T-41 Mescalero (USAF)
United States Air Force

T-41 Mescalero
Operator: Patrick AFB Aero Club
Location: Patrick AFB, Florida (USA)
Timeframe: 1995-1999

Personal interest:
This model represents a T-41 Mescalero (Cessna 172) of the Patrick AFB Aero Club. The Aero Club rented these aircraft to pilots with access to Air Force Morale, Welfare and Recreation services. Because weather briefings were available to military retirees on a space-available basis, I found myself supporting recreational T-41 pilots more than any other type. Regrettably, these recreational pilots were often high-ranking retired officers who did not like to wait in line behind active duty pilots who had priority. Because of the many conflicts I was forced to resolve over this situation, the T-41 is probably my least favorite aircraft - which, for the same reason, is worth commemorating in this collection.