Thanks for the kudos!

The database is not nearly as complete as I would like to have it, but it is slowly getting there. The infrastructure is in place and working well and that is half the battle. It is set-up so you people can easily contribute what they know, report displayed aircraft movements, etc.

If you are looking to chip in, use the Locator to search for what you know about. Also check out the Rough Notes section. There are many potential locations noted there for which I am looking for help with locating aircraft.

Keep in mind any of the + icons are links when take you to a page where you can chip in your info. Also, you can right click on any of the Aerial Visuals maps to get coordinates for the location clicked. This makes it very easy to provide a location.

Thanks again gents. I hope to be hearing from you via the Locator. 🙂

Mike

I look forward to seeing the new Corsair next summer.
It will also be nice to see it in Hampton Gray’s Pacific markings.
I hope they don’t paint it in the Atlantic camouflage scheme though!

It will likely be a few years before it receives the Atlantic colours. I have seen photos, and it should look stunning.

Mike

Now that will be different sight in the air! I wonder if we can expect a T33 and Tutor to join his fleet?

We tried to say in the press release that VWC was not looking to get into jet operations. Also they are not really looking beyond 2009 at this point. They are not saying they will sell it after 2009, and they are not saying they will expand jet operations either. Right now the hangar is starting to look a little crowded, even with one airframe displayed at the Canada Aviation Museum, and we still have the Kittyhawk on the horizon.

Mike

I just confirmed there will be no Corsair at the Rallye.

Mike

I had some more time to think about your question today. I did another road trip, leaving the house at 6:30 AM. I just got back (9:30 PM). I will have some interesting pictures to share, but that is for another post.

As I indicated, I had some time to think about it. A good museum must have well laid out displays with support text on panels, etc. The placed doesn’t have to be fancy. However… the difference between a good museum and a great museum are the docents. Outgoing, friendly, informative, enthusiasm are all qualities that a docent should posess. I once visited the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica, CA, before it closed. A docent there made my day. He saw my interest as I was photographing everything with wings. He took me on a brief guided tour to tell me about the specific airframes, and when we were don’t he said… “Do you want to see P-47? We have one in the hanger over there…” Do you think I said yes? 😉 After taking me across the tarmac to another hangar which he opened up, he gave me a walk around tour of the P-47. He then said… “We have a P-38 in the next hangar.” He didn’t need to ask if I wanted to see it. Another walk around tour including allowing me to climb the ladder at the back and get a good look in the cockpit. That was one memorable day, and it was the docent that made the difference. I had a similar experience at the Palm Springs Air Museum, and heard many stories from WWII pilots that were docents. Another memorable day. I don’t know if it a California influence or what, but when ever I give a tour at Vintage Wings I try to match their high standards.

Mike