Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 56 seconds.
Flying a Cold War plane, aerobatics and formation flying–these are items on many bucket lists, begging to get checked off.
The good news is the not-for-profit, museum ACM Warbirds, based in Ottawa and in the Barrie area, is answering the call. It provides interested people a handful of different membership opportunities that can get them on board from ground schools being trained as part of the ground and maintenance team, all the way to being on board for a wide range of different flight possibilities depending on their level of membership. Excitement surrounding the project from flight enthusiasts is high.
“For me, this one image truly captures the essence of what this all about; bringing people together to not only learn about history, but to provide a memorable, visceral context to that history,” said a spokesperson from ACM Warbirds.
“I remember being a kid living in Bagotville and the impact that Cold War jets, like the Canadian Voodoo, leaving at night in full afterburner, had on me and my love for aviation. I want to share that feeling, in an even more ‘real’ context. Let you fly, and take control of your very own fighter jet.”
According to ACM Warbirds, the two planes currently in use are both ex-Bulgarian Air Force, which were designed with a focus on simplicity and ruggedness, valued traits when training Bulgarian Cold War fighter pilots. They possess remarkable safety records, along with manual controls, and were known to be able to operate from grass, sand, and unprepared fields.
ACM Warbirds is actively considering acquiring additional planes, with both the T33 and MIG15 under discussion.
Early feedback for membership in ACM Warbirds and the services offered have been remarkably positive.
Two people from Ontario recently said in a five-star review: “Just a note of thanks for the great experience we had Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. The form flight was really cool. Then the extended trail manoeuvring was the best. You guys took the time to let our families be part of the whole experience and that was great. Just the best bucket experience ever. Keep the wings level and your water rudders down.”
For more information, visit acmadventures.com
