Back in World War II the Tuskegee Airmen flew this P-51C Mustang, since then this plane has been restored .
Pilot Bill Shepard now flies it as a tribute to those airmen and supportpersonnel.
“The Tuskegee Airman was an all black fighter pilot squadron back in World War two and what we do is share the legacy of what they had to go through to participate and help protect our country in World War two, to commemorate all the great things they had done and what they had to do to prove themselves,” says Shepard.
He says he brings the plane all across the country to inspire kids to rise above and preserve the legacy of the Tuskegee Airman.
“It shows how they triumph over adversity, the airmen live by several principles such as aiming high and believing in themselves, using their brain and being prepared and ready to go, never quit and expecting to win,” says Shepard.
Parts of the plane were used about 70 years ago, and the plane can still fly as fast as when it was used to win the second global war.
“The plane is a pretty awesome plane the top end is an airplane from war time it can go 505 mph, but we operate this aircraft at envelope anywhere from 150 mph to up to 400 mph during one of our air shows and performances,” says Shepard.
Not only does Shepard hope to show younger generations a piece of history, but he also hopes to encourage them.
“They not only flew the aircraft they actually exceeded in all expectations and were one of the best squadrons out there so we are here to commemorate what they had done not only for themselves but for their people,” says Shepard.
On October 17th there will be an air show open to the public.
Shepard hopes in the next couple of weeks as students visit they will be inspired just as much as he was.
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