Gainesville Composite Squadron - Civil Air Patrol

Syndicate

Captain Oehl Flies B-25

by 1st Lt Leslie Ballard

Captain Bob Oehl, a member of Gainesville Composite Squadron and nephew of General Jimmy Doolittle, is flying the B-25 Mitchell Bomber on the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom tour. Captain Oehl received an invitation on January 20, 2006 to take the controls as co-pilot of the B-25 during the tour's Jacksonville stop. After takeoff, Captain Oehl took the ontrols for the remaining part of flight, flying formation with the B-17 (Flying Fortress) to from Fernandina Beach to Cecil Field. 1st Lieutenant Susan King accompanied Oehl, taking photos of the adventure.
After his successful stint as co-pilot, Captain Oehl was offered a volunteer pilot position with the Collings Foundation, to assist them with flying the B-25 around the country, requiring a minimal two-week annual commitment. Captain Oehl accepted, and the Collings Foundation funded his further training. Oehl will soon be type-rated in the aircraft. He continues to fly the B-25 for the non-profit educational foundation.

Captain Oehl began his aviation career nearly 40 years ago, beginning in light general aviation aircraft, and continuing through two tours of duty in Vietnam as a combat pilot, and periods of time as an airline pilot, test pilot, corporate pilot, and flight instructor. He currently owns Express Air, a flight training business in Keystone Heights.Captain Oehl has served Gainesville Composite Squadron and Florida Wing for several years, and enjoys mentoring young people in aerospace and aviation.

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