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TRARON |
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T-6's and BT-13 on the Culpepper Flight Line
Warbirds in the Sky World War II aircraft in tight formation were seen in the skies over Culpeper recently. A training clinic focusing on flying planes in close formation brought in instructors from as far away as Atlanta, GA, all part of the CAF Training Squadron One (TRARON). Students included pilots from the Mid-Atlantic area. The National Capitol Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force, based at the Culpeper Airport (CJR), both hosted and participated in the event, with the full support of the CJR staff. The TRARON instructors cited both the NCS and airport staff as having provided an excellent venue for the training. During the 3-day training, formal lectures and briefings were followed by multiple four-ship flights. Pilots, with qualified instructors in the back seat, practiced traditional military skills, aimed at a quali! fication level that will allow them to demonstrate these techniques at public air shows. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of military aircraft in a flying condition. The National Capitol Squadron is the local unit of the CAF, which opens its hangar/museum to the public on the second Saturday of each month, from 9-4. The squadron's warbirds will be featured at the Culpeper Airfest in October. Article sent to CAF for Contrails: TRARON at Culpeper National Capitol Squadron hosted a TRARON Formation Clinic at the Jethro Airport, Culpeper, VA, on March 24-26. Three T-6 Texans and a 600hp-powered BT-13 Valiant were used in the training of four formation pilots: COLs Tom Malone, John Koelbel, Mike Hogan and John Fuentes. TRARON instructors Skipper Hyle, Rick Hosking and Morris Ray provided a ground school and airborne instruction. Formation training and qualification is! required as a prerequisite for formation flying in airshows. T he new hangar housed all visiting aircraft, filling the 10,000 square feet with seven vintage warbirds. Squadron members who provided operational services were COLs Elliott Levy, Paul Miller, Dave Whitbeck, Al Shirley, Ray Heller, Don Weeks, Lou & Carolyn Ridley, Norm Birzer, TR & Carol Proven Bill & Eileen Douglas. COL Grover Amick and his wife Rozelle provided a sumptuous feast throughout the weekend. National Capital Squadron operates a Stinson L-5 Sentinel and a Vultee BT-13 Valiant. Members of the squadron own: (3) T-6 Texans, de Havilland Chipmunk, L-4, YAK-3, L-39 and a Sea Harrier. (Well…..it isn't really the "Jethro" Airport. I just thought we should get some CAF mileage out of the name of our home base.) Norm Birzer National Capitol Squadron
Rick loved lunch!! Everyone was all ears.
Morris Ray and Mike Hogan Rick Hosking and Tom Malone
Mike Hogan and Tom Malone coming up the line
Mike Hogan to mount with Skipper Hyle John Koebel and Skipper Hyle
A very beautiful hangar |
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