WELCOME TO THE "SPIRIT OF NORTH CAROLINA"
You may have noticed there's a lot of airplane stuff on this website. When I'm not out in the woods chasing rare native orchids, snakes and turtles, or interviewing 'old-timers' about growing up in Hampstead, I like to hang out at airports and go flying as much as I can.

I am extremely fortunate to have had a chance encounter one day with George Lancaster, who owns and operates a WW-II era Douglas A-26 Invader at the Wilmington airport. He invited me over to have a look at the plane, and shortly after I jumped at the chance to join the utility crew as the 'media guy'. 

What could be better? Doing all the things I enjoy most - flying, talking to people, writing about it, lots of video interviews - and sharing the story, on the Internet, as well as speaking and presenting to various civic and social groups. I'm happy to share the experience.

 

Book "Spirit of North Carolina" for your airshow - YouTube video of "Spirit" in action
The "Spirit" experience - want to go for a ride? Here's what it will be like.  
 About "Spirit"  -  the military version
From the Pilot's Handbook - stuff you           need to know before you fly 
Visit the "Spirit" website
 Airshow! - at home in Warbird Alley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's it like to go on a combat mission? Mr. Robert E. Lee flew at Normandy in the 416th Bomb Group, 9th Air Force in a Douglas A-20 Havoc, the forerunner to the Douglas A-26 Invader. They got hit, and couldn't feather the prop on the bad engine.

Things weren't looking very good . . .