North American P-51C Mustang - Part 3 - Flight - Kermie Cam

You Are There! We've posted a couple of Kermie Cam videos with planes from the early days of flight, thought it would be nice to jump ahead in time and fly something from the WWII period. Step into the cockpit of a P-51C Mustang with me and go over the pre-flight check list. Get a first hand glimpse of what it is like to sit at the controls of this magnificent machine, and prepare to fly it. In parts one and two, you'll see my pre-flight preparation. Then in part three, we'll take to the skies. - Kermit Weeks (20120928)
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Kermit Weeks
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[@KermitWeeks444]

We welcome and appreciate the comments of our viewers. Voice your opinion freely and have fun, but please keep the comments civil. We won't allow name calling, bullying or foul language. Thanks for watching and making our channel possible. Kermit Weeks Hangar

[@tomschroder5750]

Awesome machine and pilot with a lot of attention to details. Thank you Mr Weeks as closest most of us will ever get to riding in a WWII VINTAGE AIRCRAFT!! I wouldn't hesitate for a second if that Mustang had a backseat to fly with you ,that's the best compliment i can give you.

[@MrChiangching]

You are one lucky S.O.B!

[@nnamdichibuzor6032]

Thanks for uploading!

[@anthonyfieldthetrollbuster9930]

When did you raise and lower the landing gear, and which levers did you use? Many thanks for an interesting video.

[@KermitWeeks444]

Not military, but have flown since my teens. Here's a little bit about myself. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYrVgnlreMuWhaM

[@SatelliteGalaxy]

My old boss in the 1980s told me about his flying P51 Mustang's against Germany near the end of World War II. I told him it must have been great flying that powerful, terrific flying airplane. He replied by saying, "Having the Germans shooting at you takes the romance out of it".

[@smokinjoe4684]

🤣 great story.

[@Mike-01234]

I to grew up in the 70's went to many airshows asked the same thing of family who were fighter pilots they way I was told when you do something 1000's of times not really as fun as you first thought it would be. They had no interest in flying a P-51 again to them it was something they did and moved on with life in fact several never got into a pilots seat again after the war was over. They married had kids and went to work for 40 years retired and enjoy life sitting watching football.

[@guntherachterhof4876]

​@@Mike-01234 I think that for those who fought in an actual war, flying these fighter aircraft means relieving a trauma. So it makes sense.

[@user-kx3fx4eo9i]

@@Mike-01234 I dont believe that....i think most of them would jump at the chance to fly one again

[@Vito_993]

That sounds like a ww2 vet 😂 they have a way of saying things

[@JerryLeeMac]

Beautiful aircraft, my favorite WII fighter. Great pilot. I showed this to my 93 year old dad, he flew F6F Hellcat in the South Pacific off a carrier. He was excited to see this video and brought back a lot of memories. I wish I could find a video of this quality about the F6F. My dad has early Dementia but he was very clear thinking about this video. Many thanks to you for putting this together just sorry I have not found it until now. Bless you Kermit Weeks . July4th, 2022 Update: My dad passed away just shy of his 95 birthday, Sept 2021 of COVID. We are losing our greatest generation too fast.

[@iaaf_nw2367]

Wholesome

[@jewpsyaltprager4947]

Thanks to your dad for his service!

[@garrisonnichols807]

God Bless your Dad. His generation are my heroes 👍

[@robertweitlauf4653]

I have a Uncle that flew Hellcats off the Lexington in the Pacific. wonder if they knew each other. my Uncle had a BT-13 I use to fly with him all the time. i loved that plane. he flew up in till nthe age of 91. my cousin lives in Florida my Uncle would fly back every year for the holidays.

[@garrisonnichols807]

@@robertweitlauf4653 Your Uncle is my hero! Him and his generation saved the world. God Bless them🇺🇸

[@bardee1]

Boy I'm light headed from that flight. Man, that's one hell of a plane. when we lived in Minneapolis, MN (Bloomington) those planes came over the house every week end and it was great to see them. It was 1955 and I wish I could go back. Thanks again for the ride. God Bless. Chuck Barth.age 78.

[@cannon-ce1tu]

Where in Bloomington do you live?

[@matthewjdouglas6471]

I'm from England and as much as I love the spitfire models I wanted to fly a p51 over the Pacific dog fighting the Japanese during ww2. I have a strong feeling that I've actually been there and done it. I have a memory of flying over the blue sea on a clear sunny day. I know it's impossible unless It was a past life. Amazing bird. The sounds of the engine and the glimmer of the body work. Just brilliant. Great video thanks for taking us up for a flight with you

[@humanonearth1]

You must look at people with fancy cars and be like, ya that's sorta neat.

[@humanonearth1]

Wow I got lots of likes, I'm special?

[@Jack-hg1hq]

@@humanonearth1 well your right, anyone can own a fancy car, it takes skill to fly one of these

[@skidsftw8074]

@@CorvZ061 i live in the park next to fantasy of flight and have personally talked with Kermit at his museum surprisingly this guy drives a early 2000s Tahoe granted its immaculate

[@humanonearth1]

@Easily Amused You really really need to lighten up. Maybe watch the video again and try decaf.

[@humanonearth1]

@Easily Amused it was sarcastic. Don't take life so seriously.

[@ITCXTC]

I would fly with this guy. Notice his attention to detail in his pre-flight and his run-up. Double and Triple checked everything with physical touch of everything checked. A very safe and conscientious pilot.

[@Whiteshell204]

anyone who is privilaged enough to fly one of these old warbirds will take the proper care when using priceless pieces of history! Its like looking at todays Airforce...they don't just let ANYONE fly these things ;)

[@bradh716]

I don't know that I totally agree. Most pilots have a checklist on paper that they use to ensure they don't forget anything. I would probably still fly with him.

[@SBFlyer]

Wondering if you guys know who Kermit Weeks is...

[@Hoffie92]

Chad Stillings I didn't before, But i do now :P

[@ITCXTC]

I'm familiar with Kermit. I somehow missed that it was him flying. Those were probably all his aircraft. I know he has two Mustangs, a C and a D model as well as 100 other rare vintage planes. Talk about living a dream! Not to mention all the history he is preserving!

[@MultiShultz]

Sure jet planes are far superior in every way... but nothing can replace the style of a prop plane or the amazing sound of the cylinders firing when they fly by. And I’m so glad to see these old iconic planes still exist.

[@SHADOWBLACKs650]

"That's for the bombs... and well, we don't use that" 🤣😳

[@victorrrrm]

World war 3 enters the chat

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

@@victorrrrm LOL

[@Noelleiscute]

Why not?

[@hollandward9080]

I gave my dad a surprise flight in a P-51 for his 60th birthday 20 years ago in Arizona. Still the best gift I've ever given. The engine sound alone gives me goosebumps. That was really fun, thank you.

[@raulcool3613]

Thanks for making me feel like I was flying the plane , you are so cool Sr

[@Strange_Man1911]

If you have a decent computer, you can actually fly an almost exact replica of the P-51 Mustang with this free game. Make sure to see the specs list to see if your pc can run this game. DCS World Original developer's website: www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/downloads/world/stable/ Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/223750/DCS_World_Steam_Edition/

[@williamgrimberg2510]

Be nice to of seen some fly by shots from the ground and air .

[@patmonaghan08]

@@williamgrimberg2510 sant Andreu

[@charlesgibbs4362]

Probably the very best single pilot POV video ever made! Kermit Weeks aviation legend!

[@JayStClair-mh5wv]

I want to say, thank you, for posting this video. Its an absolute thrill to see this warbird in her glory. I had the honor and privelage of growing up in a small town in northern california with a small airport. Me being 14 years old and a aviation fanatic, I started hanging around this airport plane spotting. Now this was the mid 80's so things were much different around airports then now a days. I could easily walk on to the ramp, walk through the hanger areas, etc. I would walk around talking to pilots, looking a airplanes and becoming a part of the airport community. I had the honor of getting to know Jack Hovey, Russ Francis, and many other warbird owners and over time earning their trust, I would eventually wash and wax these warbirds for rides. I would never ask, but on some weekends Jack would roll out his gorgeous africa corp, red spinner painted P-51D with the back seat conversion and give me that look...and off we would go cow chasing as he called it...I called it white knuckled at 100 feet off the deck scaring the bajezuz out of cattle. Then on occasion Russ would take out his P-51D or his gorgeous steerman and we would go for a ride to napa airport or tahoe...here I was just some kid who got to go on some amazing flights with the most amazing pilots. This video really cheered me up. Ive been suffering with the effects of my deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and although my physical injuries have healed, the psychological injuries have not and I find it hard to leave the house at times. This video helped a lot and I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you! Signed: A proud Veteran.

[@KermitWeeks444]

Thanks! And thanks for your service. Hope there is light at the end of the tunnel, and you get things sorted out, and you're back to being your old self soon.

[@JayStClair-mh5wv]

@@KermitWeeks444 Thank You, Colonel for all you have done and continue to do for this country. Its a true honor! There is absolutely light at the end of the tunnel. With the love amd support of a great care team, WWP, and a few others, I will at least be back to a functioning person...and be able to go to an air show here and there..I hope. Hey if you ever need someone to scrub that beautiful connie you have or any other project, I'm your guy!

[@ronperry9660]

That was a chilling experience! My grandfather flew the P-51 in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea. The stories would make the hair standup on my neck. Thank you for preserving this history of the GREATEST generation America ever created!

[@Cole_H_]

Flies a P-51 with jeans and gym shoes. Nice 👍🏻

[@MLR400]

In all my years going to watch airshows around the country. I never had the chance to actually sit in the cockpit and hear that Rolls Royce Merlin Engine purr like I did in this video. I always heard the P-51's engines in passing. The only thing I am missing now is the vibration of the raw power this engine makes as you are flying it. Those WW II boys were a special breed of men who had a chance to fly some the most powerful piston engine aircraft ever built by Americans. From the P-51, to the Corsair and the P-38. I'll say it again, those men were something special. While the aircraft of today rely on stealth, supersonic and advance avionics to rule the skies. There will always be a place in my heart for those skilled pilots who control powerful aircraft like these with nothing more than stick, rudder and throttle control. In other words, these pilots, (like you sir), do one thing well. They fly the aircraft. Thanks for this video. It is appreciated.

[@KrogerCulinary411]

SWEET! Thanks for sharing. My Dad was in WWII. Have been studying WWII for many years. They were without a doubt, "The Greatest Generation"...

[@kimschaefer7855]

I don’t know why, but I could care less about football, baseball, and soccer, but get me around airports , airplanes , helicopters and motorcycles and I just drool.

[@badkatrising3918]

I saw at least 3 German cars and you didn't do anything. Wth. 😀

[@Majha87]

+M. Black hahah +1 :))

[@damn9538]

+M. Black That's hilarious brotha haha

[@benmartz4732]

i love it

[@terra-ignition6158]

Habt wohl die Messerschmitt 109 ganz rechts neben den 3 deutschen Autos nicht gesehen :-)

[@badkatrising3918]

+Terra-Ignition Hahahaha there were no troop transports only a bmw bike with an mg34 side car and a geldenwagon and quite possibly a unimog.

[@artemaso]

The sounds of that beast is amazing.

[@Jonathanbaker]

ArtemR sk good English engine there

[@airbornesoldier8104]

YOU ARE A MASTER OF THE SKIES SIR , YOUR SAFETY PROCEDURES AND PRE FLIGHT CHECKS ARE SECOND TO NONE. THANK YOU FOR SHOWING THE YOUNGER GENERATIONS HOW OUR COURAGEOUS FOREFATHERS TOOK TO THE SKIES IN THERE YOUTH IN THE NAME OF FREEDOM .

[@DavidDavid-jb1cy]

stop yelling!

[@damianvazquez6032]

Awesome!! P51 symbol of freedom, sacrifice and glory. God bless America! Greetings from Uruguay.

[@dudeinthesea]

Oh I am not jealous at all. Not at all. ......... (Thank you for sharing)

[@TheWakeupsheeple]

Thanks for putting a smile on my face and for sharing your love of flying with people who don't have the opportunity. You da man!

[@Schwing27]

I really enjoyed watching this video. I’m in my mid 30s. I grew up in a time where I never really got to see much of these planes. But as I get older I really appreciate them more and more. Although I personally would be terrified to fly something like this, it was absolutely incredible watching this.

[@madzen112]

Kermit's probably the only guy I'd trust flying with without a checklist 😄

[@alolsen8312]

I was lucky enough to be there one weekend when the Tuskegee pilot the plane is painted for was there and gave a great talk.... then we saw Kermit fly the plane. It was a moment that you really can't describe if you are an aviation and/or history buff. Thank you Mr. Weeks for preserving this history and sharing it with all of us.

[@ckelley63]

Man now that's what I call living the dream!!

[@Bobcagon]

Well sir, here it is 7 years after you posted. Thank you ever so much for allowing us to go for a ride in your P 51. I am 67 and ever since I was a kid I have loved this plane. Took all these years until technology of the internet to allowed me to do just that. You must be a very contented individual. Hope you are still flying.

[@matheusleder1500]

Almost 80 years later and this beautiful beast still roaming trough the skies... Freaking love this plane

[@ioanniszorgianos5299]

Thank you for making me smile again after a period of sadness.

[@Mythocentric]

There is nothing in this world that says, "I mean business" more than the growl of a WW2 fighter aircraft engine and the Mustang is up there with the best! Glorious!

[@rogerbollinger6499]

I was at an air show. When you would bank that plane in for a fly bye the sound on that Merlin wide open made the hair on my neck stand up, no other plane did it like that Mustang. One of the must memerable days of my life. Thanks Kermit.

[@jb-ik8sj]

that was so cool. thanks for the ride.

[@mercury90hp]

I'll bet during the war they pretty much hopped in, fired it up and hauled ass. I would think the ground crew probably kept these things where they could just hop in and go. Owning one of these must be an astronomical price. You are a very blessed man to be able to fly this icon.

[@tysoncomfort4244]

Ya a couple million probably to buy one of these considering there's probably not even 500 of them left flying cant imagine the insurance would cost for one if you can even get insureance and what it would cost to find spare parts or replacements and everything else or to get the parts fixed when needed

[@ThePooppantsman]

Don't know whats more powerful the plane or the mustache

[@ghost_gamer1076]

Imagine what we would be seeing if there were go pros back in ww2

[@paoutooPREMIUM]

Absolutely beautiful aircraft. Cannot mistake that sound;)

[@emantide6306]

Rolls Royce Merlin sound ,during the Rafs battle of Britain was the symphony over the sky's of England .We took on the entire German air force and won .

[@jimh527]

Wow. That will bring a smile to your face.

[@philg2415]

Kermit Weeks, its called living the dream. Other people buy big yachts expensive homes and executive jets. Kermit has his love of aviation and flying. Thanks for preserving important historical aircraft and living our dreams.

[@schonski7260]

This video is the closest I‘ll ever get to seeing that plane. The P51 was always my favorite airplane for as long as I can remember. In every video game of WW2 fighter planes, I either flew the P51 or the Spitfire. Thank you for this video and for preserving such amazing artefacts of history! Greetings from Austria

[@pandconfid]

Man kann auf Usedom in einer Spitfire mitfliegen.

[@texaswader]

Wow! Thanks for the ride! What an incredible machine! Makes a 172 look like, well a 172 LOL!

[@samhenson8177]

love how this dude is in the air and *still* checking stuff

[@edwardschmitt5710]

When the 109 is done I'm going to watch you fly that and then this again....Thanks for sharing with us, I'll never get to fly one but this was really an experience just to watch!!!! Some people with money really now how to enjoy it. But even better you preserve the past and SHARE with all of us. If I had money I would donate to you!!!!!

[@shaneminor494]

When you lifted off, I got a little teary eyed thinking about all the WW2 pilots who flew. Truly the greatest generation. I don’t have the capital$, sense of direction sucks and I get motion sickness. Maybe in the next life my dream will come true. Thank you Kermit, this was amazing. Felt like I was flying the plane. As a mechanic, I can appreciate your narrative about prelube and warmup, etc.

[@ToddBreda]

One of the coolest videos you will find on KZbin. What an experience. Thanks for taking us along! Stallion 51 here I come!

[@jeffreylindsey1757]

What a beautiful Cadillac of the sky and a very informative video sir. A "C" model Wow! That has to be a rarer breed of Mustang still flying. A privledge to watch. Thanks

[@wakcedout]

Hell its a rare scale model to.find it seems. Especially when like me you want to do.up this exact plane he is flying. And the only kits seem to be from back when the red tails movie was out. A time when i was away from scale model hobbying.

[@chumleyshaver7942]

Awestruck by the exhilerating majesty of that take off - jaw dropped, dumbfounded and teary eyed. And gosh once aloft that engine sounds so beautiful

[@peterfitzgerald7734]

Wow, thank you America for producing these wonderful machines that mad the world free.

[@uptightnonchalant1857]

Nothing says fighter jock like a pair of Levi's and a set of new balance tennis shoes. 😜 All kidding aside this is the best P51cockpit video yet.

[@robertallen6710]

@westbender 820 I'll take the flying experience of Kermit...

[@evanleebodies]

Thank the Lord for Kermit Weeks' Hangar and Jay Leno's Garage!

[@123kiwiboy]

The best sounding fight of all time!

[@CdeHavillandMosquito]

I was born to truly love this video. Thank you!

[@kentbullard6917]

Excellent!! I have always been a huge fan of the P-51. This is the first time I've seen this type of video on one. Loved seeing it and thanks for the pre-flight and ride.

[@fostexfan160]

Great vids Kermit!! My partners uncle flew the P51 mustang in WW2. a few years ago he told me what a great aeroplane it was. He is 96 and has dementia now and doesn't speak. I am sure if I could get his son to bring up this video on the laptop in widescreen he would give some sort of reaction like he did when the son wore a spitfire t shirt a few months ago. He recognised the image and said "I used to fly those" and then went silent again. When he was in good health he told me the spit was great for what it could do but the mustang was something else, I seem to remember him saying the range was incredible, it could fly from England to Yugoslavia and back if need be. A different breed of men in those days. Respect

[@crypticcpi]

I really hope you try that with him.. hopefully with a set of fostex cans plugged in :) , the sounds as well as the sights would be very stimulating. The elderly with dementia can react very strongly to music from their era. I could imagine these videos would stir something in him deeply. You should try to video it if possible.

[@haltocarrick5504]

You could also try this video, the sound quality is pretty good kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGGwcqlneK13r5o

[@mcjust4049]

I was lucky enough to see Mr. Weeks fly the D model a few years ago at Fantasy of Flight. What a beautiful machine. He took the time to talk to a crowd of about 50 of us about his future plans and current projects. I had a great day and got to talk to and hang out with a legend for a few minutes. My hat's off to you sir. From one Purdue drop out to another. Fair skies.

[@viccy9355]

It is a great pleasure to see the love and care you have for the warbirds of WWII, for giving us as viewers the opportunity to do the walk around inspections and the front row seat as you fly these great warbirds of all nations. Thank you Kermit and crew.

[@OutdoorswithMarkDale]

Wow, that is a busy aircraft! No copilot to help you with check list. I think that has more knobs and controls for flight than the fighters I worked on back in the 70’s! Thanks for the video, brilliant!

[@jaimevargas3982]

Beautiful p51 great confident American pilot, excellent thank you.

[@rubber-duck]

The P51 is my favorite airplane, so beautiful I had no idea how difficult it was to fly, all the instruments and stuff you have to learn, makes me appreciate the Men that flew these awesome Birds a lot more 😁

[@patrickdye6326]

I have watched this video a dozen or more times, it's fantastic, makes me feel like I'm there. Thank you Mr. Weeks for sharing your love and passion with the world. Also there is just something satisfying about a grass runway!😃

[@samtaylor1010]

After watching, I have came to the conclusion. It needs one more switch and one more gauge. Lol I’d definitely forget something. I still forget where my car keys are. Very professional I’d have to say. I love the mustangs!!

[@VintageTamiya]

What a fantastic video, great commentary, and an in depth look at a marvellous aircraft. Thank you sir.

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

Last time I saw a working p51 in person was all the way back in 2019, when I went with my grandfather to the Chattanooga Airport to see the p51, a pt-17 trainer, a b24 liberator, and a b29 superfortress in action. They were truly amazing, and were in absolutely magnificent condition. It was a memorable experience that I may never forget until the day I die.

[@doittoday1]

Thank you Kermit, I’ve watched this video many times over the years and I even met you once at FOF. I’m glad your passion is not only restoring but also the flying of these great aircraft. Nothing like watching you fly a P51 30’ over my head. Live your dream Brother 👍

[@grahamhardy8499]

I missed the gear going down selection.... tense moment for me in the flair...... seriously though you fly this very well..... your attention to detail, cross check and thorough tactile and cross check again. A pleasure to watch. Your day job must be the airlines 😎!

[@JohnJ469]

I think it's at 6:34 the left hand dives down beside his leg twice, just after take off and at 6:34. After that is the rumble I've always associated with gear going down. (Not a pilot, just an interested person.)

[@olegsher]

This graphic is very good !!

[@GSBroker]

olegsher War Thunder player?

[@olegsher]

Gled ShadowBroker Haha , Yes ))

[@patricklile2723]

olegsher me toooo

[@patricklile2723]

Gled ShadowBroker ja!

[@theflyinggasmask]

+olegsher its the new DCS World update :P

[@mr59767]

Grew up in Miami. Got my private pilots license in 1979 at Tamiami Airport. Weeks Aviation used to be based on that field. One day by chance taxied out in my C172 to 9R behind KW in his P-51. He did a 90 degree turn at the end of the taxiway to do his pre departure mag checks etc. I parked next to him to do my pre departure mag check. Highlight of my day, right? Keep in mind he was the current (or nearly so) US National Aerobatics champion. He then asked the tower to approve a “vertical 180 departure”. Tower OK’d it. I am now a retired airline pilot. To this day it was the most thrilling takeoff I have ever seen. He lifted the P-51 off the runway, sucked up the gear but stayed right on the deck picking up speed. Then pulled the plane straight up and over in a half loop until inverted, then descended down to about 100 feet and flew back down the runway (yes, upside down) and past me again waiting on the taxiway. Pushed the nose up (down?), half roll to right side up and climbed out towards the Everglades. I’ve never forgotten it.

[@abrown4green]

What a beautiful plane. I get emotional when ever I see one fly. My grandfather flew in WWII. God speed

[@davidweigel2238]

I can only imagine the stories he told. The greatest generation for sure. Blessings

[@magrathean0]

I have seen many cockpit videos, but these are the only ones i have seen that work - that give you the feeling of being in the cockpit. You took me on a little flight. cheers

[@skylane1829]

I felt like I was flying the Mustang. Thanks for letting me fly along. Great Video. I learned a few procedures. Now, I can go and get me a Pony also. Continue to Fly safe.

[@Hoodamax]

I don't know what I love more, the intoxicating engine sound or the reflection of the sky on the wings.

[@dalewise5586]

Went to High School with Kermit. Years latter I was south bound at the east end of the Tamiami Airport. A P-38 Lightning rose up in front of me and banked left. Moments latter a P-51 rose up, banked left in hot pursuit. Months latter I ran into Kermit. Reminded who I was and asked about the 2 planes. He said he was flying the P-38. I asked who was flying the Mustang and he replied “my wife”. I about fell down! Now years latter I have had the great pleasure of flying back seat in the Collings Foundation’s P-51 trainer. I was floored at how light the controls were and how quickly it responds to input. I only wish I could afford to do so again (and again!) Kermit, keep up the good work!

[@howardsmith6975]

LOVE THE VIDEO -----just so happened that my wife and I watched the documentry on the Wild Cat last night and I happened on that video and then this one and what a thrill to fly with you in both these aircraft,, I have been flying for over 55 years just got honored with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and was humbled and touched as the FAA gave me the presentation... I'm still flying at the young age of 78 (Astra Jet) hard to ground us old pilots... Would love to come visit your place some time. Thanks so much for keeping our history alive.... Always Flying ---Smitty

[@fontenelle250267]

P51 MUSTANG, The most beautiful fighter ever. Greetings from Brazil,

[@jackleo8726]

THANKU, THANKU, THANKU Mr Weeks. I've wanted to fly in a Mustang as long as I can remember (at least sixty years). This is better than I expected to happen and I appreciate you taking me along. I think the thing that I'm impressed me most was how fast it got down the runway and leaped into the air! I think you were several hundred feet up and on the other side of the interstate before my Cessna would have rotated. I'm 70 now and most of these things are beyond me and I really appreciate the thrilling ride. I want you to know that your facility is number one on my bucket list and I hope to check that off next year. And in case I didn't say it: THANK YOU, Jack

[@loganpollock1689]

Back in the 60's and 70's I talked with a lot of men that flew those in the war. I know that it was quite a chore to fly one of those for seven hours at a time. thank you for making these fantastic videos.

[@themainproblem]

That was just a great video and superbly done. Thanks for producing it for us. Greetings from Arizona

[@madfzr]

Thema inproblem great video! Also from arizona, as well

[@aspensplace3293]

That was fantastic! KW it looks like she is a incredibly responsive plane that loves to fly and responds to the touch. Thank you for the FPV.

[@jimswope4070]

One of best aviation videos I've ever seen

[@user-vr2tx4tt6b]

Pre-flight and triple checks are similar to starting my '64 Dodge Max Wedge 330... albeit a variance in the number of gauges. Thank you for this video. I very much appreciate seeing people not take high-level safety for granted & this absolutely amazing piece of machinery. A true beast of an aircraft & stunningly beautiful at the same time. An excellent pilot that exudes respect & professionalism.

[@wagonmaster1974]

While the Mustang may be a tick more complex, I agree with c. My '61 Chrysler 300G doesn't just start, it likes to be tickled into awakening.

[@nsbob70]

What a fantastic video series. Thanks so much for taking the time to put that together! Nowhere else are ya gonna get that perspective unless you can fly one yourself. SO cool to watch!

[@loneaxolotl]

When I was a little kid I had these four iconic WWII diecast planes in 1:72 scale, the Supermarine Spitfire, the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero and the P-51D Mustang. And my favorite was and still is the P-51D. I just fell in love with it's gorgeous looks even if it was just a model plane; with it's four blades and angular edges. You must be so proud to own these old birds, sir.

[@infledermaus]

The P-51 is a beautiful bird, but I'm a huge fan of the P-47 with its big radial. Nothing sounds like a radial. Easily recognizable. Of course, so is the distinct sound of the Merlin! The pair of loping radials on a B-25 is sweet music!

[@maggsstuckey487]

Honestly the A6M zero is my favorite

[@gr0bbelaar]

Love it. I had a Spitfire and FW-190, I hung them from the roof to make it look like they were engaged in a dogfight. The ropes snapped on the FW-190 and it fell down though, so I guess the Spitfire won that one... I love all WW2 fighters, really, design wise I think that's when aviation peaked.

[@loneaxolotl]

@@gr0bbelaar was it broken?

[@gr0bbelaar]

@@loneaxolotl Not massively, but there were bits and pieces coming off. I never replaced it, though. I tried hanging the FW-190 at a bank angle using office tape to fasten the strings to the ceiling and one day the tape just gave up and the Focke just fell out of the sky. Damn shame, it was.

[@jhoppemotorsports1]

Kermie, you are one of the luckiest, no doubt deserving guys i've seen, keep it flying, i am military, my dad was a 7th grade high school dropout to work on the farm, he taught me everything, including love of airplanes, he built one from scratch the FAA would'nt let him fly, using a lycoming 4 cylinder, his love was for the mustang, it sits in my mom's back yard in the middle of a residential area, no way to get to it, what a shame, anyways, thanks for the flight tutorial , it was a blast, dad would have loved it, i wanted to get him a flight with mustang ops in Florida, but he's gone, might have to do the flight myself and dedicate to dad, that would be cool, safe flights bud

[@KermitWeeks444]

Thanks for sharing. Sorry for your loss.

[@NoSoup4U2]

Sir, THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I waited 58yrs for that flight!! Your bird has been what I've alway wanted to experience flying. I didn't want you to land either!! You made a long time wish come true! Thank you! Believe me, you and I will fly this again. I'm bookmarking this KZbin link at the top of my page! CHEERS! Soup :)

[@KermitWeeks444]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Hope you have subscribed.

[@NoSoup4U2]

@@KermitWeeks444 Indeed!! Btw Sir, that 4 prop passenger plane that was at the end of the tarmac, was that an old Constellation? Never did get a full view of it, but thought I saw it's signature 3 tail wings? If so, I was just a 4yr old grasshopper, but my Father flew me in one he once flew. I remember being up there and all kinds of them, but I wished I could remember that one. Nonetheless, I got one of my bucket list rides yesterday!! But a real flight in two seater P-51....priceless! LOL!!

[@KermitWeeks444]

It is a Constellation. You can check out a video on that, and also many other flying videos if you go through the channels video list.

[@NoSoup4U2]

@@KermitWeeks444 I might only have one good eye, but not much gets past the Soupster! I've subscribed and I can assure you, I will indeed be going through your videos! Thanks again Sir. Keep flying high and keep it 3 greens down coming home! CHEERS!

[@Brink1957]

Bloody excellent, it was like actually being in the cockpit and flying the aircraft! One of the best videos I’ve ever seen. Really enjoyed it. Many thanks.

[@stratplayr6997]

This has got to be one of the coolest things of all time to do! I wish I was so lucky to experience this.

[@jimbateman225]

That was marvelous. You just took me on a trip I began when I was only about 7 or 8 years old. I'm retired from the Navy for 23 years now, and never had the chance to actually fly for myself. The closest I ever came to a P-51 in real life, back then, was with a REVELLE plastic model circa 1955, the product of a saved allowance. That was a great, heart warming video. Thank you.

[@josemauriciofiuzafilho1659]

Nice fly with the "Cadillac of Airs" Mr Commander Kermit! Tanks for your lesson!

[@bigstud98]

Ok! That was pretty neat. Got to remember how to keep this beast up. Keep checking, checking, checking and making sure everything looks right. P-51 Lucky Lucky!

[@jeanjenner4510]

The P51 has always been one of my favorite aircraft. Was lucky enough to have a customer of mine who was one of the designers and test pilot of the original Mustang Mk I. I believe there are 3 P-51 few miles away from my home here in Ormond Beach. They are based at the Spruce Creek Fly-in.

[@elrebanada]

....I could listen to that engine ALL DAY.

[@MrSoarman]

Just told my wife a ride in a P51 would be a great birthday gift.. thank forthe video.

[@ticdelarue]

God I love the sound of that engine. I visited Fantasy of Flight around 2005 when Mr. Weeks hosted our Annual Powered Paraglider Event. One of my favorite memories other than seeing all the vintage airplanes was while flying my PPG around the area during the day was the smell of the Orange Blossoms rising up during the heat of the day. My recently passed Father was a member of Navy Squadron VP-50, 'The Blue Dragons' and served in the Korean War with the PBM's and P5M's. We were lucky when the annual reunion was in Tucson and the Pima Air and Space Museum pulled the ladder up to the fully restores PBM Mariner and we got to do a walk thru. All the old guys were commenting on how small it seemed inside after all those years. Gee, I wish I had Mr. Weeks toy box. His Double, Triple and Quadruple check of preflight and inflight systems is to be admired.

[@TapsaTre]

Awesome looking plane, awesome video. Thanks for the upload!

[@mattwimbish664]

Kermit, thanks to you and all the other owners, air crews and pilots for keeping these amazing beauties flying.

[@ronmartin3755]

Great video Kermit. My father was stationed in England and was a flight instructor. He taught the British pilots how to properly fly and maneuver the P 51B/C in WWII. That is where he met my mother and married her while still in England. Great Video. Thanks for taking your time and making and posting this.

[@black07rr]

Was waiting on you to head towards some train tracks and strafe the engine😂

[@John-yt9mk]

Definitely my favorite airplane of all time. I had a chance to fly with Ho Hun, but the weather stopped us for that day and I have not had a chance since. One day I will get a ride in one. On my bucket list.

[@jimgreene68]

Been an aviation freak my entire life. Father being a B-17 crewman, a POW from being shot down over Germany, I was always a huge fan of WW II vintage aircraft. I knew your name for a long time but never knew of your involvement at Fantasy of Flight. Going to be moving back to Florida next year and can't wait to take my two kids out there to see you. Thanks again for preserving these wonderful aircraft and the folks who used to man them.

[@RAB-om9jy]

Thank you so much for this always loved the P-51 I think it and the A-10 are my all time favourites,started to think about all those young men who flew during WW2 having to the same checks as you did but knowing they would soon be facing combat in the sky,just can not comprehend their bravery. May god bless them all