Re: NNG-Rare SBD Dauntless in Flight-G. Scholl

Glad you guys knew the historic connection to this aircraft and the Battle of Midway. While our torpedo squadron was getting smashed the dive bombers went to work and hit their marks. This is the first one I ever saw in person. Got it landing, as it arrived, then one flight on Friday on the same runway, but taking off toward me, then two flights on Saturday. Everyone wanted to fly in the P-51, even if it was $700.00 more than the Dauntless. Can't say I blame them as the P-51 has the "Cool" factor. We wondered if some guys still had dry britches after their flights!!!
During the day one of the CAF guys jumped in the back of the SBD and got the machine gun out. For those that do not know it was a two man crew and the second guy was a gunner who faced backwards with a pair of 50 cals. Watching them Saturday, the gun was retractable from the back of the seat.
The seat could be reversed apparently cause the guy was facing backwards with the gun, but riders faced forward each trip. I got that on video, so someday if I ever do anything commercially with all this I can include it in the narration and show the guns which was nice to see.
I still see Charlton Heston diving on that Carrier in the movie "Midway". Went to see that with my dad when it came out in theaters. What a cast it had too!!
And yes this stuff is a real challenge to shoot on video. I tried some of the low passes hand-held, and could usually shoot landings on the tripod. Each had its pluses and minuses!!! I actually got some better ones than perhaps the ones I put in this little sampler. The T-6 was pretty exciting as well.
Wish I could take a P-51 or a B-25 to Chama....is their strip long enough?? Yes we are in OHIO!!! Got the letters right this time, eh!!
Greg