurer who is not faint of heart or weak of
stomach, this fantasy package takes you on an unforgettable
flight...with you at the center of the action. Dressed for the
part in a leather jacket and white silk scarf, you take your
seat behind the pilot in an authentic WWll P-51 Mustang. You
are handed a flight manual (why?) and the plane takes off.
For 30 minutes you are airborne, executing all the twists, loops,
climbs and dives you can handle (or allowed by the FAA). When
your flight is over, you are greeted with a champagne celebration.
A photographer captures your adventure-for a color photo album
and 11 x 14 print that will be presented to you as a remembrance
of your bravery and daring. For the rest of your life people will
call you 'ACE'. The fantasy has become a reality! The P-51
Mustang Fantasy Trip includes round trip limousine service
to and from the airport, a minimum 30-minute flight in a P-51
Mustang Fighter and use of a World War ll type leather flight
jacket. The champagne celebration, white silk scarf, flight
manual, album of color photos and 11 x 14 print are yours to
commemorate the event. Scheduling of your flight will be determined
by weather (at least VFR minimums) and availability of the planes.
Your transportation to the plane or transporting the plane to
your area is additional. $1,500 or $150 a mo for 10 mos.

The above text appeared in the Diners Club catalog.
Anyone know who's doing this? Are there others? What does it cost
to fly a P-51 per hour? I have a hunch that a good portion of the
cost is for insurance. I notice they don't mention anything about
a barf bag, either. You don't suppose the plane has a dual stick,
do you?

If you're curious, they list a toll free number 800-621-0569,x900,
(which I have not called yet). If you do call, post the details,
as I'm wondering how they handle this in various parts
of the country.

Norm
tektronix!tekred!normb