Mustang mania

Flight Journal, Dec 1999

On May 8 and 9, despite the drizzle, nearly 20 WW II aircraft and 3,000 aviation fans attended Mustang Roundup '99. This third annual airshow, put on by Wings of the North, was held at Elliot Aviation at the Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Flying Cloud Airport.

A flight of six T-6s made a grand entrance, flying in formation, followed by solo Mustangs. Several P-Sls also attended the Roundup, along with a BT-13, two T-34s and a PT-17 Stearman. The centerpiece of the event was the B-17 Flying Fortress from the Yankee Air Museum. Several B-17 fans donated $400 each for the chance to fly in the magnificent bomber.

In addition to Mustang flybys, two symposiums that featured a panel of former B-17 and P-51 pilots and crew members discussed the role the Mustang played as a fighter and bomber escort.

Contact Wings of the North (612) 939-1717; www.wingsofthenorth.org or info(info@wingsofthenorth.org.