Flying With Trojans

Ok, maybe not "Trojans", but rather the singular, Trojan.

ZU-VNM graced the Stellenbosch Flying Club, and stuck around for a good few days.

Once it's on the ground, one realises how massive the T-28 really is. And once you stand next to it, or park a Cessna 172 next to it, you realise that it isn't just massive; it's an absolute beast! But wow, does that beast have a beautiful sound.

I had the opportunity to do a formation sortie with it (I was in an RV-8, as seems to be the norm). Now, if this thing is a massive beast on the ground, you can only imagine what it's like flying off its wing... It's humbling, and scary, and awesome, all at the same time.

Afterwards I had the opportunity to climb into the cockpit. And I'm not kidding when I say you have to literally climb!
The view from up there is astounding.

It left on 24 July. It's got quite a chunky sound, something to do with the numbers of exhausts vs cylinders. But bring the throttle back to idle and it purrs contentedly like a BMW R60/5.
Open that throttle, and be prepared for a bone-shaking growl! I know; for their farewell flypast they pointed right towards me, and the sound and sight had me deciding if I should fall flat on the ground in fear, or laugh ecstatically.