Old warbirds need a lot of time in the shop

  • By Cory Graff Flying Heritage Collection
  • Thursday, October 16, 2014 8:59am
  • LifeFlight Paths

Owning an old warbird is not all about showing it off at flying events and, as Maverick said, “Buzzing the tower.” There’s lots of mechanical work too.

A look at the logs shows that the FHC’s North American P-51D Mustang flew for about 15 hours this year. And now it’s again time for an annual inspection. Mechanics have much of the plane pulled apart to look over every piece of the vintage fighter and fix any “squawks.” It’ll take two mechanics about two weeks to go over the whole aircraft. So, this year, it’s more than 10 times as many hours “in the shop” than in the skies.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

"Unsellable Houses" hosts Lyndsay Lamb (far right) and Leslie Davis (second from right) show homes in Snohomish County to Randy and Gina (at left) on an episode of "House Hunters: All Stars" that airs Thursday. (Photo provided by HGTV photo)
Snohomish twin stars of HGTV’s ‘Unsellable Houses’ are on ‘House Hunters’

Lyndsay Lamb and Leslie Davis show homes in Mountlake Terrace, Everett and Lynnwood in Thursday’s episode.

Gus Mansour works through timing with Jeff Olson and Steven Preszler, far right, during a rehearsal for the upcoming annual Elvis Challenge Wednesday afternoon in Everett, Washington on April 13, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Hunka hunka: Elvis Challenge returns to Historic Everett Theatre May 4

The “King of Rock and Roll” died in 1977, but his music and sideburns live on with Elvis tribute artists.

2024 Lexus GX 550 (Photo provided by Lexus)
2024 Lexus GX 550 review

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 has been redesigned from the ground up,… Continue reading

(Photo provided by Lexus)
2024 Lexus TX brings three-row seating back to the SUV lineup

The new luxury SUV is available in three versions, including two with hybrid powertrains.

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Jazz vocalist Greta Matassa comes to Snohomish while “Death by Design” ends its run at the Phoenix Theatre in Edmonds.

Mukilteo Police Chief Andy Illyn and the graphic he created. He is currently attending the 10-week FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. (Photo provided by Andy Illyn)
Help wanted: Unicorns for ‘pure magic’ career with Mukilteo police

“There’s a whole population who would be amazing police officers” but never considered it, the police chief said.

To most, tiles are utilitarian. To some, they’re a sought-after art form.

Collectors particularly prize tiles made by early 20th century art potteries. This Wheatley piece sold for $216 at auction.

Spring plant sales in Snohomish County

Find perennials, vegetable starts, shrubs and more at these sales, which raise money for horticulture scholarships.

beautiful colors of rhododendron flowers
With its big, bright blooms, Washington’s state flower is wowing once again

Whether dwarf or absolutely ginormous, rhodies put on a grand show each spring. Plus, they love the Pacific Northwest.

Whidbey duo uses fencing to teach self-discipline, sportsmanship to youth

Bob Tearse and Joseph Kleinman are sharing their sword-fighting expertise with young people on south Whidbey Island.

Glimpse the ancient past in northeast England

Hadrian’s Wall stretches 73 miles across the isle. It’s still one of England’s most thought-provoking sights.

I accidentally paid twice for my hotel. Can I get a refund?

Why did Valeska Wehr pay twice for her stay at a Marriott property in Boston? And why won’t Booking.com help her?

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.