Lee Lauderback's resume seems to cover the gamut of aviation. From flying star athletes around in corporate jets to teaching others to fly one of the world’s classic airplanes, this seasoned pilot’s exciting career path proves that there are many routes to follow in the aviation industry. At 14, Lauderback started flying gliders and shortly thereafter took flying lessons in powered aircraft. Shortly after graduating from college, he went to work for professional golfer and businessman Arnold Palmer and for the next 16 years headed the golf legend’s flight operations. Lauderback flew a variety of business jets and helicopters during his time there. In the end, the only thing that could draw him away from the Palmer operation was the opportunity to do something that most pilots only dream of: becoming a full-time flight instructor and demonstration pilot in the P-51 Mustang.

Flight Training In A Mustang
During a period of 15 years, Lauderback has amassed over 5,000 hours in the Mustang. He’s accomplished this feat by serving as chief pilot of Stallion 51 Corporation, a company devoted to the maintenance and operation of the classic P-51 aircraft. Among his more interesting assignments has been to act as a civilian instructor for the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Maryland, where test pilot students and instructors fly the TF-51 Crazy Horse under his guidance. While Lauderback's Mustang began life as a "D" model, it was converted to North American/ Cavalier standards with dual cockpit/ dual controls, thus earning the "TF" designation and its distinction of being one of only 13 dual-controlled Mustangs still flying. More than 75 pilots who have graduated from Lauderback's school.

At Stallion 51's school in Kissimmee, Florida, Lauderback and his team provide pilots with anything from a single orientation flight to a complete P-51 checkout. But by far, the most popular program for corporate pilots is the Unusual Attitude/Inadvertent Upset Program. Lauderback feels the Mustang is perfect for familiarizing corporate jet pilots with unusual attitudes. He explains it has the power and performance to create just about any situation. Along with being the only full-time P-51 flight school in the world, Stallion 51 also has a thriving maintenance and refurbishing operation.

Check It Out
Are you interested in learning more about this aeronautical ‘renaissance’ man? We invite you to enjoy the following streaming video interview with Lauderback, who discusses his past and present aviation jobs and the nuances of teaching someone how to fly the powerful P-51.