"God Is My Co-Pilot"

Many of you aviation/WWII enthusiasts have heard of, or read, the book God Is MY Co-Pilot by Robert Lee Scott Jr. Scott was a member of the infamous "Flying Tigers," flying P-40s in defense of China even before the U.S officially entered the war. His famed book was even put up on the big screen in 1945.

Just recently, I was in touch with Leland Pennington's daughter, Cyrillia. She sent me a whole "treasure trove" of pictures and documents pertaining to her father that I had never seen before. Among these leafs of paper was a poem, written by Pennington, titled God Is My Co-Pilot. Leland wrote this during his time in the Aviation Club at Monroe High School in Rochester, NY. This was before he went off to war as a Tuskegee Airman.

This poem gives me a real feeling of connection with who Leland was, and also shows how strong his passion for flight was...

God Is My Co-Pilot

"Yes, I have climbed high into the sun

In a ship that carries only one.

Some, would say one and let it do.

But in my ship their's really two.

For God, is my co-pilot.

As you climb higher into the blue,

God looks down and smiles at you.

He guides the controls of my valiant ship,

And keeps me cool, lest I should slip.

For God, is my co-pilot.

It brings tears, to hear a pilot cry,

I'm earthbound no longer, I am in the sky.

I have no fear of getting back,

With him whispering at my back.

For God, is my co-pilot.

I wouldn't trade my plane,

For all earthly things.

As I ride close to him on silver wings.

So I'll go up high, high as I can.

Where he can lead me by the hand,

For God, is my co-pilot."

Leland Hedges Pennington

Aviation Studies, Monroe High School

Class of 1942

God Is My Co-Pilot will be placed on a plaque, along with Flight Officer Pennington's picture, will be mounted in "Lucy Gal" once construction allows. This whole poem really touched me, and I hope it did the same to you. Donate today and be sure to keep Leland Pennington's legacy alive and flying.

- Austin Hancock

P-51B "Lucy Gal" Project Coordinator