An Ode to P-51 - Dana Brejakova, Contributing Writer & Photographer

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An Ode to P-51

Dana Brejakova, Contributing Writer & Photographer

A few weeks ago, all aviation enthusiasts and everyone who enjoys fast and powerful machines roaring in the sky were finally able to enjoy a movie long-overdue in cinemas across the globe. TOP GUN: MAVERICK has been shaking audiences around the world and almost everyone I know is still raving about probably the best footage of F/A-18s in cinematography ever captured. Apart from all the incredible but also credible action scenes, something else spoke to me even louder - the immense dose of courage, celebration of naval aviator's skillset, patriotism, friendships that go beyond the grave, and the appearance of a two-seat North American P-51 Mustang. And while I have been sucked into "Love letter to Aviation" fever as well and still suffering from it, I decided to dedicate this one to North American Mustang P-51.

The elegant and powerful P-51 fighter that was initially deployed during WWII in the 1940s and in several subsequent conflicts swiftly proved its exceptional war capability and became a legend.

No matter how green with envy I am of anyone who owns and flies this iconic bad-ass aircraft, I get genuinely excited whenever I am blessed with the sight of all those beautiful beasts and hear the roars of the almighty Rolls-Royce Merlin or Allison engine connected to a 4-blade propeller. According to certain sources, there are 300 surviving aircraft of which approximately 150 are flying. And guess what, one of those is located in my homeland of the Czech Republic.

Since my full exposure to general aviation in the USA, I have had a lot of wonderful occasions to be very close to some of these majestic birds and capture a few astonishing memories. Let this one be my ode to the machine that represents a wild spirit powered by the thirst to defend freedom, and to every enthusiast and aviator who spends their efforts and resources to keep some of these gems up and flying.

Starting with "Gunfighter"

Admiring the nose art and prop spinners of P-51 Mustangs is one of my must-do activity every time we get to AirVenture or other big aviation events. "Gunfighter" is one of my top favorites. AirVenture Oshkosh, 2021.

"Gunfighter" rolling on the runway at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2019. It was my first Oshkosh and I was like a kid in a candy store.

"Gunfighter" posing with American flag. AirVenture Oshkosh, 2019.

A nonchalantly placed aviator's helmet caught my attention and I had to have it in the photo for the patriotic ambiance. The paint scheme of the vizor was brilliant because it matched the nose and prop spinner. AirVenture Oshkosh, 2019.

"Gunfighter" taxiing. AirVenture Oshkosh 2019.

"Ain't Misbehavin"

Baking in the sun at AirVenture Oshkosh can be rewarding at times. That day, I was able to get close to the taxiway where several P-51 Mustangs were returning from their flight and I did not even have to elbow fight for a good spot, horizons were clear. Airventure Oshkosh, 2021.

As I mentioned above, I am a sucker for the nose art and prop spinners when it comes to Mustangs. The color combo of red and yellow is pure genius and when you top it with the polished aluminum finish of the bird, I lose the ground below my feet. AirVenture Oshkosh, 2021.

I waited and waited and waited until most of the visitors left the warbirds section so I could get a clear shot during the soft evening light. It was a lovely setting with an overcast which rewarded me with a crystal-clear shot. Airventure Oshkosh, 2021.

"Swamp Fox"

The same overcast evening from Airventure Oshkosh 2021. "Swamp Fox" right next to "Ain't Misbehavin" wanted her nose photo just as well. And who was I to say no?

The Florida sun made "Swamp Fox" glow in diamond blue-ish hues. SunNFun, 2019.

"Gentleman Jim"

AirVenture Oshkosh, 2021. "Gentleman Jim" returning from the morning flight. Every time I read "Gentleman Jim" I immediately think of Jimmy the Squirrel. Where was my gentleman Jim? Oh, yes, he was in the bee hive of exhibitors section shopping for all kinds of specialized tools and discounted avionics up-dates.

Oh yes, the nose art. A hat and a walking stick - every gentleman's best friends.

"Mad Max"

Sneaking up on Mad Max that was rolling on the taxiway at AirVenture Oshkosh 2019.

Mad Max modeling stunning red tones of the propeller spinner. Let me tell you, only a Florida sun can paint such texture and add a volume to a color. SunNFun, 2019.

"The Brat III"

AirVenture Oshkosh, 2019. I set my base camp near the taxiways during the airshows to snap shots in the late afternoon sun. I was waiting especially for those shiny Mustangs. With the Sun behind me I ended up with beautifully illuminated fuselages, just like "The Brat III"

This light green lady does not have a name? I could not find any on the nose. Maybe it was still in the making or being completely re-designed? Either way, beautiful bird!

"Old Crow"

"Old Crow" named after the whiskey and flown by WWII triple ace Bud Anderson in her time of deployment is my second favorite after the "Gunfighter".

Old Crow's nose opening the row of several other P-51 Mustangs in AirVenture Oshkosh, 2021.

AirVenture Oshkosh, 2021. "Old Crow" was tucked in for the night and almost blended in with the grey-ish background when her beautiful red and yellow prop spinner gave her away.

"Little Witch"

Can you guess where I took this one? "Little Witch" was glowing in beautiful diamond hues just like the "Swamp Fox" was. Yes, the Florida sun in SunNFun 2019 struck again.

Royal Canadian Air Force P-51 Mustang

AirVenture Oshkosh 2021. This North American P-51 Mustang had a beautiful RCAF paint scheme which I had to have in my collection. Too bad it was tucked in for the night and I did not manage to get the tiger whole.

XP-82 Twin Mustang

XP-82 Twin Mustang. A rarity.

The only one in the world flying. I was so blessed with picking this spot. Actually, I did not pick it when I come to think of it. Those were our friends who set their base camp far away from the crowds. Aiming for a quiet spot paid off handsomely. I was done for the day and with Jimmy we joined our friends to just sit down, rest, and enjoy the airplanes roaring above our heads. This was the opposite runway from all the action of airshows at AirVenture Oshkosh, 2019 and we were chillin'. What a marvelous surprise seeing this gem taxiing right in front our noses!

PROPS AND TAILS

I know I keep repeating myself but I love love love the propellers on Mustangs. So here are a few shots that sum up my admiration.

To balance the prop ambiance, here is a tail shot. Black and red mustang horses bucking next to each other.

Uh-oh, Dana got hypnotized by the red and yellow again.

AirVenture Oskosh 2019. A shot worth a thousand words. At least for me.

The only time I was able to snap photos was right before the aviators started the airplanes. After the engines started roaring and propeller blades became solid discs, I could barely hold it together. I was moved, I was humbled, I had my eyes full of tears. I could have had solid discs of those 4-blade propellers, one next to another in one picture, but I could not focus on anything. I put my camera down and I was sponging the humbling sentiment that was in the air and it was thick.

And who knows maybe one day I will be able to get even closer and hop a ride in one of these majestic legends and scratch this beautiful beast off my bucket list as well.

By Dana Brejakova, Contributing Writer & Photographer

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