Mission

    At the P-51 'Lucy Gal' Project, we’re dedicated to keeping the legacy of Leland “Sticks” Pennington — and the brave WWII pilots he flew alongside — not just alive, but flying.

    After years of research, outreach, and community engagement, our team is taking the next step: bringing to life a flying tribute to the training journey that prepared WWII pilots like Pennington for combat.

The Long-Term Vision: Lucy Gal Returns to the Sky

    Our ultimate mission remains unchanged: to honor Pennington by restoring and flying a P-51 Mustang in the exact markings of Lucy Gal, just as he flew it overseas. Once complete, this tribute aircraft will:

• - Perform at airshows, flyovers, and commemorative events
• - Include narration, cockpit access, and educational demonstrations
• - Pay tribute not only to Pennington, but to other Western NY P-51 pilots fought in WWII: Lt. Leonard B. Fuller, 2nd Lt. Gordon H. Root, & Maj. Elmer Pankratz

Educational Displays & Community Outreach

    The aircraft we operate will be integrated into educational programming at the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, NY, serving as both flying and static educational platforms to:

• - Teach visitors about the Red Tails and the WWII aviation experience
• - Inspire new generations of pilots from diverse backgrounds
• - Keep these stories alive through active, living history

We believe the best way to honor these heroes is through flight — motivating, educating, and commemorating.

We are committed to keeping them flying.