Joe Lupton's flight in an SNJ

Ray Scott is a friend of mine I met through another club we both belong to. He is also a retired FAA Flight Inspector and a pilot for the Fighter Factory in Suffolk. More on that later. Ray invited me to join him on a flight one morning to go from Norfolk to Suffolk in this North American SNJ, the Navy version of the AT-6 Trainer of the Air Force. How could I refuse. Ray is going through his pre-flight activities. 

This is a shot of the rear panel before we took off. 

In this photo, we are on final approach to Suffolk airport. You can just make out the runway over Ray's hat below the V of the roll bar. There is not much forward visibility from the back seat. This sure gave me a new appreciation for the flight instructors who taught students to land in this plane!

While at the Fighter Factory, we met up with another pilot there who was going to take up this Grumman Avenger for a little stick time. It was decided to join up for some photos. You just can't imagine what it's like to be in formation with one of these legends of  WWII. !

This may not be Blue Angel's close, but he was right on our wingtip! This was a flight I'll never forget!

The Fighter Factory! This is the best kept non-secret in our area for aviation buffs. The Suffolk airport is home to a long list of classic aircraft. I'll try to name a few, most of which are in superb condition like the one above and the SNJ I was in.
 Here goes: Stearman biplane, T-28, P-40, Hurricane, Spitfire, B-26, Corsair, T-34, A-1E Skyraider, and many other early planes form WWII and before in various states of restoration. While this is not a museum or open to the public, there will usually be someone there during the week and on weekends, and they don't seem to mind having visitors.

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