I found this WWII aircraft outside
Martin Aviation in early October 2006. I had never seen one up
close before. Our aircraft builders have had a good reputation
since the Wright brothers. It makes one wonder what this
particular aircraft's contibution was during the war. The plane
was on the ground most of the week it was at John Wayne Airport.
While working around the new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting station
(ARFF 33), I witnessed the P-51 taxi by from between the
buildings. I did not see much of the takeoff. Soon I was at
the taxiway edge and the pilot re-entered the landing pattern and flew
100 feet above the main runway at 200 mph. Those of us who saw
this were astonished. I did try to do some research on this P-51,
but could not find much. If you or anyone you know have any
information on this plane or her owner, please let me know. Maybe
I'll stop back by Martin Aviation and ask them.
Below left, the B-17 starboard wing is visible.
Below, the nose of the B-17 is reflected on the port side of the P-51.
I have many other shots from SNA of various aircraft, some interesting
planes themselves or commercial aircraft with unique paint
schemes. I will try to post these in the near future.
