Experience the P-51 Mustang ‘Moonbeam McSwine’ from Cornwall Airport Newquay This Summer
With July now underway, we’re getting ever closer to operating Spitfire and Mustang Flights from Cornwall Airport Newquay, where we’ll be operating from 27th July to 2nd August.
Alongside our scheduled Spitfire flights throughout the week, we’re delighted to be offering flights in our legendary P-51 Mustang Moonbeam McSwine from Cornwall Airport Newquay on 1st and 2nd August, with 30-minute flight experiences available. We’ll be operating from the Flynqy flight school located next the main terminal, and look forward to welcoming our passengers in weeks to come.
There’s nothing quite like flying in the aircraft often described as the “Cadillac of the Skies.” Take in breathtaking views of the spectacular Cornish coastline while experiencing the incredible performance of one of the greatest fighter aircraft ever built. Feel the power of the mighty Packard-built Merlin engine, hear its unforgettable roar, and enjoy exhilarating aerobatic manoeuvres that showcase exactly why the Mustang earned its legendary reputation.
Unlike our Spitfire, the Mustang isn’t dual-control. Instead, you’ll be seated directly behind the pilot in the same cockpit beneath the iconic bubble canopy. This unique seating position gives you an authentic insight into what it was like to fly in a Mustang during the Second World War. You’ll be able to watch every control input the pilot makes and see exactly how this remarkable aircraft is flown. The Mustang has a much more modern, fighter jet-like feel compared with the Spitfire, which reflects its earlier design and offers a very different flying experience.
With its unique bubble canopy, you’ll enjoy an almost 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Spectacular vistas across Cornwall make for an even more memorable and enjoyable flying experience.
The Story Behind the name ‘Moonbeam McSwine’
The name Moonbeam McSwine comes from the long-running American comic strip Li’l Abner, which was published for 43 years. Moonbeam McSwine was one of the comic’s most memorable characters—a beautiful but unkempt and carefree woman who preferred the company of pigs to people.
The original aircraft carrying this nose art was flown by Captain Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson? No—our aircraft actually commemorates Captain William T. Whisner Jr., who had Moonbeam McSwine painted on his P-51 Mustang during the Second World War.
Captain Whisner served with the 487th Fighter Squadron, part of the famous 352nd Fighter Group, better known as the “Blue-Nosed Bastards of Bodney.” During World War II, he achieved 15½ aerial victories, earning the title of triple ace.
His remarkable career continued long after the war. Flying the F-86 Sabre, he also became an ace during the Korean War, later completed two tours in Vietnam, and retired from the United States Air Force in 1989 after an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades.
The History of our Mustang:
Today, our 1944 P-51 Mustang proudly wears Captain Whisner’s famous markings as tribute, preserving the history of both the aircraft and the man who flew it.
Our P-51 Mustang was built in October 1944 by North American Aviation at its Inglewood plant in Los Angeles, California, carrying the construction number 44-12473.
In March 1945, she was accepted into service with the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and shipped to England for assignment with the Eighth Air Force. Her history after arriving in England remains unknown, but she returned to the United States in July 1945.
The Mustang remained in military service until 1953, serving with a number of different squadrons before being declared surplus and sold in 1958. Over the following decades, she passed through several private owners and even competed at the Reno Air Races in 1997, 1999 and 2000.
We acquired this remarkable aircraft in November 2024, adding her to our fleet of two-seat Spitfires and giving aviation enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the thrill of flying in one of history’s most iconic fighter aircraft.
We’re incredibly proud to have Moonbeam McSwine as part of our warbird fleet, and we’re excited to share this unforgettable aircraft with our passengers.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the sights, sounds and performance of one of history’s greatest fighter aircraft while flying over Cornwall’s stunning coastline, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
P-51 Mustang flights Cornwall Newquay this August, Book Now.
Book your P-51 Mustang experience today:
Fly a Spitfire – Mustang 30 Minute Newquay Airport Flight
Discover more about our P-51D Mustang, ‘Moonbeam McSwine’, including her remarkable history, restoration and journey to our fleet.
See more about ‘Moonbeam McSwine’ here: https://flyaspitfire.com/aircraft/1944-mustang-p-51d-moonbeam-mcswine/
