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‘Tuskegee Airmen’ P-51 Returns to Flight

The P-51 Mustang Tuskegee Airmen has returned to flight. Photo courtesy of Jeff Berlin
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Key Takeaways:

  • The P-51 Mustang named Tuskegee Airmen successfully returned to flight on December 1 following extensive repairs from a gear-up incident earlier this year.
  • The aircraft is a key component of the Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron's "Rise Above" exhibit, inspiring young people through the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
  • AirCorps Aviation meticulously restored the plane over 3,000 hours, repairing major damage to the landing gear, a wing, and the cockpit area, preparing it for the 2017 airshow circuit.
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The North American P-51 named Tuskegee Airmen returned to the skies on December 1 after a gear-up incident earlier this year that caused major damage to the airframe. Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron cofounder Doug Rozendaal took the controls for the first flight. “There were no issues with the test flight, and the aircraft flew great,” Rozendaal said. “We look forward to filling up our 2017 schedule with airshows and events that will give us the opportunity to fulfill our important mission.”

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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