WWI DH-4 on display in Fantasy of Flight Hangar

Our second DH-4 arrived recently, which concludes a trade I made several years ago.  This new addition was built from original plans and represents the only American-built airplane to see action in the First World War.  It was of British design but used an American 400hp Liberty engine.

This is our second DH-4, the first being a rebuilt original DH-4 Mailplane that has been at Fantasy of Flight on display in the Wood Shop for several years now. Part of the trade included several airplane projects I had that were duplicates and supplying 3 static Liberty engines from the many in the collection.  During the engine build-up process, we set aside enough good parts for two runnable engines, as we intend to fly both aircraft.  Unfortunately, we have plenty to do before turning our attention to the DeHavillands but, at least, they are both currently on display until we do!

Kermit

Just thought I’d show a few shots of some impressive Heli-ski landing spots from my recent trip to the Cariboos in the Canadian Rockies.  The Helicopter is basically your chair lift and you ski with a guide that is familiar with the territory, which usually encompasses about 25 square miles of terrain.  We had a good week and left just in time as the snow conditions began to get a bit dicey.

Kermit

I got a chance to enjoy a couple of days with aviation friends on a 200,000 acres ranch in west Texas.  The premise of the weekend event is to hunt Quail, which I don’t think I could actually do because they’re so cute!  They always win anyway!  The shots I’ve mainly observed over the years mostly involve alcohol so it’s mostly about having fun, camaraderie, and telling stories!  I did actually fire a gun this time and hit a cactus but neglected to clean it and bring it back as proof of my hunting prowess!

Kind of says it all!

It’s somewhat difficult to get to the Ranch as there are no airports anywhere near by with airline service so everyone flies there in private airplanes.   This was my third event and the first year I got a ride out in a twin-Beech.   Past notables included Tex Hill, highest-scoring Flying Tiger Ace, and Dick Cole, who was Jimmy Doolittle’s copilot.  It’s always right after the Living Legends event in Beverly Hills, CA so I catch a ride the best way I can.  This year I had the opportunity to fly out from Dallas with Southwest Airlines legend Herb Kelleher and several others in a Lear 55.

Kermit with Herb Kelleher - "Cashew Class!"

It’s great to mingle with other successful and passionate people and learn from their successes as well as share what I’m doing.  I’m a firm believer in networking and the “butterfly effect” so it will be interesting to see where all this goes!

Kermit

Kermit and Dick Jackson with the Sikorsky S-39

Dick Jackson’s 1930 Sikorsky S-39 in now on display at Fantasy of Flight, at least through the Sun ‘n Fun Splash-In, which takes place at Fantasy of Flight.  Dick brought the airplane down before the cold weather up north set in.  It is a gorgeous restoration that encompasses 40 years of Dick’s life and about 40,000 hours of work!  If you can come the day of the Splash-In on April 15th, 2010, you should be able to see it flying!

Kermit

I was honored this year to be presented the Freedom of Flight Award at the 7th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards Banquet last January.  I have been part of this illustrious group of 70 “Legends” for four years now which is made up of Celebrities in “Aviation” as well as “Celebrities” in Aviation.  It’s a unique group of people gathered around their love and passion for flight.

Award recipients this year included other aviation notables as well as Hollywood stars Kurt Russell and Tom Cruise.  Great friend, airshow pilot, and Heli-ski partner Sean Tucker MC’d the event and, after a few comments, introduced the famous Bob Hoover to present me with my Award.

Kermit, Bob Hoover and Teresa at the Living Legends of Aviation Awards

I got a chance to deliver an acceptance speech and got a lot of great comments from people afterwards.  My mother, sister, and wife Teresa flew out to the Beverly Hills event to support me and take in the sights.  This was Teresa’s Legends event but I don’t think it will be her last!

Check out this Youtube clip to see some of the highlights and people that attended.  Teresa and I get a few frames!  http://www.tomkatcrazy.com/living-legends-of-aviation-tom-cruise-john-travolta-kurt-russell/

Kermit

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