Ramp Appeal: Go fast, look good

Only one thing will make people at an airshow look up faster than a P–51 Mustang roaring overhead—and that would be three or four Mustangs flying in formation.

North American Aviation designed and built the prototype for the iconic fighter in just 102 days; it first flew on October 26, 1940. The Mustang distinguished itself during World War II for its performance and range; today collectors relish that speed, its rakish good looks—and, of course, the sound. Of more than 15,000 built, fewer than 300 are known to have survived, and about 150 are thought to be currently airworthy. Most have been restored to their military appearance, while others have been modified to compete at the National Championship Air Races in Reno and in other contests.

Let’s make it clear up front: Operating a Mustang is expensive. But many pilots have visited Stallion 51 Corporation in Kissimmee, Florida, which offers a variety of orientation flight packages that allow anyone—regardless of piloting experience—to fly the legendary Mustang. The company also trains new or aspiring Mustang owners, and provides recurrent training in the high-performance warbird that may be required by an owner’s insurance company.

SPEC SHEET

1944-45 North American P–51D Mustang

Powerplant | Rolls-Royce/ Packard V-1650-7
Seats | 1-2
Length | 32 ft 3 in
Height | 13 ft 8 in
Wingspan | 37 ft
Empty weight | 7,635 lb
Useful load | 4,465 lb
Max gross weight | 12,100 lb

Performance
Cruise speed | 325 mph
Range | 1,155 statute miles