Strap into the legendary plane known as "the pilot
maker". The North American T-6 was used to train generations
of fighter pilots. Known by some as the Harvard or SNJ,
the plane is waiting to give you a lesson in aerobatic flight.
This isn't a mere ride. (Unless that's all you want
it to be!) You'll spend an incredible hour learning to perform
a variety of aerobatic maneuvers. The lessons are limited only
by what your stomach can handle. Each exciting moment will be
captured on video and by a still camera mounted on the wingtip.
Location
Our T-6 Texan flights take off from a small airstrip approximately one hour from Columbia, South Carolina and three hours from Atlanta, Georgia.
The Aircraft
The North American T-6 once served in more than
55 air forces around the world. Designed primarily for use as
a trainer, the T-6 was also used in battle. It served in World
War II, Korea and Vietnam. Some may know the plane by one of its
other names. It's sometimes called the SNJ, Harvard, Mosquito
or T-Bird.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's this cost? An incredible adventure
which includes an hour of aerobatic instruction in the T-6 is
$1050. For other package options, call or email Incredible Adventures.
What are the requirements? You should be
in reasonably good health and arrive prepared to sign a release
of liability. To fly in the T-6, you must weigh less than 250
pounds. Minimum and maximum height and age requirements may also
apply.
Do I actually get to fly? Yes! Regardless
of your experience, once airborne you will be doing the flying.
Remember. This plane was designed as a trainer. An experienced
flight instructor will be in the back seat with a full set of
controls. He will handle the taxiing, take-off and landing but
you get to do the rest with some coaching from your instructor.
What should I wear? Dress in comfortable
casual clothes. Please wear sturdy soled, closed toe shoes. No
sandals or flip flops are permitted for safety reasons. Tennis
shoes would be fine. A shirt with a collar will be more comfortable
so the harness straps do not rub on your neck. Make sure you have
a pair of sunglasses with you also.
What if I'm a pilot? You'll be able to log
your time in the T-6. If you're interested in complete T-6 flight
training, let us know.
E-mail or call Incredible Adventures today for further details: 800
644-7382
FLYING THE TEXAN
by David C. Parsons
As a gift from my family on my 66th birthday
I received a gift certificate to fly a Warbird plane
A T-6 Texan trainer to be more specific
Nicknamed the "Pilot Maker or "Old Growler", they're one and the same
With a 600 HP radial engine up front
A tail dragger, even on the tarmac, pointed to the sky
Painted bright yellow with insignias in blue
A magnificent machine, ready to fly
Although a pilot, I'd never flown one of these
Seen them at air shows and such
I often wondered how one would handle
But never got beyond wondering very much
After climbing into the cockpit, everything seemed to
fit
The stick was right there for my hand
Rudder pedals waited for my feet
There was that familiar smell that aviators understand
Soon, my instructor, Shawn, primed the engine
He called out "Clear", then switched on the ignition
That big radial coughed & sputtered a bit
Then rumbled to life with no inhibitions
Warm up, then down the taxi way we weaved
The run up check was next before take off time
Then down the runway we went
Lift off, then into air we began to climb
When out of the pattern, Shawn said, "Dave, do you want
to fly the plane?"
"I'll try" was my answer, because I hadn't flown in many years
But, like riding a bike, things came back to me
Flying this plane almost brought joyous tears
I was surprised at how responsive the T-6 was
With slight stick movement she responded well
Even the engine noise was quieter than I expected it to be
This was a first class trainer, I could tell
My 30 minute flight went by too fast though
A few turns, some climbs and descents I did do
Soon, though we were back at the airport
After a smooth landing our flight was through
Perhaps, one day though, I'll come back for another
flight
Maybe some aerobatics next time around
For now, I just relish the time I did have in the Texan
A finer plane I don't think could be found
