Three Heritage Flight pilots hang up their flightsuits

  • Published
  • By David Hopper
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) --  The Heritage Flight Conference, hosted at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., said goodbye to three pilots who have made history over the past 50 years of aviation.

Retired Maj. Gen. William A. Anders, retired Brig. Gen. Regis F. A. Urschler and Charles R. Hall are acclaimed for inspiring thousands over the last ten years, by flying historical aircraft in the annual Heritage Flight.

"They were instrumental in refining the [Heritage Flight] program," said Lt. Col. Glen K. Lawson, chief of Air Combat Command aerial events. "They have been active in ensuring the program evolved into the professional, safe program it has become." For this reason all three have been given senior-mentor status for future Heritage Flight events.

The first Heritage Flight was an aerial event held in 1997, designed to commemorate the Air Force's 50th anniversary. Since then, it has become an annual event to honor the people and aircraft that have defended the United States, past, present and future.

According to General Anders, he and another retired pilot were instrumental in getting the Heritage Flight program off the ground.

At the Air Force's 50th Anniversary, "I got then Air Force chief of staff [Gen.] Ron Fogleman ... in the back seat of the [P-51] Mustang and we did a heritage flight and he loved it," said General Anders. From this point on Heritage Flights were incorporated throughout Air Force air shows.

"[Heritage Flight] has been one of the most rewarding and satisfying experiences of my aviation career," said General Urschler. "I was one of the original 12 civilian pilots selected by ACC when the heritage program initially started and I had the privilege of operating a [P-51] Mustang."

Heritage Flight gained popularity because it displays the evolution of U.S. Air Force airpower and supports the recruiting and retention efforts of the Air Force, said ACC officials.

"I can't think of anything I could do that I would be prouder of," said Mr. Hall. "It's a wonderful program and it provides small service to our country that I'm very proud of."

The heritage flight program involves today's modern fighter aircraft flying in close formation with World War II, Korean and Vietnam era fighters.

"Korean and Vietnam war pilots are part of the proud heritage of our United States Air Force," said Colonel Lawson. "These individuals fought for freedom when called upon by our country."

From the runway to the skies these three pilots said they have logged hundreds of hours doing what they love. They retire their flight suits with an average of 50 years in the skies.

"I'm ready to relax and let my son Greg [Anders] do the hard work of flying for the heritage program," said General Anders. "This [program] has been a good way for me to pay back my parents service that has been really good to me through all the years."