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Lee Lauderback's resume seems to cover
the gamut of aviation. From flying star
athletes around in corporate jets to teaching
others to fly one of the world's classic
airplanes, this seasoned pilot's exciting
career path proves that there are many routes
to follow in the aviation industry. At 14,
Lauderback started flying gliders and shortly
thereafter took flying lessons in powered
aircraft. Shortly after graduating from
college, he went to work for professional
golfer and businessman Arnold Palmer and
for the next 16 years headed the golf legend's
flight operations. Lauderback flew a variety
of business jets and helicopters during
his time there. In the end, the only thing
that could draw him away from the Palmer
operation was the opportunity to do something
that most pilots only dream of: becoming
a full-time flight instructor and demonstration
pilot in the P-51 Mustang.
Flight
Training In A Mustang
During a period of 15 years, Lauderback
has amassed over 5,000 hours in the Mustang.
He's accomplished this feat by serving as
chief pilot of
Stallion
51 Corporation, a company devoted to
the maintenance and operation of the classic
P-51 aircraft. Among his more interesting
assignments has been to act as a civilian
instructor for the U.S. Navy Test Pilot
School at Patuxent River, Maryland, where
test pilot students and instructors fly
the TF-51 Crazy Horse under his guidance.
While Lauderback's Mustang began life as
a "D" model, it was converted
to North American/ Cavalier standards with
dual cockpit/ dual controls, thus earning
the "TF" designation and its distinction
of being one of only 13 dual-controlled
Mustangs still flying. More than 75 pilots
who have graduated from Lauderback's school.
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At Stallion 51's school
in Kissimmee, Florida, Lauderback and his
team provide pilots with anything from a
single orientation flight to a complete
P-51 checkout. But by far, the most popular
program for corporate pilots is the Unusual
Attitude/Inadvertent Upset Program. Lauderback
feels the Mustang is perfect for familiarizing
corporate jet pilots with unusual attitudes.
He explains it has the power and performance
to create just about any situation. Along
with being the only full-time P-51 flight
school in the world, Stallion 51 also has
a thriving maintenance and refurbishing
operation.
Check It Out
Are you interested in learning more about
this aeronautical renaissance man We invite
you to enjoy the following streaming video
interview with Lauderback, who discusses
his past and present aviation jobs and the
nuances of teaching someone how to fly the
powerful P-51.
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