North American P-51D Flight - Sarah Rovner

A few years back we had a "Fly with Kermit" sweepstakes, where one winner would take a ride with me in the Fieseler Storch. Our prize winner was Sarah Rovner, who thought she was just going to get a Storch ride, but as things turned out, she got a whole lot more. I was doing some flight demonstrations that day for FoF guests, and I decided to take Sarah along with me in the Sikorsky S-39, . . . the Curtiss Pusher, . . . and to top it all off, . . . the P-51D Mustang. She was pleasantly surprised to say the least. Check out her P-51 flight here. In the future, maybe we'll release some of the S-39 and Pusher flights. Who knows, maybe we'll even do another sweepstakes or raffle sometime. Stay tuned!
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Kermit Weeks

[@cecillanter3207]

Sarah Rovner now is a commercial pilot flying 757 and 767s

[@benjigault9043]

She lives out at Sport Flyers in Brookshire, TX. I sold her a set of jacks for her Baron a few months ago. Very nice, and she is a heck of a pilot!

[@banshee8989]

12:07 "it was the most amazing thing Ive done in my life" Kermit points to boyfriend or husband and says "your not doing your job" . I love it. Kermit seems like a down to earth kind of guy.

[@yamahonkawazuki]

@Cr6479 ehhthe grammar police battalion havent shown u-p here in awhile . youre good

[@willamcombs1106]

I just Love the way she breaks into a HUGE smile as soon as the Power came up.

[@seegurke93]

I would love to fly a war bird... until then I will continue to do line flying the good old 737 800. Love it. Greetings from Germany

[@akie64]

Fantastic clip Kermit, just watching the joy on Sarah's face was enough, really uplifting. What an honour and privilege to fly in such a beautiful machine with a cool dude at the helm.

[@andrewwaterman9240]

That was nice. Sarah obviously really appreciated her ride!

[@jimburig7064]

This is one of the most beautiful P-51s in existence. Every detail is absolutely perfect.

[@GlassTopRX7]

His P51 B\C is pretty mint, painted in red tails colors. The razor back gives it that vintage look with all the polished metal.

[@CraigLYoung]

It's nice to see after all these years that you are still as crisp in your maneuvers as you were in the 70's.

[@alyciamarrison2916]

Its lovely to see, it looks like Kermit really enjoys doing good for other people. He has his heart I the right place what a nice guy.

[@thewrenchreviews9986]

You are a man that makes dreams come true for many folks. Well done sir.

[@robertmalone2745]

The smile on her face...Well done Kermit!

[@56Spookdog]

As much as I love the P-51D the smile on Sarah’s face at the 5 minute mark while doing the flyby made the video.

[@HighFlight2k2]

My CFI from back in the 90's had quite a few hours flying them. He said there was nothing like when you first apply the power. Her expression at the beginning of the takeoff run backed that up. My hope is to someday experience that. Way to go Kermit! And thank you for sharing.

[@n3307v]

Flying is always more fun you when you share it.

[@the1realanalogman]

What a fantastic memory you gave her Kermit! My face hurts from smiling! BTW: Sweet 4 point!!!

[@lancairw867]

One of my favorite sounds in aviation 👍🏼. Along with a radial engine start up and a Huey Helicopter 🚁

[@carlnietoweise4653]

My Da was a P.O.W. in the pacific and I'm gonna quote him: " There's nothing like the sound of a Merlin. ....it sounds like Freedom! When we heard Mustangs over head, we knew freedom wasn't too far off"! Lucky Sarah!

[@mikehalm164]

Yes, Sarah was/is lucky, but in the mid 90's so was I. I flew as a passanger a few times in Moombeam McSwine then owned by the late/great Vlado Lenoch. Every flight was eventful; aerobatics, flying near a thunderstorm, which caused us to divert, land and stay overnight in Marquokata Iowa. Then returning to home base early the next morning after a IFR flight in solid IMC. Another day flying with Vlado, we were on short final into Schamburg IL when I spied a Cessna off the right wing. It was so close that I could see the schocked expressions of the pilot and his pax. I hit the intercomm and before I could get to the do of Vlado the power came SMOOTHLY up for the go around. I stress smoothly because, as I've been told, a sudden and full application of power will cause a slow and dirtied up P-51 to torque roll. Not a good thing to have happen at >400' AGL Finally, while I agree there's nothing like the sound of a Merlin, I'm sure the other side did not appreciate it's music. Nor did I just one time when as a low time Stearman driver I was giving a ride to a friend's father in law. I didn't know that Vlado and Moombeam were lurking nearby. Just as I was pitching up for the flare to land there was a sudden and incredible burst of sound. TUNDEROUS! I cringed, thinking I was about to be eaten by a very big Ham Standard propellar. Just terrifying, but a safe landing was accomplished, despite a very high pucker factor on my part.

[@RunFast64]

Oh yeah....you made her day. You're the best Kermit.

[@angelreading5098]

A kind and generous man,great P-51 ride !

[@B60IN3]

This flight made me so happy for Sarah! Thank you for giving her this thrill. If someone told me I had won such a honor I would faint!

[@nigelohr]

Ahhh the stuff dreams are made of. You're one BIG hearted Aviator, Kermit - power to you, friend!

[@adamwhite3584]

This dude wins at Life. I love it.

[@odonovan]

Fine... I hate her. (Just kidding, but I am SO jealous.) If I EVER got a ride with Kermit, I'd have to show up wearing a t-shirt with this on it. i.imgur.com/TV06XPF.jpg EDIT: Out of 3,000 views, this video has two dislikes. I REALLY wanted to dislike it because of my jealousy issues, but I'll just go pout in a corner, instead. Thumbs up. BTW, I'm passing along this link to the 352nd VFG (virtual fighter group aka online flight simmers), the modern-day Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney. They have been "adopted" as official by the real life 352nd and are themselves members of the 352nd Fighter Group Association.

[@erikjohnson2976]

I would give various parts of my anatomy to hitch a ride in that beautiful gem of an aircraft. P-51D has always been my face. Beautiful flying!

[@4speed3pedals]

One expensive joy ride. Lucky Sarah. Sure sounds different inside.

[@IMRROcom]

Not sure if your messing with us, but for some reason the intercom is inop...but the mic, it is on top or your head... :)

[@KermitWeeks444]

We found it wasn't working while taxiing. That was the first you heard us speak in the clip, so that's where we put the text explanation.

[@crstothard]

What an amazing day she must have had!!! Awesome and pretty cool! Greetings from NYC!

[@jimmcdonald7863]

I love the P 51 Mustang and the beautiful Rolls Royce Merlin engine

[@mindblownwatcher8536]

Kermit giving her a Top Shelf ride! What a day of a lifetime she had.

[@wn6904k]

Lucky lady !!!!!!! Love the Mustang and the sound of the rolls.................thanks for posting this at last

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

You are truly a man among men, and the epitome of "paying it forward" My hats off to you sir. P.S. I think the 51 helps too...lol

[@tf51d]

Always love watching your Mustang videos, I flew one of those Low Level Passes over FOF with Lee Lauderback on Crazy Horse back in 96, you can really feel the speed of the Mustang flying that low!!

[@5xls]

Awesome Kermit! And young lady, you have just lived my dream.

[@ryanj7517]

That Merlin paired with that airframe is just magic.

[@KerboOnYT]

That grin on her face when you throttled up for takeoff, awesome 😀

[@larsfredriksson2218]

You can see this an expertens pilot mimicking Kermits head movements in the turns.

[@kevinpenner7125]

Wow, she really did,, neat.

[@Promethesis]

That was one lucky gal! Thanks for sharing Kermit!

[@Mr.XJ.96]

Sign my Ass Up!!!!Id give my Left Arm and Right Nut to Fly with Kermit !!! A Flight with Kermmie in his Mustang IS on my Bucket list. My three Heros are Kermit Weeks Gabby Gabreski And Robin Olds..... Mr. Weeks Sir you are AWSOME.

[@4351steve]

Sarah has a great story in aviation. I first met her on Facebook after she got out of the service. It has been a lot of fun to watch her begin by getting her Private Pilot certification and move into the role of Professional Pilot.

[@cbcalk]

Wow! Kermit, you made some dreams come true that day. What a wonderful experience. Outstanding!!

[@martinsorra6529]

O.....M......G! I would give just about anything to be in her seat. AMAZING!

[@wuriyanti9060]

Hi Kermit weeks. I,am sascriber from Indonesia .I everyting waiting your video on youtube! Good bles you

[@KermitWeeks444]

Thank you, and thanks for subscribing.

[@mattf49006]

the look on her face @ 2:27 says it all

[@capnpete1154]

Color me green with envy! Congrats, Sarah!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

She was a champ for sure....Thanks Kermit...Flying was my greatest freedom ever over the sky's of Vietnam l miss it.....l will be 77 years old soon...Thanks again my friend...!!

[@dlsmallenginerepair]

What a lucky lady!

[@bingnowtv]

Ok, I won't say anything until I get over there and find you... LOL (kidding) How many planes in one day? Awesome stuff. Lucky Lucky Lucky day right there!! Thanks so much for all of your flying videos. I grew up close to Van Nuys Airport as a kid and loved watching the planes come in right from the backyard... and NO, you can't talk over a C-130 coming in for a landing. LOL The Air National Guard was Van Nuys back in the day. *1st time I went to Fantasy of Flight you just flew overhead and landed the Stork. I got the tour of your awesome airplanes & Museum and then (hint and praise for you) I had the best Tuna Salad Sandwich and fries & a coke I had ever tasted. The gift shop was so cool also. 2nd time I stopped in, place was closed but you had a surprise book signing & I was lucky enough to meet you and get the book for my friends kid. Can't wait to visit again, but without a mask on would be nice! best...

[@FroggyFrog9000]

Really awesome flight!! :)

[@dalecomer5951]

Excellent audio. A seventeen yo fighter pilot? In what air force? My mom's youngest sister's husband joined the USAAF shortly after graduating from high school in 1942. He was accepted for pilot training and flew his first combat sortie in a P-47D on D-Day the 6th of June in Normandy, one day before his 21st birthday. Nearly two years of training. The only way there could have been a 17 yo pilot is if he had lied about his age and somehow got a parent or guardian to go along or forged a signature. It did happen. There was someone who joined the USAAC in the late thirties at age 15 and spent some time in the enlisted ranks before he was accepted for pilot training. During WWII he became the youngest brigadier general in the USAAF up to that time.

[@Tac0caT0]

The story of Cripes Amighty, and George Preddy is both amazing and sad. It’s pretty cool to see a P-51D that pays homage to his story!

[@sgtstedanko7186]

My old flight instructors grandpa was the pilot of Cripes Amighty

[@eamo106]

I cannot even speak. Hug/high five, I would have swamped you ! Please do it again , I will buy /cheat/steal to obtain every ticket . What a tremendous gesture by you and how lucky Sarah was to win ! Done tiger moth and AT-6 at your neighbors but FOF is the best ! What are your highlights for 2020 Kermit ?

[@pittss2c601]

That V12 sounds like crap on start up. Typical of aircraft piston engines. They all run rough. My Lycoming’s have always run rough especially the 4 cylinder versions. I’ve also had lots of power offs with them. His Curtiss Pusher looks like a blast to fly if the engine doesn't quit. I met Kermit once at his Fantasy of Flight when it was open. I have also seen him at Oshkosh numerous times. He is an outstanding pilot. His Pitts flying background made him an exceptional stick & rudder pilot. I would rather fly in a Pitts with him. Flying a P51 out of a grass strip is the only way to go! I love how he lands with the canopy open.

[@Gary.7920]

Kermet, I am sorry, but your smile while making those High Speed Passed is not near big enough...

[@espr7564]

Lucky her 🙂👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@MARKLOCKWOOD2012]

Her facial expression says it all 😁

[@kato1ist]

That is one lucky lady good old Kermit making dreams and fantasies a reality every day like Kermit would say hey somebody’s got to do it May the spirit of Charles Lindbergh and Howard Hughes always keep you airborne Mr. weeks

[@CatalinaThePirate]

FanTAStic! If anything, her big, wide grin is enough, but to be able to experience this vicariously through a camera in the cockpit, well... Mr. Weeks, you are a class act.

[@marinussnijder7941]

Kermit it must feel absolutely great to share this passion for flying a P51 mustang. I could see youre Joy behind the concentration on youre face. Nice!

[@Steve-xf4uv]

That is one beautiful machine; and you are a helluva pilot. Great video and if you have another sweepstakes, I'm in !!

[@USNVA11]

Flying with Kermit in a P-51 ... awesome ! The smile on that lady’s face during and after the flight .... priceless ! 😃

[@warrenchambers4819]

Long live George Preddy. And our other hero Mr kermit Weeks. Thank you Kermit for all you do.

[@bradsparks6008]

Kermit you are a legend flying p51s and plenty of other unique aircraft. I cant even imagine waking up walking into my own hanger and getting my p51 out

[@billyost1479]

There is no greater hero aircraft, no greater sexy aircraft than the P-51 Mustang. Still the number fighter of all time.

[@whotknots]

Full marks to you Kermit, the range of expressions on Sarah's face are eloquent of absolute delight and her obvious joy is infectious. It was Immensely pleasing to read that she has gone on to a successful career in aviation! How pleasing it must be for you to know you contribute to the dreams of others who love all things aviation related coming true.

[@garypugh1153]

Now for a real flight in a cessna 150....😎

[@williameudy6615]

Gary Pugh 😂

[@tenlittleindians]

How about a video of you flying that ultralight you got on floats while scud running some of the Florida waterways? The view would be great!

[@blackbirdpie217]

I think including all the other planes was a great idea. I'd also love to ride in the Curtiss.. pretty cool all of them.

[@chevychase3103]

If that was me along for the ride I would have had to pick the bugs out of my teeth when he open the canopy from the constant grin!

[@pwrplnt1975]

What an AMAZING aircraft and my favorite warbird!

[@haroldmclean3755]

Lucky Girl ! lol👍😀

[@brianduval8664]

Hey Kermit, how do you not have a big 'ol smile flying that amazing warbird?!?

[@larryepperly4172]

Thank you kermit,the perpetual smile on sarahs face ,i do fantasize it was me.

[@SevenRavens007]

Great to see wealthy guys sharing the enjoyment with regular people.

[@crawford323]

WOW what a fortunate fun thing to happen. Very jealous.

[@-AV8R-]

I just had lunch with her today at the Bombardier Safety Standdown and commented that I see her everywhere. If she's not ferrying an aircraft over the Atlantic, she's piloting a Boeing to Europe, or writing a piece for Flying magazine...and now she's flying in a P-51D in Florida! I said that she must have clones because she's everywhere!

[@merlin51h84]

Know exactly how she felt. It was certainly a huge buzz for me when I flew in a 51. One of life’s greatest pleasures!

[@kencohagen4967]

When's my turn??? She's so graceful in the air. I'd be begging for a barrel roll, loop, and split S, maybe an emmelman! Whatever the plane was capable of, including coming in from behind the hangar and buzzing the crowd at full throttle! Honestly, Kermit is one hell of a nice guy. His love of aircraft and the mission of sharing his collection with people is incredible. Thanks for preserving these grand old ladies so the my kids and some day my grandkids can see them. I'll never forget my first trip to the Air Force Museum in Dayton Ohio. I discovered the world of aviation and fell in love with a P39 they have one display. During my last trip she was still there but needed a major cleaning, and 30 years after my first trip almost to the day, I fell in love with so many more aircraft. I talked to one of the museums volunteers who gave me a look inside a B24 named Strawberry Bitch and a B 29 like the one he flew in during WWII. He had so much he wanted to share. I could have stayed there all day, but my wife would get bored as hell, although she went through the POW exhibit with a fine toothed comb. No Doubr Kermit loves these aircraft as much as any enthusiast! Thank you Sir!

[@thurin84]

damn! lucky girl sarah!!!! im od#7 with envy lol.

[@micahjamesfilms]

With great mustache, comes great piloting.

[@lilgeos777]

Gotta love that p-51! Must of been a helluva ride!

[@chrispalmer5662]

Love the way you share your stuff K..... :)

[@Tree_Dee]

I love the song that Merlin sings as he passes by.....

[@joetexas1546]

I would have preferred a Storche ride and touch-ang-gos at the RV field!

[@maxlever9196]

That's a happy lady. Kermit, you have flown so many different types, what is you favorite plane to fly, and why?

[@Paughco]

Kermie: You definitely showed class on that one! Also, I like the way that your airplane, even though it's a two-seater, doesn't have that bulbous canopy that many of the two-seat conversions have.

[@Tuleyne]

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I've never wanted to be anyone else; but if I did, I'd want to be Kermit.

[@imvandenh]

Kermit Weeks is the man among men all the others wish they could measure up to.

[@dan_1003]

Kermit, that was fantastic...P-51 Mustang “Cadillac of the Sky” I can't wait for my next trip to FL...here I come FOF.

[@alanh8101]

Nice video Kermit 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@jerrytee2688]

Yes, please release the other footage, she looked so happy in this video. Great job.

[@iam5692]

That is just freeking awesome.

[@willythewave]

I Love You Kermit Weeks. :)

[@brucelund5788]

Pretty cool, INDEED!!! A dream day!

[@ReZiN8R]

Thanks for the vid. That engine sounds beautiful!

[@cliffleigh7450]

Sounds a lot better outside than inside!

[@dronemonkey2038]

What an incredible day out.

[@chrishigdon1070]

that was nice kermit and she had a big smile

[@Buck1954]

Bucket list to ride in a P-51D

[@pushyred]

That's one lucky lady!

[@mauriziocuppoloni4392]

AVREI VOLUTO ESSERCI IO!!!!!! SIG SIG SIG

[@martinsorra6529]

What a great gal Miss Rovner is :)

[@motorTranz]

Very classy! Thank you.