The Wandering Disciple

From the World War II P-51 Mustang to the modern day fighter F-16 Fighting Falcon, the US Air Force Heritage Flight are a living memorial to the brave airmen that served the US Air Force. Since 1997, the heritage flight has performed hundreds of flights at air shows, open houses and sporting event. Pairing warbirds like the A-1 Skyraider, P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang, F-86 Sabre along side the modern era fighters like the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II in a side by side demonstration of American air superiority. (Photo: October 17, 2021)

The F-16 of the Viper Demo Team streaks across the sky during the Florida International Air Show. The F-16 is a multi-role fighter capable of air to ground and air to air combat missions. For over 30 years, the aircraft has been an integral part of the US Air Force’s arsenal in missions across the globe. The F-16 Viper Demo is based out of Shaw Air Force Base and flies a single ship demonstration and also participates in the US Air Force’s Heritage Flight. (Photo: October 17, 2021)

Like most warbirds, the T-28 Trojan flown by Mick Thorstenson has a long history. Built for the US Air Force in 1951 as a pilot trainer, this aircraft also saw service with the French Air Force and Haitian Air Force. After retirement, it entered civilian status and began its life on the air show circuit following a extensive restoration. Today the aircraft features the paint scheme of the Argentine Naval Forces following a several year stint in South America. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

Slow but deadly, that is the motto of the SBD Dauntless built by Douglas Aircraft. A workhorse of World War II, the Dauntless is the only US combat aircraft to see service from the start until finish of the war. It was also one of the most destructive weapons in the Navy, sinking 300,000 tons of the Japanese fleet including 18 warships and five carriers. The SBD performing here during the Florida International Air Show is the Lady in Blue from the Commemorative Air Force. Taken: October 15, 2021 at Punta Gorda Airport (Punta Gorda, FL) Photo of the Day: October 24, 2021

For decades, Patty Wagstaff has been dazzling spectators with her aerobatic performance that can only be described as an aerial ballet. The queen of the skies has been performing in air shows since the late 1970’s and her flawless display has rewarded her with countless awards and hall of fame inductions. Patty performs in the Extra 300 but is also rated in the TBM Avenger, T-28 Trojan and L-39 Albatros. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

Whether is setting speed records in Reno or performing high G aerobatics above the flightline, Scott Farnsworth is making things happen behind the stick of his L-39 Albatros. The L-39 is a Czechoslovakia built jet trainer capable of speeds close to 500 miles per hour. When Scott isn’t pushing his L-39 to the limits, he can be found as a captain onboard a JetBlue Airbus A321. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

Did you know that Goodyear makes more than tires? Goodyear had an aviation division and was responsible for helping the war effort by making warbirds like the legendary Corsair. The Goodyear Corsair’s are identified with an FG designation instead of the more widely known F4U. While this particular airframe never saw combat duty, today it is preserved by the Commemorative Air Force and travels the country to provide a flying history of military aviation. (Photo: October 15, 2021)