P-51C - First Test Flights - w/ Lee Archer - Flash From The Past!

Here's a great clip from my archives, circa 2001, of when my North American P-51C had just finished being restored and was ready for its first test flights. The plane was painted in the famous Tuskegee Airmen Red Tails scheme to honor the Highest Scoring Tuskegee Airman, Lee Archer. I took Lee out to California to see the newly restored P-51C, "Ina, The Macon Belle," and had him there to watch the first test flights of the beautiful craft. Come on along and relive those great moments with us.
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Kermit Weeks

[@Pilotc180]

Thank God this world has wonderful men like Kermit to preserve our history in a living, flying manner for all to enjoy; thank you sir, and I enjoyed my visit to FOF 👍

[@paddy.7784]

I'm down here in NZ. I'm 69yrs old, and this is my favorite warbird. I've a large poster of it on my lounge wall. Just beautiful. RIP Lee Archer.

[@kevinwilliams287]

Bless Lee and his comrades in arms, great Americans. The pride in his eye the joy in his voice was priceless. You couldn't help but wish him into that cockpit for a few circuits. he flying with his mates in heaven now..

[@flyinhawaiian5848]

Wow, that story leaves me glassy eyed...Thank you Kermit Weeks for making that whole experience possible for a great American, but most of all, a heavenly thank you to Col. Archer for his exemplary service to our nation.

[@pR1mal.]

You can feel the love flowing from Lee Archer, respect to all involved.

[@Tony-xx2vs]

RIP Lee. Thanks for contributing to the fight which gave me, my kids life, freedom and opportunities. Kermit cheers mate.

[@tyates4398]

I cant imagine the terror, the pain of losing friends and experiencing a war of that scale. Imagine you're him, and the last time you saw your own P-51 you were leaving for home, never to see it again, all the countless hours and sweat and blood poured into that plane and just like that it's gone. Then some 60 years later you not only get to see the Mustang, you get to see YOUR mustang, just the way you remember it, and you get to see it fly again before age finally catches up to you. What an incredible moment that must have been for Mr. Archer.

[@donogoobo9992]

I actually got tears to see that old warrior smile. You are a good man Kermit.

[@woooster17]

No greater honour served than to replicate the mans aeroplane.. RIP all the guys who gave their all..

[@jameseasterbrooks5363]

That was such a great thing you did for Lee Archer. A true American hero and one of the greatest generation who protected our way of life and this great nation during WW2.

[@EamonnSeoigh]

Thank you for keeping the dream, of so many people from the past, alive. This one is special.

[@kennysherrill6542]

I had the Honor of meeting many Tuskegee airmen at Minter Field Air Shows over the years. Thank You for all the hard work you do to keep history alive for all of us. Maybe someday I'll tell you my C-130 story how I found myself flying that thing over the Sea of Japan at night all alone. Semper Fi from an old Marine.

[@warrenchambers4819]

Preserving the legacy of these veterans to me is one of the most admirable acts one can undertake. I get choked up whenever I see honor correctly and genuinely bestowed upon these men as I feel it would be a tragedy if we as Americans ever allow their sacrifices to be forgotten. Well done Kermit you bring honor to yourself and make America proud.

[@TheRaptorXX]

Lee Archer, a legend. Kermit, you're getting your name in that book as well albeit a few pages after Lee!! Thanks for that, it was brilliant.

[@hughmcclanahan2048]

Kermit you have honored a true American hero a member of a group of heros. Few people ever battled their own Gov. to get the privilege to fight, defend and die for that government. Thank you sir for your effort.

[@v12tommy]

I feel so fortunate to have met some of the Tuskegee airmen. A good friend of my dad's, his dad was one of the flight instructors for the Tuskegee airmen.

[@cofrbooboo]

My God, what a beautiful aircraft. God Bless Lee Archer and the rest of the Tuskegee Airmen, true legends and role models.

[@TROYCOOKS]

Great tribute to a great pilot and to all of the Tuskegee airmen. And you got Lee to sign the seat too!!! Just wonderful Kermit!!!

[@lutzjarmer4419]

It must have been such an honor and a remarkable moment to present such a hero this wonderful restored plane honoring him and his fellows. I really enjoyed watching this video. Amazing person, amazing job ! Thank you very much for sharing !

[@funkinflugen]

How silly for a grown man to have his eyes well up over a video of an airplane...but I can't help. I am so deeply moved by what you and your team have accomplished and the fact that you entwined Mr. Archer (both the man and the legend) so deeply in to the fabric of this awesome "C" model. While he and the the other Tuskegee airmen may be gone, their legacy will continue for generations to come due to your teams efforts and admiration. Thank you Kermit.

[@ervingoertzen7233]

That really got me , seeing the look on Lee Archer when Kermit did those low passes , what a great tribute ,

[@kblinn68]

Lee Archer is absolutely a hero & a legend.god bless you me. archer.thank you for your service to our great country!

[@iam5692]

Absolutely WONDERFUL....RED TAILS FOREVER.......NEVER FORGET..........LOVE LOVE LOVE.

[@dougvaldivia3395]

gentleman from the greatest generation...thanks

[@fortresstheband]

I bet Lee is flying in formation with his brothers in the clouds of heaven. What a great bunch of brave heroes.

[@odonovan]

Greatest toast ever. And thanks SO much, Kermit, for explaining the fifth kill marker.

[@craigpennington1251]

Very much respect to the Tuskegee Airmen. Outstanding that Kermit gave Mr. Archer that kill on the plane. Love the C model Razor back Mustangs. This Mustang here can get with the program as they used to say.

[@Bill23799]

Thank you sir for keeping these old planes flying. I used to love making military scale models when i was a boy in the 60's. One of my favorite models was my P-51D Mustang in 1:32 scale.

[@Mercmad]

Lee "Buddy" Archer. What a man and a true Role Model for all young Americans!. 169 Combat missions in WW2 and an Ace,DC. And so touching to name the aircraft after his Wife. And,I might add one of the many who made America Great!.

[@JackFlemingFan1]

Thank you for posting your excellent video of your beautiful P-51C Mustang! Mr. Lee Archer and the rest of the Tuskegee Airmen were part of the greatest generation who saved the world. God bless you Mr. Archer and rest in peace.

[@kblinn68]

mr. archer was a true american hero.rest in peace sir & thank you.

[@kimdavis3835]

Wonderful tribute to a great man and an awesome airplane. Thank you so much to the Red Tails for your service to our country.

[@fox2102]

The bond these men shared with their aircraft is something few will understand. You take one of these pilots and put them next to a plane after having not seen one in 70 years and they still know where ever handle and switch is.

[@oldcremona]

Hard to hold back the tears watching this.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thank's so much...God bless you and yours...!

[@math4U1234]

I bet that brought back some memories sitting in the cockpit. Beautiful plane and great job. Keep them flying Kermit and God speed.

[@chuckpreston4981]

Not many things make me tearful, but seeing the legendary Lee Archer overlooking the testing of the best replica of his plane and his joy was one of them. Thank you Kermit, for bringing this gem from the archives.

[@johnkurowski1044]

What can you say. This is why we Salute the flag. This is why we are free. Lee Archer, thank you. Rest in Peace.

[@wrightflyer7855]

Kermit you did so much for Mr. Archer, just as he did so much for our country. Thank you! Wright Flyer, USAF (1968-1972).

[@srmotiarti9639]

GREAT tribute to a GREAT PILOT, a GREAT ACE & a GREAT patriot, together with the rest of the Tuskegee pilotos. Beautiful video. R. I. P. L "buddy" Archer

[@jeremiahgrogan5963]

What a video, loved every minute. Lt. Col. Archer seemed like a great man loved seeing him with his old airplane, Ketmit you sir are a legend.

[@wn6904k]

WOW.....................thanks for sharing this event with us

[@MrIh8hondas]

Goosebumps. Great tribute to an awesome man, an awesome unit, and an awesome aircraft.

[@markcorboy8528]

Words cannot describe that experience

[@weekendwarrior556]

Love the aerial views. Such beautiful background with a matching plane and story!

[@MarkInArizona]

Great video. Inevitably if asked why you did that color scheme and honored Lee Archer -- they just need to watch the video. Explains it all. The smile on your own face says it all.

[@kamanya8346]

"If we all get tickets to heaven, and you don't get one too. We'll give our tickets to someone else and go to hell with you!" Lee Archer

[@pR1mal.]

And with those words, Kermit became a Red-Tail.

[@swfm53]

Thank you Lee. Thank you Kermit. ..

[@jimz68]

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one to shed a tear or two. The toast is what really got me. Thank You, Kermit for sharing this video. RIP to a true American Hero.

[@chksix]

That video brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing.

[@thephotomatic]

Me too... all my respect

[@TheIronbark]

Oh good it wasn't just me then

[@jerryhannah684]

Lees toast to Kermit made me flood.

[@para1324]

A great tribute to a warrior of the first order. I’m sure Lee will indeed be in Heaven. It’s hard to express the respect I have for him, his life and contribution to freedom. 🎗🇺🇸

[@Kuhladestkyicky]

Obviously Kermit has some disposable income. What a marvelous way to use it by preserving history. Thanks.

[@flybyairplane3528]

Kermit, that’s one beautiful bird, , nice to have seen Lee Archer too, I used to see a P51G , for GOODYEAR, it was owned bu an MD, flown @the SUSSEX NJ Airshows, then there was an P51 2SEAT, an B24 Liberator,,& a B17, Those 3 went around to various places , cheers from NJ

[@peterfullard]

A tear jerker for sure Kermit thankyou...

[@BlueBaron3339]

This was one of those rare cases of an aircraft restoration project that transcended the mere product of the process.

[@m0ther_bra1ned12]

Always loved how the Tuskegee Airmen painted their planes. Razorback P-51 looks amazing.

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

I got to meet and know numerous Tuskegee pilots over the years ( one was a gas customer) watching the video brought back many fond memories and tears.

[@jayyoung5423]

Good stuff, the best of mankind....share it now or forever regret....thanks Kermit, masterclass my friend!

[@dbardrones9037]

Kermit that was one of the most moving aviation videos I have seen in a long time! Thanks Corey

[@Whitpusmc]

What a great man! Thank you Kermit for this trip down memory lane and for honoring him.

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Three legends, perfect, thank you, Jeff

[@gooniac33]

One of the few youtube videos that brings a tear to my eye... love everything about the men (and women) of color that served in the War... They gave up so much and endured more than any others did just to prove their love for this country that in many ways still did not want to call them citizens... Pioneers, martyrs and super heroes are what they are to me! Not enough of these men and women in the history books and that is what is so sad about it. Kudos to Kermit for making a very good tribute and is this plane still flying today?

[@the1realanalogman]

What a beautiful tribute to Lee Archer and the Tuskegee Airmen and what a magnificent aircraft! Outstanding video production too! Kermit, you are simply "the boss" in every possible context! Thank you!

[@ohwell2790]

It is sad to see great men go. Through the airplane he lives on for many generations to relive his courage and honor. Lee Archer a true American in the best meaning of the word. By the way lee Archer I am sure there are P-51's in heaven too.

[@olaniyioyelowo656]

Lovely aircraft! well done Lee archer for your efforts in the war! And Kermit's passion for restoring this iconic aircraft is commendable!

[@ohsothankfultonystewart3755]

That was absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much Kerm for your love of preserving our history and what an absolute amazing tribute to the Red Tails!!! Please keep up your amazing mission, and God bless!!!

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you Kermit.

[@jimraq1]

I know I’m probably stating the obvious but put yourself in that pilots place, climbing into that plane after 70 odd years. The memories the stirred emotions and the history going through his mind.

[@Shinkajo]

I guess it depends on your perspective. My grandpa wasn't all that fond of the T-34 after the war. Only memories from there were bad ones.

[@jimraq1]

Shinkajo I understand, I think I would be the same if I had to endure those things. My comment was not necessarily reflecting on positive thoughts although this gentleman was obviously proud of his contribution.

[@Shinkajo]

@@jimraq1 If I was a WW2 ace in the US army I'd probably remember it fondly too. Being an officer, living in the sky, shooting down Germans and then coming home as the victor. Best job to have back then.

[@thephotomatic]

Wow... we can’t forget what this pilots did... that day was one of his bests... good job Kermit & team! Greetings from Spain

[@dapro2848]

This was truly a great video, thank you for posting it. Love the fact you try to keep your planes all original.

[@markthompson8656]

The P51 B and C models are my favorite over the rest. What a Beautiful aircraft, I cryed with joy along we your flight.

[@dougscott8161]

Thank you Kermit, for another great video. I never had the opportunity to personally meet any of the Tuskegee Airmen, although one of them, Coleman Young, had become the mayor of Detroit, Mi. Unfortunately, he was not looked upon very well for his performance as mayor.

[@alwatt9367]

Wonderful. Truly great men, Lee and Kermit

[@donaldholman9070]

You are awesome Kermit Weeks

[@donaldholman9070]

Wow you are so cool. Thank you for sharing. Great plane.

[@BillStelling]

inspiring, he is so happy! Great job guys..

[@robertjohnson8537]

Hard to type thru all these goose bumps, nothing else but to thank you for this moment in my life!

[@TheMotorick]

He was truly part of the greatest generation, and a bonafide war hero.

[@mikercflyer7383]

What an awesome video Thanks for sharing those wonderful memories.

[@laurieberg2880]

Rest In Peace Lee. Thank you Kermit.

[@mm.takeum]

Thank you, Mr Kermitt.

[@PutThePastel]

What a legend. Rest in peace.

[@maureencora1]

Heaven is for Heroes.

[@PutThePastel]

@@maureencora1 yes

[@NavyGuy2OO7]

He was later officially credited with the 5th kill certifying him as an Ace. Seeing his reactions brought a tear to my eye. Rest in Peace Lt Col Archer.

[@kevinking5406]

That was a marvelous thing you did. I smiled through this whole video. Thanks for this one.

[@ianrenshaw6653]

I got chills down my spine seeing and hearing the low fly by! Thank you Kermit!

[@jazzukes]

What an awesome honor! Thank you sir! Thanks to Lee and his family for his service!

[@nissansilviakouki]

Got chills

[@robertjohnson8537]

Watched this yesterday, and again today!

[@BoB4jjjjs]

An excellent Red Tail pilot. Also an excellent aircraft with a good built engine in it. Very nice to see them both, Kermit, excellent work.

[@2e0lgz]

A true hero may he rest in peace

[@winstonmiller4854]

So awesome. Such a great tribute to an American hero!

[@joefrawley5295]

I've never seen this video. It was so well done. I like the chase plane and the editing is great. A toast to you Lee and the P-51C. Cheers...

[@reckemroysrc3764]

Thank you KERMIE. This brought a tear to my eyes. So awesome. 😎

[@ComicalCowboy1911]

Wow! This was awesome! I bet you were more than glad to a part of this man's trip down memory lane! My grandfather was a bombardier in a B-52 and retired Lieutenant Colonel in the air force in WW2! It's such a shame he passed while I was so young, I would've loved to hear his stories!

[@eminye1]

Kermit what you do is very much appreciated, GodSpeed.

[@AlisonFort]

A great thing to do Kermit - must make it all worthwhile!

[@carlnietoweise4653]

Kermit, I actually got teary eyed, even though I'm a 47 fan. There's nothing like the sound of a Merlin!

[@adamwsaxe]

By 15th AF rules, he was an ace and deserved the extra kill symbol on his plane. Dual kills were counted and--in the 8th and 9th Air Forces--ground kills were counted, too.

[@matthewschmalz852]

Wonderful story. Very moving; thanks!!

[@ItalianRain2]

It warmed my heart to see Lee smile. I can't even begin to imagine what he felt sitting back in that plane. Thank you for the upload.