By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Orphan jet one unique aircraft coming to Airfest
new vlc pirahna-pic.gif
Bud Pinkston owns this one of a kind American Electric 1966 Piranha, a plane originally designed as a counterintelligence fighter for the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Pinkston, 81, flies the plane twice a week, and is a flight instructor specializing in aerobatics at the Great Bend Airport. The plane and pilot will be featured at the Great Bend Airport Air Fest coming up on September 20-22. - photo by COURTESY PHOTO
Not many people can say they fly upside down every day, but that’s exactly what 81-year old Bud Pinkston does. The retired corporate pilot once flew for Davis Mud and Chemical of Great Bend, and now is a flight instructor operating out of the Great Bend Airport. He teaches acrobatic flight in his Bellanca 8KCAB Decathlon, but when he wants a real thrill, he takes out his American Electric 1966 Piranha.