P-51 Mark Peterson

Mark started flying at the age of six in a Piper Cherokee Arrow with his father Ed who was a B-24 Liberator pilot during World War II. After returning to civilian life, Ed found ways to keep aviation in his business and personal life. As a result, Mark grew up surrounded by aviation.

Mark soloed at age 16 and received his private pilot’s license at 17. Since then, he has flown over 40 different types of aircraft and accumulated over 6000 hours of flight time and an ATP Certificate

Owning and flying classic warbirds like the P-51 Mustang, A-37 Dragonfly and Dornier Alpha Jet has been a dream of Mark’s since he was a child. Like many children with the aviation bug, Mark built models and dreamed of flying warbirds one day. In November of 2005, Mark was able to acquire a P-51 Mustang and since then, Mark has accumulated over 1700 hours in warbirds and strengthened his love and admiration for the aircraft.

Someone once told Mark that you don’t ever really “own” a Mustang or any warbird. You are just lucky enough to take care of one for the next generation. Flying a P-51 was like flying a National Monument. Great care and absolute dedication are required.

Mark has taken this responsibility to heart and cares for the warbirds with all the honor and dedication they deserve.