Freedom Flyers

FREEDOM FLYERS:
1. Thank you so very, very much for fulfilling a dream for me; I had essentially dismissed the idea that I would ever fly in a P-51. The Mustang has always thrilled me, in flight or on the ground. Getting airborne in the P-51 was fantastic. I have tremendous respect for all aircraft pilots, my comrades, and you are among the elite.
2. Your staff and colleagues were kind, concerned and generous. You, Jim, Mitsy are names I recall, but everyone was delightful.
3. Again, thank you, thank you for a fabulous flight experience. Leonardo Da Vinci was so right, some 600 years ago, saying, "when you have tasted flight , you will always long to return".
4. Your 3-fold mission is highly commendable and I applaud you and your associates.
5. Best wishes and God Bless us all.
Sincerely, John Sullivan, WWII Veteran Pilot

I had the opportunity to fly after bidding on the item at an auction. I have always had a love for aviation. Chuck Yeager was my childhood hero. I have read most of his books, so the idea of flying in the iconic P-51 was a dream come true. I knew a lot about this plane and its capabilities, so my expectations were quite high. This flight did not disappoint. The staff were amazing in scheduling the flight and the introduction to the plane when you arrive. The actual flight is an event you will never forget. The roar of that engine is almost more than the senses can handle. The pilot will go as light or heavy on the controls as you want; according to your comfort level. I could say so much more, but words just don't do it justice. An amazing experience and an amazing organization that does so much for this community.

I won my opportunity to ride in this iconic war plane at a charitable auction. Freedom Flyers gives back to the community in a substantial way. The first impression I had upon arriving at the facility was the professionalism of the operation. The hangar where the planes are serviced was immaculately clean and well organized. Safety and adherence to procedures is a priority which transcends into safety for the clients. The process to schedule the flight was seamless and efficient. Several things stood out as first impressions. The first thing that was evident was the condition of the P-51 aircraft. It was maintained in a detailed and thorough manor. The next impression was the competence of the pilot, Ward Cowen. He was thorough in procedures, explained everything that was going to happen, and handled the aircraft confidently and smoothly. While going down the runway during take off, I was struck by the complexity and power of this machine. The Rolls Royce Merlin engine was strong and lifted the plane into the air effortlessly. The young men who flew these planes had to be very intelligent as well as brave. I realized a renewed appreciation and feeling of indebtedness to them for what they had to endure during war. This aircraft is configured with a training control stick in the rear seat. The stick moves with the pilots motions during flight so the passenger can see what is involved with each movement the pilot makes with flying the aircraft.

This experience is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced and it gave me an insight to what it was like back in the 1940's to be flying one of the most advanced propeller aircraft ever designed.

In one word -WOW !! What a treat for an Infantry & Artillery World War II vet. An amazing plane and touching experience. I recall as they flew over-I often wondered what it would be like to be up there in one. NOW I KNOW !!! Thanks so much.

Being an 87 year old ex- Navy pilot, who spent most of his Navy service flying reconnaissance, anti- submarine and air-sea rescue missions, in the South China Sea, during the Korean era, I never expected to get the opportunity to ride in a 70 year old P51 Mustang.

However, on October 16, 2015 I was in the rear seat of a P51 Mustang "Pecos Bill" when the amazing sound of that 12 cylinder engine came to life only to be suppressed by the roar at take-off power, before we lifted off.

Thank you Cowden Ward and Freedom Flyers for all that you are doing for our veterans and I sincerely hope you can continue your good work.

Don Mallon
Weston Lakes, TX

A friend of mine had been advised of the opportunity for a P-51 ride for WWII Veterans at Oshkosh in the War Birds Area. He being Air Force and me Navy Vets, we contacted Mr. Ward on a bright sunny morning and were signed up for the ride of a lifetime in Pecos Bill As a Private pilot for about 60 years, starting with a Piper J-3 and having flown nothing bigger than a Sky Hawk, the anticipation of flying in a P-51 was almost too much. M. Ward gave me a great controlled ride, experiencing the sense of speed and agility of such a great airplane. Going back to my Aeronca Champ provided an extreme experience, one I will never forget.