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Re: Why do some warbird owners!!!!!!!

Posted by David Maude on Wed Feb 12, 2003 10:25:31 AM

In reply top Why do some warbird owners!!!!!!! posted by Rob Rohr on Wed Feb 12, 2003 08:55:19 AM

I guess I can see both side of this issue.

If I purchase a Renoir or Monet, I can take it home hang it up and not expect to have people banging on my door demanding to see it. The same might be said for my yacht or Bentley. However, there seems to be some perceived unwritten right of access to warbirds.

I have had phone calls at 2 am (From those who do not understand time zones exist)from enthusiasts wanting pictures or some obscure serial number. Airshow organizers expect you to show up, but get upset about paying costs. Museums want to 'borrow' your aircraft but refuse to take responsibility for damages. Most who get within 10 feet seem to think there is some implied permission to climb over the aircraft to complete their worship of the great god warbird.

Personally, I beleive in supporting those who do appreciate warbirds. Countless times I have taken our aircraft out of the hangar, pulled cowlings and tried to make the person happy - most times I at least get a thank you. Every year for the past 20 years or so, the local Air Cadet squadron has had it's graduation photo taken with our a/c. Because our personal preference is not to say no.

I do, however, respect those who do not care for public access. After all, it is theirs to do as they please. Many times I cringe at someone's interpretation of a paint job or poor restoration - but I don't get bent out of shape as it's not mine to be upset about.

I tend to save these emotions for the museums who should know better and do have a accountability to the public. Personally, I have had more problems gaining access to public museums archive and storage areas than private collections - now this is an issue I could support doing something about.

Please, lets remember these a/c are not ours. Rather, lets appreciate the access we do have and support those who can afford to preserve them for future generations. Without the Paul Allens of the world bankrolling recovery and restoration efforts (not to mention paying operating costs), there would be many fewer warbirds, and certainly not as many in the air.

So for my two cents worth, thumbs up Mr. Allen - thank you for your interest and support.


Dave

: Hi All,
:
: Heres my beef with some warbird owners and it starts with
: Mr. Paul Allen. It seem lately that certain people are jus
: t buying warbirds for the money and not making them aviabl
: e to the public or at least allowing someone to come in an
: d do a story. I know they put up the money and should be a
: ble to do what they want with their aircraft but they also
: have a responcablity to preserve and teach the next gener
: ation about these aircraft and the men and women who flew
: them.
:
: I know that I went out of my way to make are Tiger Moth av
: aible for any open house school trip ect. I think in these
: times warbird owners need to re-think their position.
:
: Cheers Rob

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