My name is Austin Hancock. I am a young commercial pilot/flight instructor, with aspirations to fly WWII Fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang. I grew up around warplanes, my late father, Jeff, volunteered with the National Warplane Museum. I had my 1st visit there @ 1 week old, and would continue to accompany him on his volunteer shifts as the years progressed (he gave tours with me on his back, in a baby carrier.) I learned all the aircraft names and facts, "Mustang" and "B-17" were among the 1st words I uttered.
As I became old enough at age 12, I also began volunteering with the museum as a tour guide. I grew even more at the Geneseo Airport, given more opportunities to assist the pilots, attend airshows, help turn wrenches, aid in PR/fundraising campaigns, to name a few. I gained my interest in the Tuskegee Airmen by volunteering with the museum's annual Tuskegee History Program, giving tours to children from the City of Rochester. This spurred me to reserach local Red Tail Connections, and learn about Leland Pennington. I am forever grateful for the start the museum gave me.
I attended college, worked full-time, and in between semesters I flew to earn my pilot ratings. I am now building flight experience to accomplish my dream, my goal...flying WWII Fighter Aircraft. I am extremely lucky and thankful to be in this position, I owe so much to so many. I will not give up until I am able to fly the P-51 Mustang in honor of Leland Pennington, the Tuskegee Airmen, and my dad.
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