08/25/2026
Dave shares his once in a lifetime experience: "Crazy Horse 2 is a P-51 Mustang originally built in 1944. Now if we want to get all technical it is actually a TF-51 because that is the official designation given to those P-51’s that were made into two seat trainers shortly after WW II. Many consider the P-51 the premier fighter plane of WW II. Of course, like any topic, that claim is often debated as there were many incredible aircraft built during that time. However, I will stand by the P-51 as the greatest!
I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to fly this aircraft thanks to Stallion 51 in Kissimmee, FL. That’s right, I wasn’t just a passenger enjoying a “fun ride”, this was an Orientation Flight that put me behind the controls performing basic flight operations and aerobatic maneuvers. I am not a pilot. I did take some flight training many years ago which helped a great deal. However, these Orientation Flights are open to anyone.
Of course, sitting in the front seat was Stallion 51 pilot and instructor Brian Norris. He has over 500 hours of flight time in the P-51, flies a corporate jet for a living, and has logged more than 11,000 hours in 90 different types of aircraft. Beyond all of his technical skills and aviation expertise, Brian is a really nice guy. He's friendly and welcoming. He made a guy with little more than a lifetime passion for flying feel as if I were a veteran pilot with 10,000 hours in a commercial airliner. His preflight briefing was tailored to my level of knowledge about flying and always emphasized that we were going up to enjoy our time in the P-51. I cannot say enough about his professionalism and genuine passion for flying this aircraft.
I was handed the controls just moments after take-off and remained at the controls during the entire flight except when Brian needed to walk, or more accurately, fly me through the various maneuvers we set out to accomplish that day. He was also there to boost my confidence and assure me that he was ready to take control when I doubted my ability to execute a loop. It wasn’t the prettiest loop ever made but Brain was there throughout the entire process coaching me through each step and always ready to take control and make the necessary corrections. I’m sure he helped me through that loop more than I’m aware but there was never a moment of doubt in his steady voice in the headset. We performed a wing-over, a victory roll, slow fight and stall recovery, and as mentioned the loop. I flew the plane back to the airport and only when we were at the edge of the runway did Brian take control to complete the landing.
My experience at Stallion 51 was beyond anything I could have expected. I want to thank the entire team at Stallion 51. If not for their commitment to keep these classic warbirds flying (they have several) we could lose an iconic piece of American history.
Absolutely, the P-51 is a brilliantly engineered aircraft with a stunning design that roars louder than her 12 cylinder Rolls Royce Merlin engine. But, the P-51 is more than just a plane, it’s a product of the greatest generation and a symbol of the victories they achieved. It’s an iconic piece of our U.S. history that deserves to be preserved and kept flying so future generations will know, remember, and appreciate the sacrifices of the brave pilots who flew this plane in combat.
Thank you to the Lauderback family and the entire team at Stallion 51 for their commitment to this aircraft and aviation. "
Thank you Dave for sharing your aviation adventure, your Stallion 51 family.
