History | Terry Pitts

I’ve long been intrigued by the possibility of doing a B-25 second in command (copilot) course. Now that I’ve done it, I’m super glad I took the opportunity. There are not many left flying, so not easy to find a chance to get in one, let alone fly it.

The B-25 served the US and allied air forces around the world during World War II. The one I flew was built in 1945 and managed to survive the war and and peace time (mis)use until being lovingly restored some years ago. This particular example is owned by Larry Kelley and operated by the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation. The operation is meticulous and thorough. It’s as well run as any airplane I’ve had formal training in. It was very rewarding to be one of the three people in the class; I think the smile on my face in the pictures gives it away!

Although I’m unlikely to stumble across a job as a B-25 SIC, I’d like to think I’d do as good of a job as the young men and women who flew them 1939-1945. I recall my dad telling me once he had a cousin who flew B-25s in North Africa during the war. This gives me a tiny connection to my family back then.

This is the 34th airplane I have flown. Enjoy the pictures!

The B-25 Panchito at the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation

I LIKE PASSENGER TRAINS, particularly those of the “streamliner era.” Southern Pacific’s red and orange Daylight trains spent part of their life behind the beautiful, semi-streamlined 4-8-4 of the GS-4 series. One of these, only 4449 still exists.

4449 still exists due to a bit of luck and American history. In 1975 she was chosen for restoration to serve as one of three locomotives used for the American Freedom Train* as part of the US Bicentennial Celebration. In 1999 I needed to go to Seattle, Washington. I flew to Portland, Oregon, on the way. I was able to get a ride to the roundhouse were 4449 was stored at the time. I peeked through the window, but that was as far as I got. I then road Amtrak’s then-new Talgo Cascade to Seattle where my brother Tom (1964-2012) picked me up.

Several years later 4449 was somewhere near Seattle with Union Pacific’s excursion train and 844 steam locomotive. Tom sent me these pictures. I’m pretty sure they are from a May 2007 excursion as described on the modern 4449 website.