Film Lens
Flight of the Red Tail is a 2009 documentary directed by Adam White that chronicles the restoration and return to flight of a World War II P-51 Mustang, originally flown by the 332d Fighter Group. The film picks up from where its predecessor, Red Tail Reborn, left off in 2007, detailing the five-year restoration process that took place at Tri-State Aviation in Wahpeton, North Dakota. It serves as a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen and the plane's historical significance as a bomber escort during the European Theatre of World War II.
The documentary covers key events in the restoration, including the aviation collision involving primary restorer Gerry Beck at AirVenture 2007 and the subsequent mounting of the engine in 2008. It culminates with the plane's first flight on July 22, 2009, just days before its public debut at AirVenture 2009 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The film runs for 12 minutes and was released on DVD on November 27, 2009, as part of a continuing story about the Red Tail Project, which is affiliated with the Commemorative Air Force.
Why Watch
- •See the P-51 Mustang's restoration journey
- •Meet the Tuskegee Airmen's flying tribute
- •Find out about the 2004 crash aftermath
Did You Know
•The P-51 Mustang became inoperable after a crash in 2004.
•The restoration took place from 2004 to 2009 at Tri-State Aviation.
•Gerry Beck was involved in an aviation collision in 2007 during AirVenture.
•The plane had its first flight on July 22, 2009, before AirVenture 2009.
Perfect For
Aviation enthusiastsWorld War II historyTuskegee Airmen fans