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Get Your Picture on a P-51 Mustang

Precious Metal (Photo: Bruce Croft/airraceteam.com)
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Key Takeaways:

  • The popular Unlimited National Championship Air Race plane, *Precious Metal*, suffered major damage from a fire, though pilot Thom Richard escaped unharmed.
  • A unique crowdfunding campaign has been launched to repair the aircraft, allowing donors of $50 or more to have a personalized picture printed as part of a mosaic on its fuselage.
  • While over $17,000 has been raised so far, significant additional funds are required to restore the P-51 Mustang to flying condition for future races.
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Last month one of the most popular Unlimited National Championship Air Races airplanes, Precious Metal, caught fire as pilot Thom Richard was on his way to the annual pilgrimage to the Nevada desert outside Reno for a week of hardcore pylon racing. While Richard escaped unharmed, Precious Metal suffered major damage as a result of the fire.

In an effort to bring the airplane back to flying condition and eventually to race in the iconic competition, Richard’s team has put together a remarkable crowdfunding program. Anyone who contributes at least $50 to the cause at gofundme.com will essentially buy a one-inch square piece of real estate on Precious Metal’s fuselage.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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