The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends (September 2007)

Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 07:10 AM ET

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Paul Bowen (www.airtoair.net) photographed Rob Patterson flying Dan Friedkin’s Mustang, while being chased by 20-year-old Steve Hinton Jr. in another P-51 owned by Tom Friedkin. Photo By Paul Bowen

Key Takeaways:

The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends was a major aviation event held at Rickenbacker Field in Columbus, Ohio, drawing immense crowds.
It showcased a remarkable assembly of approximately 80 P-51 Mustangs, some flying in formation and others on static display.
The event connected generations of aviation enthusiasts, bringing together P-51 pilots, veterans (including Tuskegee Airmen and Thunderbird founders), and current USAF Academy Cadets.
It celebrated the enduring legacy of the P-51 Mustang and its significance in aviation history, bridging past and present airpower.

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The future is carried on the wings of the past. United States Air Force Academy Cadets at The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends. Photo By Paul Bowen

A sea of people extends almost two miles down the wide ramp at Rickenbacker Field, in Columbus, Ohio, during The Gathering of Mustangs & Legends. Photo By Max Haynes

Formation briefing complete, Jim Hagedorn in Old Crow leads a flight of five P-51s for one of the many photo shoot missions. Photo By Paul Bowen

Three Mustangs in formation at The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends. Photo By Paul Bowen

The P-51 Mustang continues to fascinate generation upon generation. Photo By Paul Bowen

George Hardy signs an admirer’s shirt. Photo By Max Haynes

Three Mustangs in a long line of 80 that attended the event. Photo By Paul Bowen

Lee Lauderbach’s former boss, golf legend and pilot Arnold Palmer, shares a moment with Event Director Angela West and Lee. Photo By Paul Bowen

Buck and Bill Pattillo, twins, flank their fan Willie Diaz. In 1953 the Pattillo brothers helped start and flew in the first aerial demo team for the USAF–the Thunderbirds. Photo By Paul Bowen

Stephen Grey explains the logistics of bringing his airplane from the UK. Photo By Paul Bowen

One of 80 bright and shiny P-51 Mustangs that attended the event. Photo By Paul Bowen

Tuskegee Airman Leroy F. Gillead finds time to sign autographs. Photo By Paul Bowen

The crowd gathers around QuickSilver. Owner Bill Yoak allowed attendees the rare opportunity to sit in its cockpit. Photo By Paul Bowen

Tom Blair’s crew gathers around Slender Tender & Tall. Photo By Paul Bowen

Famed aviator Kermit Weeks, owner and pilot of INA the Macon Belle, poses with some Tuskegee Airmen and friends. Photo By Paul Bowen

USAF airpower, past and present, come together at The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends. Shot from the tail of a C-130, the Thunderbirds form up on three Mustangs. Photo By Paul Bowen

Twenty Mustangs fly over to complete the GML ceremonies. Photo By Paul Bowen

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