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North American T-28 Trojan

Editor — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 00:29:15 +0000

T-28B and T-28C Trojan Aircraft

Danny Richer and his T-28B Trojan
LearnToFly.ca Editor, Geoff McKay receives the VIP tour from T-28B Trojan owner Danny Richer.

Danny Richer was at the Brantford Charity Air Show in Brantford, Ontario. Danny is the proud owner pilot of a North American Aviation (NAA) T-28B Trojan Aircraft. Danny’s vintage T-28B Trojan is an absolutely incredible aircraft!

Military Trainer
The North American Aviation T-28 Trojan is a piston engine military trainer aircraft. The NAA T-28 Trojan was used by both the United States Air Force (USAF) and also the United States Navy beginning in the 1950s. The T-28 Trojan was used as a Primary Trainer by the USAF, US Navy, and US Marine Corps through the 1950′s and 1960′s. The primary function of the T-28 was for the purpose of training student naval aviators.

Two Seat Tandem
The T-28 Trojan is a Two-Seat, Tandem Aircraft. Danny’s Trojan was built in 1956 and it was used by the Navy as a Trainer.

Very Solid Aircraft
Danny comments that “the T-28B was built as a very solid aircraft, and therefore will last a very long time”. The aircraft weight is about 8,500 pounds with two on board and fuel. It will cruise on average at about 200 knots, and it has a VNE of about 347 mph. The aircraft consumes fuel at the rate of 50 – 75 gallons per hour. The aircraft is rated for Plus 6 G’s and Minus 4 G’s.

Aerobatics
Danny Richer is an experienced Aerobatic pilot, and he will pull positive 4 G’s in his T-28B Trojan during loops and other aerobatic manoeuvres such as Cuban Eights.

Huge Flaps
Danny Richer and Geoff McKay stand in front of the huge, solid, T-28B Trojan. You can see the Huge Flaps in the background, and the wing height is incredible. Climbing into the cockpit of the T-28 requires several retractable “foot holds” or “steps” built into the fuselage to assist the pilot in mounting the wing and finally climbing into the cockpit. Once you are nestled into the cockpit, you really begin to sense the massive size of this trainer that is capable of aerobatic manoeuvres.

Paint Scheme
Behind Danny’s head, you can see the dark coloured stripe travelling from the engine exhaust and towards the back of the airplane across the top of the wing. This dark stripe is common on the T-28 Trojans to help camouflage the greasy residue that spews from the huge 1,425 hp (1,063 kW) Wright R-1820-9 Radial Engine that cranks the large 3-blade propeller.

Well into the 1980′s
The North American T-28B Trojan was a 1950′s military trainer that was extremely popular and reliable. The Trojan aircraft were used well into the 1980′s to train military pilots. Retired in the mid 80′s, this vintage aircraft is an impressive and awesome airplane to experience.

Interview with Danny Richer about his North American T-28B Trojan

Danny Richer with LearnToFly.ca Editor Geoff McKay at the Brantford Charity Air Show

Danny talks with Geoff about his vintage North American Aviation (NAA) T-28B Trojan Aircraft.

T-28B vs. T-28C
The North American T-28 Trojan was released with several different variants including the T-28B and T-28C models.

Geoff McKay meets up with Alfred Beam of Fort Erie, Ontario to view his North American T-28C Trojan model.

Alfred Beam and his T-28C
Alf flew his vintage T-28C at the Battle of Britain Midland Air Show in July 2010. Alf’s T-28C Trojan was a huge hit at the air show, and the crowd loved his vintage Navy Trainer.

Tail-hook
Alf explains the primary difference between the T-28B and the T-28C is the Tail-hook on the T-28C model. The Tail-hook was used for Air Craft Carrier Landings. In addition to the Tail-hook, the T-28C model also has a slightly shortened propeller blade. The T-28C became the primary trainer for the US Navy with the need to train Navy Pilots for Carrier landings.

Alfred Beam at the Controls
Alf is at the controls of his beautiful T-28C Trojan as he prepares to take-off before the crowd of spectators in Midland. There were no Air Craft Carriers nearby, but Alf’s meticulously restored aircraft has the necessary Tail-hook (C-Model) just in case!

50 Hours
Since acquiring his T-28C, Alf has accumulated about 50 hours of flight time as Pilot in Command (PIC) of this aircraft. His air show performance was really fantastic, and it was a very, very, windy day. Many of the pilots had difficulty with the strong cross-wind, but Alfred Beam executed a text-book take-off and landing as he perfectly corrected for the excessively windy conditions.

Navy Blue
The Navy Blue colour scheme of Alfred Beam’s T-28C Trojan is ideal for this Navy Trainer. With the C-Model being the US Navy’s preferred model of choice, the Navy colours suit the aircraft perfectly.

Intimidating Size
When you are up close to a North American T-28 Trojan, you are immediately impressed with the sheer size of this trainer aircraft. You can see how large, solid and rugged the huge T-28 really is.

Air Show Match Up
The next time you are at an Air Show, look for the North American Aviation (NAA) T-28 Trojan. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see both Danny Richer with his T-28B and Alfred Beam with his T-28C at the same air show event.

Canadian Pilots
Danny Richer and Alfred Beam are both Canadian pilots, and they own and fly magnificent aircraft representing important parts of Aviation history.

Watch for these Canadian owned Aircraft and their talented pilots.

Battle of Britain Midland Air Show

Editor — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 03:00:48 +0000

Midland Huronia Air Show Preview

Don’t Miss this Exciting Air Show!
The Battle of Britain 2010 Air Show is at the Midland Huronia Airport this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday
July 17, and July 18, 2010

Gates Open to the Public at 9:00 am

Air Show begins at 12:00 Noon

See you at the Show!
The editors of LearnToFly.ca will see you at this exciting Air Show. And it will be a great weekend filled with Aviation History. We were fortunate enough to be invited to the Media Day Preview today (Friday), and the Air Show Preview was AWESOME!

Third Strike Wingwalking
Carol Pilon of Thrid Strike Wingwalking is pictured above with LearnToFly.ca Editor, Geoff McKay. Carol had just finished practicing her incredible Wing Walking Air Show Routine when she took a few minutes to meet with us.

Don’t Try This at Home!
Carol is an incredibly talented, daring and exciting aviation acrobat. During her dangerous and death defying wing walking routine, she was defying gravity, and at times even hanging upside down from the top of her fantastic Biplane.

Pictured here, Carol thrills the media guests as she practices her wing walking routine. Her complete routine included a Full speed dive, Eight point loop over the top, Nose up- Hammer head, Cuban eight around the circuit, and Climbing wing over.

Thrid Strike Wingwalking will be one of the highlights of the Midland Huronia Air Show, and her breathtaking performance will both terrify and astonish the entire crowd.

The Media Day was a particularly windy day, and you could see the biplane bumping around in the air, as Carol walked around the wings. The inverted flying and loops are especially awesome to see as Carol maintains perfect balance and poise.

Yak-52 Soviet Trainer
Here’s Geoff in front of Martin Mattes’ Yakovlev Yak-52 Soviet Trainer. What an incredible aircraft!

Geoff had the pleasure to meet the Yak-52 Pilot and owner, Martin Mattes, just after Martin finished practicing his entire Air Show routine at the Midland Huronia Airport.

Bandit Airshows
Martin Mattes operates Bandit Airshows from Brantford, Ontario. And Martin’s Air Show Performance in his Yak-52 is spectacular!

Martin’s routine is one of the best. His High-G Aerobatics and High Energy Performance will be one of the favourite exhibitions at the Air Show.

Russian Built Yak-52 Aircraft
The all-metal Yak-52 is powered by a 268 kW (360 hp) Vedeneyev M14P 9-cylinder radial engine. For sustained, inverted flight, the Yak-52 has inverted fuel and oil systems. This permits the aircraft to fly inverted for as long as two minutes. And Martin will certainly make full use of the Yak-52′s extreme flight capabilities during his exciting Air Show performance.

The Yak-52 has an empty weight of 2,200 pounds, and it is extremely responsive and well built and designed for to withstand the G’s and stresses of full aerobatic flight. The aircraft can sustain stresses to +7 and –5 Gs, and it has a roll rate of 180 degrees per second!

Talking with Martin after his performance, I congratulated him on having one of the best performances of the day.

Biplanes, Biplanes, Biplanes
Air Show visitors will love the older Biplanes from decades ago.

From the de Havilland Tiger Moth to the Meyer’s Out To Win (OTW), you will see these 1930′s Biplanes up close and personal. These primary trainers and early flight machines are a memorable piece of Canadian Aviation History.

Contrasting the high performance aircraft of today, these slow flight Biplanes are amazing to watch. On a windy day, you can see these airplanes almost stand still in flight.

The Air Show promises to cover a broad range of important and integral aircraft types on exhibit and performing before the crowds.

Bring the Entire Family
Your entire family will love this Air Show. There are exhibits, displays, workshops and performances for all ages. Come early, and enjoy seeing these amazing pilots and owners as they share their enthusiasm for aviation.

70th Anniversary
The Air Show commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the Battle of Norway. This is a rare opportunity for you and your family to experience a day of Aviation History.

The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
LearnToFly.ca Editors, Greg McKay and Geoff McKay, spend a few minutes with David Onley, The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

The Honourable David Onley was also enjoying the Media Day at the Battle of Britain Air Show. The Midland Huronia Airport is host to the many Aviation performers and exhibits expected to dazzle the large crowds expected this weekend.

Don’t Miss the Battle of Britain Midland Huronia Air Show!
For more details, prices, maps and contact information, visit the following links:

Email: info@BattleOfBritain2010.com
Website: www.BattleOfBritain2010.com

Tel: (705) 487-0213
Fax: (888) 611-1959

Location
Midland Huronia Airport

Don’t miss this exciting and rare opportunity to experience Aviation History!

See you at the Battle of Britain Air Show.

Battle of Britain 2010 Air Show

Editor — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:01:38 +0000

Muskoka Air Show moved to Midland

July 17 – 18, 2010, Midland, Ontario
Yes, the Muskoka 2010 Air Show has now moved to Midland, Ontario.

New Venue
Midland Huronia Airport
Midland, Ontario, Canada

Don’t miss this exciting Air Show celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the Battle of Norway. These crucial aerial battles were two of the key turning points during W.W. II securing the victory in Europe.

W.W. II Warbirds
The Battle of Britain Air Show will feature World War II Warbirds and other great Aviation displays. One of the most exciting displays will be the Wing Walking!

Third Strike Wingwalking
Carol Pilon is the owner, operator and primary wing-walker of Third Strike Wingwalking. This aerial adventure at the Battle of Britain Air Show will be incredible.

This is one of the most challenging and entertaining acts, and certainly a highly anticipated highlight of the Air Show. This 15 minute aerial act includes precision flying and death defying wing walking before your eyes.

The Third Strike Wing Walking performance will include:

Full speed dives
Loops
Aileron rolls
Full power climbs
Hammer head
Eight Point Loop Over the Top
Climbing Wing Overs
Four Point Hesitation Rolls
Wing Walker Head Stand Fly-By
Barrel Rolls
Low Flight Fly-Bys
Thundering Noise
Lots of Smoke

Air Show Performers
There will be many other great performances at the Battle of Britain 2010 Air Show.

Air Show Scheduled and pending performers now include:

1940 Boeing Stearman – Third Strike Wingwalking
1942 Supermarine Spitfire MK IX – Russell Group Aviation
Supermarine Spitfire MK IX 100% Replica
1942 Hawker Hurricane XII – Russell Group Aviation
1939 Messerschmitt BF-109E – Russell Group Aviation
1944 North American Mustang MK IV – Vintage Wings of Canada
1943 Curtiss P-40N Kittyhawk – Vintage Wings of Canada
Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin – Viper North
Mikoyan-Gurevich MIG-15 – Viper North
Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association Formation Team
1942 Meyer OTW – David Grainger
Fleet Finch – Cam Harrod
Fleet Finch – Tiger Boys Aeroplane Works
PT-26 Cornell – Alfred Beam
T-28C Trojan – Alfred Beam
DH Tigermoth – Tiger Boys Aeroplane Works
North American Yale – Jim Mattice
North American Harvard MK IIB

More air show performers and static displays are expected.

Thunder in Little Norway

The Huronia Airport in Midland will now be host to many historical warbirds and aviation displays. The move from the Muskoka Air Show, to the Midland Air Show helps show organizers to produce a better air show for the many visitors, exhibitors and performers.

WWII Spitfire Fighter Aircraft
The Spitfire is one of Aviation’s most recognizable aircraft. At the show, you will have an opportunity to fully appreciate this incredible airplane. Air Show visitors will be up close and personal with vintage or replica Spitfire warbirds.

Fighterwerks Inc.
One of the Air Show Sponsors is Fighterwerks Inc. of Oro, Ontario.

Fighterwerks supplies Full Scale Spitfire MK V Replicas. There are quick-build kits enabling the builder to complete their very own Spitfire MK V Replica aircraft in 1,500 to 2,000 hours.

At the Battle of Britain Air Show, be certain to drop by the Fighterwerks display and discuss building your dream aircraft.

Your Fighterwerks Spitfire replica is built using basic hand tools, and even a novice builder will have the instructions and guidance to build their own flying Spitfire.

The Spitfire MK V Replica is available in three kit types:

Parts Kit in Stages
Full Parts Kit
49% Fast Build Kit

Figtherwerks Spitfire MK V Replica Specifications (Approximate):

Wing Span: 36′ 10″
Fuselage: 29′ 11″
Empty Weight: 4,000 lbs
Stall Speed (Clean): 70 mph
Stall Speed (Flaps and Gear Down): 62 mph
Approach Seed: 85 mph
Climb Rate: 4,700 fpm
Cruise Speed: 270 mph
Max Speed: 360 mph

Air Show Sponsors
Sponsors for the Battle of Britain 2010 Air Show include:

Cockpit USA – Suppliers of Fine Civilian & Military Apparel
Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing – Aircraft Refinishers
Canadian International Air Races
Fighterwerks Inc. – Spitfire MK V Replica Aircraft

Battle of Britain 2010 Air Show

Dates
July 17 & 18, 2010
Saturday & Sunday

Location
Midland Huronia Airport

Tel: (705) 487-0213
Fax: (888) 611-1959

Email: info@BattleOfBritain2010.com
Website: www.BattleOfBritain2010.com

Don’t miss this exciting and rare opportunity to experience Aviation History!

For complete details about this great show, contact the Battle of Britain 2010 Air Show.