Treetop Warfare – A Bird Dog FAC in Raven territory

After being damaged during glider towing in 1986, this Bird Dog was rebuilt as a warbird using its original U.S. Army serial number (51-11971). With owner Michael Weinfurter at the controls, it stands out against the Wisconsin landscape. (Photo by David Leininger)

Minutes after sunrise, with small patches of fog still sticking like dirty cotton to deep green-black mountains, the howl of an Air America Pilatus Porter turboprop signals the start of another day in the “secret” war fought so bitterly in the mountains of Northern Laos. This “non-war” raged throughout the country whose neutrality had been agreed to a few years earlier. CIA case officers and logistics specialists are “the customer.” Air America and Continental Air...

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION

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All the stories featured in Flight Journal are as unique and varied as the airplanes and warriors who flew them. From popular warbirds like the P-51 Mustang and Me 109 to the Lockheed SR-71 and futuristic hypersonic fighters, we cover the whole spectrum of aviation. We’ve heard from countless readers over the years about how much they enjoy the compelling stories and beautiful photography.