P-51 Pilot Stephen Ananian

After his first P-51 ride since May 1945, pilot Stephen Ananian discusses flying one of WWII's signature aircraft. 

"First of all, it was a very fast aircraft," said P-51 pilot Stephen Ananian in an interview at the WWII AirPower Expo 2016. "Straight level top speed was 475 miles an hour."  

In addition to his interview, Ananian flew in the P-51 Gunfighter, his first time in the plane in 71 years (see above photo).

"That was a thrill," he said. "The whole thing brought back memories, and I was please to be there." 

Watch the full interview below.

 

 

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WWII Air, Sea & Land Festival

Warbirds in flight, tanks on parade, PT-305 in the water. October 27-29 at New Orleans Lakefront Airport. 

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