My Zero's First Flight!


PeakCompletions

Boost is an addiction...
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Jan 6, 2007
1,414
West Texas
Check out the video :biggrin

After a long process of bringing this Japanese A6M Zero Fighter to the USA from Australia, this video clip showcases the first flight! Paul Jackson is the pilot and friend who helped make this whole project possible. This is an actual famous T6 conversion Replica done for the movie "Empire of the Sun" and is as close to the "real thing" as you can get! The performance is incredible with upgraded large prop and power options, perfectly restored interior and an amazing looking airplane. This is my first warbird and what an exciting day! This amazing project will be transported soon to the CAF Headquarters for everyone to enjoy in Midland Texas.

Chip, when are you going to come and run it through it's paces :banana

Can't wait to get it home.

[video=youtube_share;qZATKkAoRoI]http://youtu.be/qZATKkAoRoI[/video]
 

BlackICE

GT Owner
Nov 2, 2005
1,416
SF Bay Area in California
Very nice!
 

ChipBeck

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Feb 13, 2006
5,773
Scottsdale, Arizona
Ray,

Looking forward to flying your Zero. Does it have a jumpseat so you can go up for some aerobatics with me? We have to get you your pilots license bro! It's gotta hurt having a plane you can't fly. Although I have seen you fly in the yellow GT!!!

Chip
 

Mooney56

GT Owner
Jan 21, 2012
98
Houston, Texas
You never can have too many planes.
 

MNJason

GT Owner
May 14, 2010
2,096
San Diego
Great video. Amazing plane. Congrats!!
 

FENZO

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Jul 7, 2008
1,518
Lafayette, CO
Great video. Amazing plane. Congrats!!

What he said! :thumbsup
 

steved57

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Mar 29, 2008
1,941
kilgore tx
Congratulations on getting such an incredible plane back up in the air and a great video too
 
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nota4re

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Feb 15, 2006
4,195
AWESOME!!!!!! Goose bumps!!!!!
 

Shelby#18

GTX1 Owner/Moderator
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Ray that is incredible! What's next? Something Jet powered? ME262?
 

Specracer

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MA
Just when we all thought you had everything. Very cool!!!!!!
 

Triheart7

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Apr 3, 2007
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Ray, Great video and plane!
 

THamonGT

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Ray, Beautiful plane, what a piece of work. You will have a blast with that one. Enjoyed the video so post more from Midland.
 

PeakCompletions

Boost is an addiction...
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Jan 6, 2007
1,414
West Texas
Thanks guys!!! Looking at picking up a sweet T-34 to train in and build hours so I can get this thing up in the air :biggrin

Chip - no jump seat unfortunately although they told me when they did the inspection that it did... so that sucks... BUT my new pilot is 5'6" and 98 lbs and very attractive female with aerobatics training and her instructor license so I am thinking the two of us might fit :banana

have to clear that with the wife first though :willy

Also looking at a couple really cool warbirds with jet power and two seats!! These things are way cool and a lifelong dream. I had several family members who piloted P-51s and Spitfires in WWII and F86s in Korea so the fascination is in the blood :D

Will post more videos when it gets here! :Cheers
 

Wwabbit

GT Owner
Mar 21, 2012
1,259
Knoxville, TN
Look's like a fun machine. I've had a few T6's and they are fun things. Nice looking remake to the Zero.
 

Sonic blue

GT Owner
Jun 1, 2007
52
British Columbia
Beyond Impressed

I've been looking at Warbirds for awhile and thinking of what to buy! Your video was beyond impressive as is the aircraft!
 

donnymac

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Sep 26, 2008
729
West Texas
Matte Black.........
Call me when it's on the ground.
 

PILOTJPW1

GT Owner
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Sep 22, 2005
908
Maryland
Yea its time to work on your ticket.


Here is a great collection of aviation porn shot at Edwards Air Base.




http://home.comcast.net/~bzee1a/Edwards09/Edwards09.htmlNice.
 

ChipBeck

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Staff member
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Feb 13, 2006
5,773
Scottsdale, Arizona
Thanks guys!!! Looking at picking up a sweet T-34 to train in and build hours so I can get this thing up in the air :biggrin

Also looking at a couple really cool warbirds with jet power and two seats!! These things are way cool and a lifelong dream. I had several family members who piloted P-51s and Spitfires in WWII.

Ray,

Most WW2 war birds are tail wheel aircraft as is your Zero. The T-34 (which is a fun plane and still reasonably priced) has tricycle gear so you can't get ready to fly a taildragger Zero in it. There are a couple flight schools where you can get your endorsement in a T-6 and then you'll be ready to go in the Zero. Start flying bro and we can have a whole lot of fun. :thumbsup

Chip
 

Mike Mosing

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Aug 9, 2009
970
Florisiana
Great Looking plane Ray. What part of West Texas are you in. I am considering a fly-in at the Hangar Hotel in Fredricksburg, in June with my L-39. It'll give you a great chance to look into the Jet Market. :)IMG_0576.jpg
 

Waldo

GT Owner
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Sep 7, 2005
767
Fort Worth, TX
Ray,

Congrats on the Zero. She looks awesome!

Looking at picking up a sweet T-34 to train in and build hours...
I love the T-34. I learned to fly in the T-34C. You will have a blast.

If you would like to see some front-line USMC Harriers, come out to AZ this fall. I'll be happy to give you the nickle tour.

Best Regards,
Waldo