September 30, 2007

Hi Gina,

One of the most exciting things in my life was to take this flight.  After having bought one for Ed, he bought one for me.  I'm retired Air Force and riding in a piece of my military history was the most remarkable things in the world.  Almost like being transported back in time.   Just a wonderful experience and wonderful people.  The whole experience was spectacular.  Thank you!

Margie Skuravy

August 30, 2007

Hi Gina,

Just want to thank you again for a great flight.
The weather turned out nice just for us.
It was really wonderful to fly the same aircraft,
the AT-6G, TA-330, that I took my orientation ride
at the start of my USAF pilot training in Class 52G.
at Spence AB, Moultrie, Ga. on November 5, 1951. The
experience today is one I'll never forget. I really
liked that I got to fly the aircraft myself with you
giving me instruction just like my Spence instructor
did. It was great fun to do again some of the dual
acrobatic manueavers like we did in training there at
Spence. Overall the experience was excellent and I
highly recommend anyone to take a flight with you.
Your approach to the landing and the wheel landing was
great.

Otha H "Skeet" Vaughan Jr
Lt Col USAFR-Ret

I think I have finally come down to earth after my Biplane flight on Aug
19th. My wife gave me the flight as a Christmas gift. I have not had so
much fun in years. My uncle had an Aeronca Champ when I was in my teens
and he let me have the stick very briefly once…. But with the Biplane
flight I actually felt that I was flying the plane. What a terrific
experience for me. I am now thinking of my next flight with you….at
least 30 minutes, maybe more. And Gina, I will do a roll the next time.
Thanks again for such a meaningful experience.

Sincerely,

Lloyd Norman
lnorm@crosslink.net

Be Safe,
Marlene

February 7, 2007

Hi everyone!

I wanted to get back to you all at WarBird Sky Ventures since my flight a few months ago in Gallatin, TN.I saw the News 2 spot they ran a while back and captured it to my computer, using my video editing software saved it to show others and even put it on my website for all to see!

 I simply wanted to tell you all I had such a GREAT time that day! It will never be forgotten and looking forward to the next time I can do it again (this time longer then 30 minutes) Thanks to you all, my dreams of actually flying a real war plane and aerobatics has finally come true!

 After buying the VHS Video Tape, I took it home and captured and edited the whole thing digitally adding graphics, music, along with the normal audio. Cleaned it up a bit digitally enhancing the quality of the VHS tape, and then finally mixed it down to a pure menu driven DVD!

I burned an extra copy for ya’ll too and will mail it to you just because I want to. It may be a cool DVD to play while people are waiting to fly, I simply love it! I added ya’lls company logos to the beginning and the end and even your website address and phone number to the DVD so now it’s looks very professionally done. I love video editing! :) And just had to do this one for sure!

Just wanted to THANK YOU ALL once again for a simply mind blowing, awesome and in the words of Gina “Groovy” experience! Can’t wait to do it again soon! :)

Have a great day!

Shawn Startup

September 5, 2006

Hi, Gina and Sam -

I tried to e-mail you last night when I got back home and my feet still weren't wanting to touch the ground to give you both a big "thank you".  Got a "mailer-daemon" error, so I'm trying again.

Wish there were more words in my vocabulary to describe my feelings of anticipation as I awaited getting to fly in the AT6 and my feelings of fruition as it all came about.  I'm overly analytical in some respects because I didn't want the thrill to be over and come back to earth again.

Gina, you know where I live now, since we flew over my house and the neighbors where everyone there, my mother-in-law who lives with us, and Jim, Joyce, Niki and Devon Hunt were all out watching the skies.  Devon 's the 4 year old I told you about who had been standing out in the yard so long waiting for us.  I was told later that they were all out in their backyard waving white towels up in the air at us! 

My Mama and Daddy are still living, 83 and 84.  Daddy was a WWII veteran, served in the Army as a mechanic in the South Pacific in Guadacanal and the Phillipines, working on jeeps and trucks and whatever else they put him to working on.  He tells a few stories, has told my Mama a few more that she's let slip over the years.  But, he doesn't talk about it much, even when asking him about it.  He has quite a few pictures from those days during the war in the South Pacific and Mama has been quite a historian and archivist.  I've had her get out all his and her WWII memorabilia to show to me and my sister and our children and grandchildren.  Especially around Veteran's Day. 

Daddy was transported once during the war in an aircraft of some sort, and hated it.  He arrived in Guam on a ship and talks about the stench from all the seasick soldiers.  Says they waited out in the ocean for a while before they could go ashore and that led to much anxiety, and more seasickness, and "homesickness",I'm guessing.  Mama has told me stories about things he has told only to her about the stench of the dead bodies they had to cross over as they went ashore into Guadacanal.  So, I think the company that my Daddy was with was deployed right after the Battle of Guadacanal. 

One Father's Day for my Daddy, I gave him Tom Brokaw's book entitled "The Greatest Generation".  I told him when I purchased it, that I saw another book about the Battle of Guadacanal and thought about getting that instead.  He told me a little then about being on a ship awaiting the battle to end so he could go ashore and he said, "I didn't have much to do with that."  To me that was such an humble statement.  He was there.  He was out in the ocean, the bay, whatever, he could hear the fighting.  He could smell the smells.  He could see what was going on around him.  He must have seen the planes, seen and heard the fire power.  And went ashore to a horrific environment that challenged all his senses.

As a child, we'd watch the old war movies with John Wayne, Audie Murphy and others and after the movie was over, Daddy would tell just a little about his time in the Army during WWII.  There were pictures of my Mama in a grass skirt he had brought her back from the islands, which really embarrassed her, but she'd still let out a little giggle all the same.  

Mama has a scrapbook filled with ration stamps, pictures of her and Daddy, telegrams from him with certain portions censored out, and Daddy's medals.  And they still have Daddy's Army uniform which has held up very well.   

And then there's a story from Mama's younger days.  She was raised on a farm in Trousdale County .  She told me about the first airplane she at first heard, then saw coming over the hill in front of their house in "Woodmore Holler".   She had gone to the spring to fetch water.  As she was walking away from the spring with a full bucket of water in each hand, she heard a strange noise.  She looked up in the direction from whence the noise came and then saw something in the air.  It took her by complete surprise and she started running, water sloshing out of the buckets, and said she was so scared that she jumped the fence between the spring and the house, flatfooted, she added, and landed on the other side still with some water in the buckets to take back to the house.  That was her first experience of seeing an airplane.  I have a vivid picture of that in my head and would have loved to have seen that first hand!  If only we had a time machine!  (Oh, yeh, we do.  We've got the North American AT6!)

Daddy had never been out of the Middle Tennessee area until his service time.  Neither had my mother.  There are some wonderful stories from the two of them about the times of the Depression and WWII.  Mama graduated from high school in Trousdale County in '42.  Her senior year, December of '41, at school, she was listening to reports from the bombing of Pearl Harbor and heard firsthand the speech of FDR, "the day that will live in infamy".  She and Daddy married in '42 and he immediately went off with the Army and she didn't see him for 2 years. 

Daddy came home, and my sister, Sandra , was born in '46.  I came along later in '51.  And I've always been interested in things to do with WWII. 

When I was really small, we didn't have a car, and a neighbor took us at Christmas time to Nashville to the airport.  For a donation of a toy, we could get into the airport parking area (I'm guessing it was there near Smyrna, National Guard terminal where the big transport carriers are) and watch "Santy Claus" parachute from a plane.  There were lots of old WWII planes there to see.  (Which in the 50's, weren't so old, were they!)  I was in awe.  From there, we went to the Parthenon and saw the nativity scene and there was an old plane there, too.  In the 60's, on school trips to the Parthenon, I'd see that old plane down there again.  Was always intrigued by it.

So, I'm sure you've enjoyed this long, long story about my fascination with WWII history and airplanes. 

We've lived here on Coles Ferry for almost 24 years.  My son and I used to ride our bicycles out the airport just to watch the little planes take off and land.  Then, as you say, it was 7 years ago you started flying over in a plane that must have sounded much like the one my mother heard back in Woodmore Holler.  I could tell there was a different sound coming over the house.  I ran out and saw it.  Instantly knew it was something different.  Different color, different shape, different sound. 

Then one day when I ran out to see it, I heard the pitch of the engine going higher.  (sound pitch)  I looked up and saw you climbing up.  Figured right away that the pitch was going higher as your speed picked up to climb, then the pitch changed as you dove down.  Whew.  I was tore all to pieces.  The sound and the visuals really got me. 

So, for almost 7 years, I guess, I've been watching and listening.  Then I'd see the bi-planes.  I liked them fine, but I could hear the AT6 better. 

I didn't realize I was doing it, but I'd always come back inside and tell Bill that someday I wanted to ride that plane.  (Your plane!)  Then I'd say "I'm going to ride that plane someday".  Occasionally, my Mama and Daddy would be here visiting and I'd hear you go up on a climb, and I'd point it out to them.  And I'd say that someday, I was going to ride that plane.  Mama would ask me if I wanted to do the flips and dives, and I'd tell her I sure liked to think that I would have the nerve to do just that. 

So, last Christmas, three of the 4 kids were here, Bill's mother, and one grandchild when we opened presents on Christmas morning about 1:00 a.m.   Bill got me a really pretty doll, which I loved, and then he handed me an envelope.  The living room was packed with family members.  I looked at the envelope and saw "Warbird Adventures" on the return address.  I immediately burst into tears.  I tried to open the envelope and couldn't.  Handed it off to my son-in-law, Andy, and told him to do it.  I couldn't see it for the tears and told him to read it to me.  He started crying, too, and told me what it was.  I looked around the room.  My oldest daughter, Jennifer, was crying.  My second daughter, Leslie, was crying.  My third daughter, Susie, was crying.  They all had heard me talk about wanting to ride that plane for years.  Then I looked over at Bill, and he was crying (which is really hard for him to do.)   What a totally happy and memorable Christmas memory you helped make for us.  I cannot repay you for that, plus Bill's thoughtfulness in getting it for me.

Bill stayed on me for a long time about calling to schedule the flying time.  He finally told me that I had better get it scheduled and I told him that I couldn't bring myself to do it because the "thrill would be gone" and it'd be over.  He just laughed at me.  So, I was happy that I'd have to wait till September.  Turns out that the rescheduling hit at an appropriate time.  September 5th was my father-in-law's birthday. "Pappy" passed away 9 years ago and was a WWII vet and had flown some.  He took flying lessons after WWII and had some aerobatic training.  How appropriate!  He was flying on my shoulder, one might say!

My birthday is tomorrow, 9/7/06 .  I'll be 55 and at times feel "old", depending on the stresses of the day at the time.  But I can tell you that I felt anything but old yesterday, and I thank you for that.  It was an overwhelmingly happy experience.  I felt much safer up there with you doing flips and dives than I do riding in a car on Coles Ferry Road !

And Sam was hilarious.  The scariest part about the whole thing was strapping on the parachute.  When I finally got strapped in, Sam was giving me the instructions on what to do in the unlikely event I'd have to use the parachute.  He went through the whole bit about unhooking the seat belt, pushing back the cockpit window, climbing out onto the wing, hurling myself as far from the plane as I could get, then pull the "ring".  I asked where the ring was, and he said "I don't see it, must be there somewhere."  That lightened me up!  He's great!

I've often wished that I were a bird and could fly just by flapping my wings and sailing out through the clouds.  I believe that's the nearest I'll ever get to that dream, flying with you.

I'll finally hush now. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you - - -

Peggy Overman

September 5, 2006

Dear Gina

I was the last flight you made on Saturday Sept. 2. I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful ride and letting me fly the Stearman. It is an experience I'll never forget. I'll never be able to thank my girlfriend enough for giving me that ride for Chrismas. I had been looking so forward to it ever since then. You are one awesome pilot too. I would never have expected a small plane to fly that smooth. You make it seem so easy and the way you talk to the passenger and have fun yourself makes it even that much better. I could not believe how softly you laid that bird down on the runway for a landing. That was incredible. The whole flight was incredible though. You absolutely were born to fly. Thanks for wanting to show others not able to afford or be able to get a pilots license what it's like. I've gone to every airshow since I can remember except maybe one or two and always, I wondered what it was like flying in planes like the Stearman. Now when I go watch the pilots perform I will have a new respect for them. I'm sure it's not as easy as you made it seem. I was amazed at how responsive the Stearman is. Aren't you glad I didn't make a big move with the stick when I first started flying it ? We may have done a barrel roll whether ground control allowed it or not, hahaha. Anyway, thanks again for the wonderful experience. I may come back for a longer Stearman flight or a ride in the Texan sometime.

Take care and be careful not only in the air but on the ground too.

Tim Smith

May 27, 2006

Greetings! (Or should I say Hi Y'all)
I had the pleasure to be taken aloft by that southern speaking, Good sense of humor, encouraging, hurt ankle young lady some weeks ago. We had a great time while up in the air (thanks!) including pleasant conversation. I noticed when she stepped out of the airplane she had quite a limp (from walking the dogs if I remember correctly) and wasn't feeling real good. I was wondering if she is back to normal and feeling great. I know also that the ever increasing price of aviation gas has you thinking that you might not be around this time next year. While we are far from being wealthy, we would gladly pay more for the adventure I (and hopefully next time you are up our way - my wife will go in the biplane) had. We realize that gas costs more so please consider a moderate raise in your prices - I don't think you will be disappointed. Write back when you can - I'm sure your busy - and let us know how you are doing. Be safe and continue to thrill your would be pilots!

Warm Regards,
Gordon Crompton

11 May, 2006

Dear SkyVentures,

            During the month of April I purchased a flight for my boyfriend for his birthday.  Not only did I go down as girl-friend of the year, but your staff was excellent.  From the time I was on the phone booking this awesome gift till the time we were driving out of the parking lot I was amazed. 

Gina thanks for the flying tips.  The short time you and I were talking on the phone made me comfortable knowing that I made a great choice in gifts. You assured me that the most important person in my life was safe and that he was guaranteed to have a great time.  You were right!! Keep up the flying!

Billie and Tammy, when I called with my booking and many, many questions to follow, you were there to answer them with cheerful voice that made me just want to call and chit-chat everyday.  Thanks so much for satisfying my curiosity about times and keeping the “surprise” a surprise. 

            Sam in Sevierville.  Thanks for the jacket!!  As I was running out the house that day to try to keep things on track I never thought of throwing a jacket in the car for the birthday boy’s ride later.  Sam pulled through.  He lent Sean his jacket and it came in handy.  Thanks Sam.

            Michelle thanks for baby sitting me at the picnic table with stories of dogs.  I enjoyed our conversation together about our four legged friends. Its tough living with a guy who has a cat and hearing about “dog” life helps.  You made my evening with your stories about your “babies” wonderful. 

            Michael, oh Michael.  You are so funny!  I love how you kept the ball rolling with your jokes and flying stories.  You crack me up.  You were there and so helpful.  Thanks for the added “she wants a Trans Am for her birthday” at the end of his flight.  By the way, I didn’t get it, but I’m still working on it.

            Now I wasn’t with Skip, but he was sure nice to look at.   I was amazed how after such a long day of flying and people and Sevierville and loops that he kept a smile on his nice looking face.  I’m sure he doesn’t want to look at Sevierville anymore, but when he comes back to town, I’d check him out!  Thanks Skip for giving Sean an awesome ride and me someone to stare at for a few minutes.  Fly Safe Buddy!

            All of you should be very proud of yourselves!  You have a wonderful business and the people to match.  I would recommend you to anyone and come back for more.  Not only did you make me feel like I was more then someone just wanting a flight, you made me feel like part of your family.  All of you give yourself a pat on the back because you are all so wonderful!  Thanks again for making me girl friend of the year and giving Sean such a great gift to always remember!

Yours Truly,

Shelly & Sean 

21 March, 2006

Gina,
Just a note, to tell you how much I enjoyed the ride. Keep that sense of humor; I didn't do much talking I was enjoying the ride too much. Next time yall get in town get in touch and I'll give you a ride on a Harley. I'll let you pick out the one you want to ride. Everyone that has seen the video thinks that ride is just about the craziest thing I have done yet. Keep your wings level and continue to enjoy life.
Again THANKS for a ride I will always be talking about and reliving it.

Thanks,
BOB

05 March, 2006

Gina,
What a thrill! I haden't experienced a loop in over 30 years, but the excitement and exhalation came rushing back. Our aerobatic flight over Galveston Bay will undoubtedly stand as my high point of the year. You are a great pilot, and the Stearman is a classic plane.

Thank ya' neat year.

Charlie Organ

P.S. - Terrific video

9 May, 2005

To Gina and the Crew,

Thanks for a wonderful flight in the T-6 last Friday 5-6-05 at Cross Keys in New Jersey. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, especially Gina's commentary. I managed to snap a few pictures during some of the maneuvers. The best of these are attached.

Thanks Again!

Chuck McAveney

10 April, 2005

Gina,

I wanted to thank you for the most fun I've ever had with my clothes on! I flew with you at Blacksburg Airport on Monday, April 4th. I think I was your second flight of the day. It was GREAT!! I've been a WW2 aircraft buff most of my life and I've wanted to fly in a 'Warbird' for years. The loops and rolls were Awesome! I really appreciate you letting me take the stick and talking me through rolling and looping the airplane. Sorry for the 'Death Grip' I had on the stick. But you were patient with me and reminded me (probably 20 times!) to not pull back on the stick so hard. I can see why you love what you do and you're very good at it. That was the smoothest landing I've ever experienced on any airplane. I'm looking forward to doing this again and I think I know what my son is getting for Christmas this year!

Thank you,

Butch Cook

7 April, 2005

Gina,

I just want to thank you again for the terrific flight earlier this week out of the Blacksburg, Virginia airport. There is only one regret. When you offered to let me try a roll I declined. What was I thinking? I must have been suffering from a lack of confidence or maybe the offer just took me by surprise. With such a great instructor in the back how could I have gone wrong? The next time that you are nearby I'll be there to fly and if you make that offer again I can assure you that the answer will be different this time. Thanks again for the great flight. I hope to see you around here again soon.

Carl Bryant

10 March, 2005

A belated note to say that my flight in the Stearman in Feb. was a high point of my life. What a thrill! Thanks so much. I have blogged about it at http://blog.hammock.com and included a hot link back to your site from there.

Bill Hudgins

3 November, 2004

Gina,
I decided to send you a quick e-mail and thank you again for the great flight last Saturday out of Galveston.  My wife gave me a gift certificate for the flight as a Christmas present last year and I had been eargerly waiting for the flight, in a nervous kind of way.  I was very impressed with your commentary during the flight ; I bet you are a great instructor.  There is something about having a pleasant voice talk through the steps of each maneuver that made it all seem right and under control; I have to admit that it helped me enjoy the flight to the max.  My only regret is that I didn't take you up on the offer to try piloting through a roll; I didn't feel I had a good enough "feel" of the airplane to feel comfortable then (I was chicken), but now I wish I had tried.

I had a great time!  Thanks!

All the best to you and yours.  I also want to thank John; he did a good job getting me ready for the flight, (and in separating me from some more cash).  And your dog (Luther?) is a fine looking, outstandingly nice addition to your flight crew who really impressed my daughters (who are more than ever pressuring me for a puppy.)

All the best!   God Bless!

Russ

G. Russell Schmidt

04 August, 2004

Dear Gina and John,

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed my flight. Your level of professionalism and concern for safety is very refreshing. I never had any doubt that I was in good hands. I've never been in a warbird before and I have to tell you that if I ever get my medical back I'll be looking for a way to get one. I have no doubt that you will continue to be successful and I hope to be able to go up with you again when you return to Columbus.

Thanks again,
Keith

25 July, 2004

Gina

Thanks for the "awesome" trip into yesteryear. I'm still grinning from ear to ear. My flight last Tuesday at Rostraver airport was a memory that will last a lifetime, or at least until you come up this way again. (please do!) My only regret is I couldn't take full advantage of the aerobatics. The sample I got was breathtaking. Too bad my stomach didn't exactly agree.
You are a wonderful pilot and instructor, and you are doing a wonderful thing keeping a piece of history alive for all of us to appreciate.

Thank you again
Hugh

p.s. Please come back to Pittsburgh...soon!

07 June, 2004

Gina

Thank you for making my 65 th birthday a very special one that I will always remember.  Flying yesterday on D-Day made it even more enjoyable.  You were a great co-pilot.  You fulfilled my "Need for speed".  Glad we could take out the enemy at the exway rest stop-I noticed an American POW marking on the train that we passed up.  You can be my wingman anytime.

My best to you and Sam.

Godspeed,

Jerry Radloff

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

19 June, 2004

24 June, 2004

Hi Gina,

Just want to thank you again for a great flight. Even though the weather delayed our flight to late in the day, it turned out nice just for us. It was really wonderful to fly in a warbird like the T6. The experience is one I'll not forget.
I really liked the acrobatics you did. It really gave me an appreciation for what the fighter pilots go through in today's airforce. We only pulled 2g's compared to 4,5,6 or 7 they pull in the jets and I could feel myself getting pushed down in the seat.
Overall the experience was excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in experiencing a rush.
Thanks again for a great Father's Day present experience.

Jim

25 May, 2004

Dear Gina,

My son, Robert Chapman and I wanted to thank you for the plane ride that you allowed him to take. That is all he could talk about, and he watches his tape of his plane ride all the time. This is something that he will never forget. My son's health is declining very fast and for him to be able to take that plane ride was the only spark in this life right now. You are wonderful people and I just wanted to thank you and may God bless you for helping me with my Christmas wish for my son.

Your Friend,
Mabel Chapman.

26 Apr 2004

Gina

Thanks for the "incredibly" fun and pleasurable flight Saturday afternoon in the AT-6.  I'm glad there was an opening because I'm sure my Sunday flight would have been rescheduled due to the weather.  The video was a "hoot" too!  My entire family thought it was unbelievable and that you were  an outstanding pilot.  My wife, Ellen, said compared to Charlie (the fellow you took up before me) it appeared both of us enjoyed the flight a lot more than he did!  It real was truly an experience I won't forget...thanks again and keep having fun in the wild blue yonder!

P.S. one of my B-day presents was the "Fly Boys" which I'm sure I'll enjoy more having had the experience in the AT-6.

Jerry L. King
North Royalton, OH

10 May 2004

Gina,

Thanks so much for the flight in your AT-6 Texan on Saturday at Darby Dan Airport. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of actually flying aerobatics that I had previously only seen and read about. I really appreciate your talking through and explaining everything, and answering my questions. You are truly a great pilot, and I'm ready to fly with you again, any time. Hope to schedule another flight with you soon, and I look forward to seeing you and sharing the skies with you.

Sincerely,

Charles Saunders

Columbus, Ohio

04 Apr 2004

Hello Gina,

Ya did me Baby! I was "Joe Innocent" when I met you, John, Chuck and the crew. Ref. my last email, I arrived Fri so I knew where the airport was. I found out the Stearman was avail for a flight....and I yielded to my sense of pleasure seeking. I was rewarded....Saturday my wife and I arrived for my ride in the "Texan". Again, you guys greeted us like old friends...How nice for us. Gina honey, my ride in the "Texan" was an unforgettable experience! We and our friends have viewed the video several times (I encourage it 'cause Gina and I are the stars.

Gina, your voice-overs during our flight was terrific. My friends have commented that when we were flying, your voice was filled with joy and happiness. I figure you're in love with aerobatics and commend you for your touch on the controls. We can be right side up and with a few changes in the controls, Damn, we're upside down. Thanks for a remarkable and memorable experience! I hope to see y'all in Louisville, KY during "Thunder" (Louisville's annual salute to the KY Derby, a great party) I'll see ya at Thunder...

Boat Parker

07 Apr 2004

YEEHA! I finally know what it feels like to zip around in one of those classic style fighters.  Gina showed me an excellent ride and gave me the chance to perform any maneuver that I wanted.  I went through a variety of maneuvers and with Gina's instruction I kept that beautiful warbird in the air.  I surprised myself by finding that I enjoyed performing the simple wingovers and ailerons the most.  It must be fate because as you were heading to Nashville the T6 flew directly over my house in Knoxville.  I happened to be outside when it did and I just about slung my arm off waving at you.  Thanks for giving me a safe and exhilarating ride!  You will see me again.

Happy Trails,

Steve

11 Apr 2004

Gina-

My husband has not stopped talking about the flight you took him on.  It made his "50th" birthday special.  I have seen the video at least twelve times and he smiles from ear to ear each time.  Thank you for taking him on such a fantastic flight.  The loops and turns were awesome.  He was asked several times if he would do it again and with a huge smile he said "of course".
Again thanks for the hospitality everyone showed.

Greg and Beth Thames
Lithia Springs, Ga.

29 Feb 2004

06 Mar 2004

28 Feb 2004

Gina,

Thanks again for a great flight. I was your last guy in the Stearman today (Sat., 2/28/04) at Prattville. Please pass along my thanks to John & Chuck. You all made me feel very safe and comfortable. I really had fun. I will heartily recommend Warbird to EVERYONE I talk to! Man, I'm STILL buzzing.

Sincerely,

Dennis Gould
Mobile, AL

07 Oct 2003

Dear Gina and Crew,
Thank you for the wonderful time on Saturday. My father was thrilled with
his ride and the "extra" bonus thrills that you put into his adventure was truly
the cherry on top! He hasn't stopped talking about his sky bird adventure since!
It's hard to find something that makes an 83 year old man that happy!
Ya'll run a great organization and I will be sure to spread the good word to our friends!
Sincerely,
Julie Franco and Cecil Koesling

30 Sep 2003

I noticed your fan mail and decided you needed a female report!! Awesome,
it was just awesome flying with you and John's assist at the McMinn County
Airport near Knoxville, TN. Both of you operate safe and sane. You made
sure my flight would be memorable at 57 yrs old. After reading Richard Bach
books about barnstorming, Warbird SkyVentures 1 hour flight with aerobatics
and flight instruction, along with flying the plane was the ticket for me. Now I
am interested in flying the biplane and in the meantime,
I shall enjoy the on board video.

Happy Soaring, Jude

11 Sep 2003

30 Aug 2003

Dear John & Gina,

I am still high from my flight on 8/30/03.  It was the experience of a
lifetime.  Both you & John are the epitome of professionalism &
friendliness.  I made a small movie from the video tape & you are welcome to
use it on your web site if you would like.  You can view it here
http://www.teamodb.com/images/corvetteodb/Warbird.wmv .

I also have the movie saved in higher resolution format if you like & the
raw footage if you could use it for future use.

Larry Liu & Teresa Jensen

04 Jul 2003

Gina,

I just wanted to thank you again for your safe professionalism and sensitive
encouragement as you took me through my first aerobatic lessons today.  On
Christmas, 2002, my wife gave me today's flight as a gift - what an
understatement.  It obviously takes more than one person to make a gift like
that come true.

If you and the Warbird SkyVentures crew ever come back up to Ohio again, I
hope I have the pleasure of seeing all of you again.  With current ground
school & private lessons in a Cessna 172 underway, today's experience
certainly will propel me further into this tremendous mode of travel. Safety
first - fun second!

I wish you good luck and safe flying!  And remember - whether you're flying
or driving always check to see if you're on Goodyear tires  :-)

With kind regards,

Paul Leenaarts
Manager of Global Product Support
Goodyear Aviation Tires

02 Jun 2003

Gina,

At 56 years old, I thought I'd experienced everything... but I was wrong.
My flight with you over Galveston island on May 3rd was nothing short of
incredible... every single second of it.

Initially, as you well know, I wasn't sure if we were going up or down, but
within an hour you had me doing rolls and loops and actually feeling
comfortable doing them.

The video turned out to be a classic.   It truly captured everything, with
the possible exception of my stomach pulling over 3 Gs (and loving it).
The audio also told a great story... with your calm instructions transforming 
an obviously nervous 'old guy' into a confident 'combat ace'.

Thanks again.
I'll be back.

Mark Heerema
Houston, Texas

28 Apr 2003

Hello Gina,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you so very much for helping me
realize a childhood dream.  What a flight!  The rolls, loops, cloverleafs et
al were totally awesome!  What made it even better was the obvious enjoyment
you had in sharing it.  I would recommend anyone who has ever thought about
doing something like this to break out the credit card, raid the savings...whatever 
and DO it!  

Thanks again!
Bud Gentry
Memphis, TN

22 Apr 2003

Gina,

    Well, it only took me a year and a half to cash in the flight
certificate that my wife gave me as a Christmas present.  Had I known that I
was going to enjoy it so much, I probably would have gone to your hanger on
December 26!  I have tried bungee jumping, skydiving, racing Legends cars,
and am an avid scuba diver.  Without a doubt, this was one of the best
experiences I have had.  I have recommended the aerobatic flights to anyone
that will stand still long enough to listen (I may even have to make a copy
of the in-flight video so I don't wear it out!).  Thanks again and I look
forward to making another flight soon.

David Crane
Charter Member of W.B. Anonymous
The support group for those who can't get enough WARBIRDS

07 Apr 2003

Gina,

I can't think of any thing better than to have been over at the Marion
County Airport Saturday, and get in that "SN-J" with you to fly off in the
wild blue. Thanks for the opportunity and especially for taking me back to
the days of our Navy training at Pensacola when we were more at ease in
being up there. After all it was 55 years ago, and as a young up-start, we
were ready to face what ever came to us.

We are so glad that our son Jim saw the article in the Coop magazine, made
the deal for the other kids to give me this most wonderful present. Wasn't
it grand to see all those children, grandchildren, and great grand son there
to see us? They were real pleased with all that went on that day.

Please tell John and Ray that we do appreciate all their help to make this
possible for an enjoyable event.

Maybe you can be back in this area again in future years, and we will see
you again. Thanks again, and may God Bless.

Nitro

04 Apr 2003

Gina,

  I flew with you on 25 March, 2003, out of Donaldson Center, Greenville ,
SC. Although my wife and my son gave this flight  to me for Christmas, I
could hardly wait until you guys got to Greenville last week. To be able to
sit up front and take control of such a historical airplane was something
I'll never forget. Along with your instructions and to have control of the
airplane in order to be able to do five (5) consecutive loops will also go
down in my memory forever. Besides, I have the video to back it up. You were
a very patient and thorough with your instructions and I can say that this
was one of the best experiences of my life. Blue Skies to you and your
staff!

Harold D. Leatherman

21 Mar 2003

Gina,

I just wanted to say Thank You for giving my son a wonderful flight. He
thought it was awesome and he really needed that. We were the ones that
drove from Mo. to Prattville, Al. for his birthday. He is in National
Guards. As I thought, he was called up and he got his orders last night to
go to Kuwait. He will probably be there a year. So when you are up there
flying so close to God, please say a little prayer for my son and all the
other military people. 

Thank you.
Reva Bybee

13 Mar 2003

Gina,

It was a thrill of a lifetime to fly with you Sunday in Huntsville.  I
received this as a gift from my wife, Diana and my sons, Nick and Ryan as a
Christmas gift as they realize how much I enjoy flying.  But never having
flown in anything smaller than a commercial plane, it was a dream come true.
Being at the controls during the flight and even through several of the
aerobatic moves was fantastic.  I am looking forward to doing it again!!

Thanks,
Chris Toth

11 Mar 2003

Dear Folks,

After flying with Gina (Lollobrigita) on March 8, I want to say that she is
one heck of a pilot and blithe spirit, which made the 30-minute AT-6 flight
a memory this old WWII recycled will treasure for the rest of his life.  (I
just wish I'd has shorter legs for the rudder pedals.)
Please convey my thanks to Gina and the rest of your fine crew.
(By the way, Gina, do you know that Johnny Mathis has dedicated a special
song to you?)

Good luck,  
Walt T.

11 Mar 2003

Gina,
Thank you all so much for helping me to fulfill Stanley's dream of flying.
He had a great time and hopefully we will see you again!

Thank you,
Johanna Bordelon

04 Feb 2003

HI GINA,

JUST WANTED TO DROP YOU A LINE AND THANK YOU FOR GIVING MY DAD SUCH A GREAT
EXPERIENCE.  HIS NAME IS LAWRENCE (SHY) NOBILE.   HE FLEW OUT OF ST. JOHN
THE BAPTIST RESERVE, LA., FEB 1, 2003. WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME WIPING THE SMILE OFF HIS FACE.  HE HAD MENTIONED A FEW YEARS AGO THAT BEFORE HE HAD DIED THAT HE WANTED TO GO UP AGAIN !!!!  SO, WHEN WE SAW THE AD IN THE NEWSPAPER WE
JUMPED ON IT.  HE TOLD US AFTER HIS FLIGHT WITH YOU THAT WE COULDN'T HAVE
GIVEN HIM A BETTER CHRISTMAS PRESENT.

AGAIN, WE JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR BEING SO PATIENT AND KIND TO THE MAN WE
ALL LOVE. HE WILL BE BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!, WE PROMISE !!!!

LAWRENCE NOBILE'S FAMILY
PATTIE, LARRY, KIM & CHAD

15 Jan 2003

Gina,

I had a great time flying with you today. I have to admit, when people ask
what I did this morning its nice to tell them I did a couple of aileron
rolls, a kind of Cuban eight with a twist and a couple of loops. Sorry, I
know you wanted to do more aerobatics but I couldn't keep up with you. Maybe
some other time. I just wanted to let you know that I will look at your
promotional and advertising stuff if you need any help. This e-mail address
is on my card as well as my cell phone number to get in touch with me if you
guys want to talk. Also if you guys have any spare time to get into Houston
and need a tour guide let me know, I'll show you guys a fun time. Talk to
you soon and have a good flight.

Kevin Hong
aka Secret Asian Man

12 Jan 2003 

Gina:  
Just a short note to let you know that Frank and I had a wonderful
experience flying in your Warbird....Thank you!!!!

Paul D. Spielvogel

09 Jan 2003

Dear Gina:
Thanks to you and John for the wonderful ride in your AT 6. I flew with you
on 1-5-03 at 11 AM in Galveston.

My wife gave me the ride to make up for not taking flying lessons 32 years
ago when I decided to get married instead.

I was happy to give you a copy of the video I made with your tape and the
footage Linda shot. It cut together very well. Feel free to use it any way
you want.

Best Wishes
Bill Macdonald
Galveston, Tx.

15 Dec 2002

Gina,
Thanks to you and Sam on Sunday, 12-15-02 for a flight in the Aeronca
Champ. Sam was great. He let me take-off and fly the Champ all I wanted to.
It was a real enjoyable day. I'll be back. 

Thanks again.
Jack Davenport
Mt. Juliet, Tn

02 Dec 2002

Gina,
I had a wonderful time flying with you.  It was much more than I had expected and the plane was just a dream .  I hope to fly with you again and I am even considering going back and getting current.
You can print this E-mail if you like.  I would not hesitate to recommend your program to anyone that wants to experience real flying.

Thanks again,
Larry & Rhea

23 Nov 2002

Thank you so much for the wonderful time Tom and I had flying with you.  We certainly enjoyed it and are telling everyone. Please feel free to use us as a reference if anyone would like to know more about the flight, especially here in East Tennessee. You can contact us at this email or the following phone:

Thanks again.
Tom and Vickie Fox
Knoxville, TN
(865)927-0267
vefox-at-aol.com
grayfox888-at-aol.com
[Replace the '-at-' with the @ symbol to email]

21 Nov 2003

Gina,

If you remember, I was the guy in the wheelchair who you took up at the
Wings and Wheels Air Show in Cullman this past October.  I finally got
time to find your web site and wanted to thank you for a fantastic
experience.  The video is fantastic!  When I tell people that you
actually let me do a Cuban 8 they are amazed!

I've wanted to find a model of an AT-6 for some time.  I used to build
models when I was a kid, so it has obviously been a long time since I've
had the patience or time to do that.  My wife and I were recently at the
Pensacola Naval Air Museum, where they had 1:72 scale models of an SNJ.
I'm working on it now and I'm painting it in your colors!  As soon as I
finish it I'll email a photo of it to you.  It will always remind me of
how much fun was that flight.  Hope to finish it in the next few days,
so be expecting it soon!

Toby Leamon

05 Nov 2002

Gina, just wanted to say THANKS! again for the flight last Sunday. I really enjoyed the aerobatics and the flight as a whole. The loops, rolls and cloverleafs were super. I still can't believe the landing was sooo smoooth that I couldn't tell when the wheels touched the ground. I'll come fly with you again soon.

R. Kibler

19 Oct 2002

Take off video. (Click here to view)

The Ganos, Georgetown, KY

23 Sep 2002

Hello Gina Moore!
Ever heard of "the Mosquito Squadron"?

My sister, who lives in your state, near Knoxville, sent me a copy of the
September issue of the Tennessee magazine.  The article about Warbird
Ventures was MOST interesting.

In 1952 I flew in the back seat of a T-6 in Korea, as an "Aerial Observer".
You may or may not know how the T-6 was employed in the "Korean Conflict".
Armed with only white phosphorous (willy peter) rockets, the pilot and
observer received a grid coordinate from a FAC, then do a "recce" of the
area to locate the target.  Then we would join up at something under 10,000
feet (no oxygen) with a flight leader (Corsairs, P-51's, F-80's), after
contacting with the fighter bombers, the flight leader flew to the target on
our wing as we marked the target area with our willy peter rockets.  After
the strike was completed the T-6 flew a low level pass to evaluate the
strike.

Artillery missions were also directed by the T-6.

The aerial observer was assigned TDY from an infantry outfit to the 5th Air
Force.

I thoroughly enjoyed my hours in a T-6.  We were allowed "stick time" as
observers.  The pilots were WWII pilots, not particularly pleased about
assigned duty flying the unarmed 250 mph T-6.  They did their jobs; as all
fliers do.

I would dearly love to fly your T-6!  Maybe some day.
Good luck!!

David Moore

17 Sept 2002

Hi Gina,
Thanks for letting me place my old Chrysler by your T-6, and your gracious pose by both.   I enjoyed talking to you, and it was fun being in the channel 9 broadcast with you.  I think you do a great job, and I am always happy to see you at MMI, and I know when you are here.   I hear that sweet sounding R-1340 right over my house.

Hope you all had a good session this weekend.  Too bad about the rain, and it has been dry for a whole month. I will send you some more photos.

Your friend...and admirer,
Jack Ferrell

26 May 2002

Gina,
It was great to fly with you at Georgetown. I have told several people about it and they all said the same thing. "I wish I could do that". I hope to take the 60 min flight next year.

Dan Johnson

19 May 2002

Gina,
Thanks for an awesome ride. Next year I think I'll save up for the whole hour.

Jason

19 May 2002

Gina,
Wanted to let you know that I had a wonderful flight on Friday may 10th(Thanks for the Mother's day reminder). The weather was perfect the Warbird staff were great and you were an excellent pilot. The entire airadventure was fantastic. the pictures turned out great and I thought you may enjoy seeing a prewar automobile with a WWll airplane, I thought they were pretty COOL. Thanks to all of you for a very memorable experience.

Kenny

13 May 2002

Gina,
I flew with you in Bowling Green, KY last month and had a blast. When you get a chance go on the internet and call up Website www.glasgow-ky.com . Click on the picture of the day. This will bring up a group of pics that have been the Picture of the Day. Scroll down to picture 050102. Click on this and you will see the picture and accompanying text that appeared on the Glasgow, KY website on May 1, 2002. I think you will get a kick out of it.

Bill Conyers

13 May 2002

Gina,
I flew with you in Bowling Green, KY last month and had a blast. When you get a chance go on the internet and call up Website www.glasgow-ky.com. Click on the picture of the day. This will bring up a group of pics that have been the Picture of the Day. Scroll down to picture 050102. Click on this and you will see the picture and accompanying text that appeared on the Glasgow, KY website on May 1, 2002. I think you will get a kick out of it.

Bill Conyers

6 May 2002

Gina,
I wanted to thank you and your crew for a wonderful flying experience. I was the first flight that day and this was my first first-hand aerobatics experience. I don't think my wife or anyone else could have given me a better anniversary present. Please thank everyone for us. And next time, I'm going to let you show me what that plane can really do! Until then, thanks again!

Good luck and good health,

J Michael Swain

9 Apr 2002

Greatly enjoyed flying with you on the 4th. It answered a lot of questions I had about my choice of aircraft, now I am pushing ahead with my plans to buy a T-6. I've attached a photo of what I am flying now. Thanks again for a great time and I sincerely hope to run into you guys again. Best regards,

Jim Kindred
Military Warehouse
www.milwarehouse.com

27 August 2001

GINA,
THANK YOU FOR THE GEAT RIDE ON SATURDAY IN WILMINGTON. I WAS THE MALE BRAGGING AT THE OFFICE ON WHAT A GREAT JOB "I" DID. THE TRUTH FINALLY CAME OUT WHEN I HAD TO TELL THEM HOW EASY YOU MADE THINGS. YOU HAVE NOT JUST A GIFT FOR FLYING BUT ALSO FOR DEALING WITH DUMMIES.

THANKS,
STEPHEN FROM LEXINGTON

8 JUL 2001

Gina,
I just wanted to say thank you for the outrageous ride in your AT-6! What a thrilling experience. I have often thought about obtaining a private pilot's license, but now I am sure that I am going to do it! You are such a pleasure to ride with....so calm and cool but ready for adventure! The aerobatics were absolutely awesome!!!

Thanks again,
Dr. Brent Deem

3 JUL 2001

Gina,
I just wanted to take the time to let you know what a wonderful time I had when I flew with you on June 27, 2001. I really enjoyed the opportunity you gave me to fly the plane by myself. I was amazed on how easy it was to fly the plane. This was an experience that I will cherish for many years to come. I look forward to the opportunity to fly with you in the near future.

Scott Smithers

13 JUN 2001

Gina,
On Sunday 6-3-01, thanks to my wife Carolyn, I had the Ultimate Airventure aboard your AT-6 flying out of Shelby, NC. Carl was flying that day as you were ill. I just wanted you to know that I had the time of my life! I finally experience what it must have been like for my father when he learned to fly 58 years ago. I actually learned to turn and bank without losing altitude. What a wonderful airplane you have! The rolls and loop Carl did were just great. Please tell Carl for me just how super the flight was. It is something I shall never forget.

James D. Epstein

8 JUN 2001

Gina,
What a thrill! Tracy and I had a blast today in our Airventure adventure!!! The first thing we did was get a frame for the photo of the AT-6 and put it up in our office's lobby! Our own photos are being developed as I speak. Do you have the pilots full name and CFII number (we use an electronic logbook and I'm afraid I can't make out anything beyond "Carlton" *grin*). Please keep us in mind for the Stearman if that comes to fruition.

Safe flying,
John (& Tracy) Latz

8 JUN 2001

Gina,
Thanks for the great time last Friday. The video and pictures came out great. I have shared the story with a number of friends. Several are interested in an adventure. I have forwarded the web site address to them so they can get in touch. Take care. PS: I was a little shocked when we got to the aerobatics part of the flight. Not the aerobatics, but, that I would be doing any of the maneuvers. Next time I'll be ready for it.

Marvin Terry

12 MAR 2001

Gina,
Thank you for taking up my wife Glenda yesterday. She had a blast and you are great at what you do. We have watched the tape 3 times already. Now after all those years of me yankin' and bankin' she knows what I am talking about!

Rick Munsell

12 MAR 2001

Gina,
I had a wonderful Sunday morning riding in your AT6. I know of no better compliment to give you and War Bird than "word of mouth" advertising and you are getting it this morning and will for some time. The stills my son took (and I believe he wants to go up) are great but the video really says it all. I'm just glad I didn't say anything incriminating. Thank you for a thrill of a life time.

Clarence E. (Eddie) Trant

03 MAR 2001

Good morning Mom!
Your daughter does a fantastic job with the AT6 and I really enjoyed my time in the sky with her and visiting with you on the ground.

If you should consider coming to the Bessemer/Birmingham proper area and offering your rides I thought I would let you know that in October of each year there is an airshow at the Bessemer Airport and rides are offered for a fee at that time. I think that is all they offer is rides. Not knowing all of the whereas's and so forths that are involved, by offer aerobatic rides would really be something that more people would be interested in. In fact I just called the Bessemer Airport at 205+425-1199 and the 2001 Airshow will be Sept. 29 & 30.

I look forward to hearing from you about the XXL shirt. I will wear it with pride.

Clarence E. (Eddie) Trant

ps: The Sept. dates are the Oct. Airshow dates for 2001.

10 FEB 2001

Well, even a twenty minute ride in an At-6 is pretty good for a man on his 80th birthday. This was the crowning gift to a wonderful surprise birthday celebration.

My two children arrived as expected the night before and that was a big deal for me because their visits are few due to tight work schedules and family. What I didn't expect was to see my "war buddy", Gene Sidwell and his wife, Laura Lee at the foot of the stairs when I descended for breakfast on birthday morning. That was only the beginning. It seemed that almost every hour other friends that my beautiful wife had "imported" from the South, the West, and even the North arrived. I was stunned. Phyllis is sometimes sneaky.

After the birthday festivities came the time for the Big Deal, the ride in an At-6. We had read about this cute, young woman in our local paper who sold rides in her reconditioned plane. We began to correspond by email and I sent her my WWll stuff. She told me how great it was and whether or not she meant it, flattery got her somewhere. I was ready for a ride.

Getting into the front seat was the hardest part of the day. My old back did not bend as it should have and I had so many jackets on that I almost didn't make it. From then on all went well.

Gina is a great pilot and did one roll, which was enough for me. She allowed me to fly as much as I wanted, which was not too much since I just wanted to see if I could still do it--make smooth turns and maintain constant altitude. For ten minutes I was leading a virtual 1,000- plane raid. What more could this old B-24 lead pilot ask?

Jim McGregor

31 JAN 2001

Thanks for a great ride!

Mike O'Harra Phoenix

06 JAN 01

Hi, Gina.
This is Joy Graves from Birmingham. My son, Jonathan, flew with you today (He's the one that refuses to talk because his voice is changing and he doesn't know if his "man voice" or his "kid voice" will come out !!!
:-) )

Anyway, he talked to us ALL the way back to Birmingham- and then told us we had to watch the video as soon as we got home! We did, and it was so cool it was UNBELIEVABLE! My dad was a test pilot for the Navy and I never really understood why everyone said the lived to fly--now I know why.

I just wanted to thank all of you for making it such a wonderful time for him--he had been so excited waiting for the time to come-- AND, NOW, he can't wait to do it again. We'll be seeing you in Clanton! Hope you have a good time in Arizona! Bye for now.

Joy Graves

04 JUN 2000

FROM: JOE SECRIST

LOCATION: CLINTON COUNTY AIRPORT

My flight with Warbird AirVentures was EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT...

The aircraft was incredibly smooth, predictable and very, very easy to fly (200,000 Pilots can't be wrong).

Gina the instructor was great with her soothing voice and just the right information at just the right time.

The video was well made and the ground crew sans volunteer photographer went above and beyond to make flying an historically significant aircraft a pleasant and memorable experience.

Anyone and everyone can and must fly a T-6 Texan with Warbird AirVentures.

Please send me at least 10 brochures.

13 SEP 2000

That was a great 30 minutes and worth waiting through the airshow! My interest has been restimulated and I'm looking into nearby aerobatic schools. (Have any instructor friends in my area?)

Thanks again for a great flight.
Casey Graybeal.

10 SEP 2000

Gina,
I want to thank you for the flight after the Smyrna Air show on Sat. It brought back fond memories of 49 years ago when I first started flying.

You are an excellent and safe pilot to fly with.

I found your T-6 easy to fly.

Thanks ever so much for owning the T-6 and letting us be a part of yester year. The idea of a video was great and it came out fine.

Enjoyed meeting and talking with you folks.

Sincerely,
Bob Blackmer

06 OCT 2000

Gina,
I really enjoyed my flight on Sunday the 1st. I felt like a kid in a candy shop with a $50 bill.

Thanks for making it such a terrific experience.

I'm looking forward to repeating with a longer flight - and the next time I'll have enough confidence to do the aileron rolls myself.

I've recommended you to friends so you'll probably be hearing from a few of them soon.

Thanks again for an exhilarating experience.

Best Regards,
Dave DuBrucq
Murfreesboro, TN