The Pilot Chronicles of: Wilhelm Heinz

Our customers often share their flying experiences with us. Wilhelm Heinz is one such customer, who flies both professionally and for pleasure. This month get to know Wilhelm and his love for flying.

1. Tell us about your aircraft and how long you’ve owned it.

My P-51D Mustang, LOUISIANA KID, was purchased in Baton Rouge, LA in December 2012. The aircraft is operated out of EDSA, Albstadt-Degerfeld Airport, which is located in Germany south of Stuttgart.

2. How long have you been a pilot?

My first flight was in June 1972 as a glider flying student. Thereafter, I upgraded step by step, and I am now a certified ATPL with currently more than 30.000h. Most frequently I fly on L1011, A330 and 320, always flying small airplanes in parallel. I am also a flight instructor. I have a big love for piston warbirds, and I have experience on both the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and P-51 Mustang.

3. What was your favorite trip? And what would be your dream trip?

The trips I have enjoyed most are the nine special polar flights in which I flew over the North Pole. These commercial flights are organized by Polarflug Airevents and operated by Airberlin. The aircraft was an Airbus A330-200. The flight time was about 12 hours nonstop as a roundtrip exclusively from Düsseldorf or Berlin. There was low-level flying over Spitzbergen, North Pole and over the eastern shoreline of Greenland. Some of our passengers shared videos from these flights:

Björn Zedroßer – April 2015
Sam Chui Special Polar Flight – May 2013
Airberlincom – May 2009

In answer to the second part of the question: To me, any trip is a dream trip as long as I land safely after takeoff.

4. What do you like best about flying?

I enjoy many things about flying, including the feeling of freedom and the variety and beauty of landscapes. I also have a strong respect for aircraft and the physics, such as aerobatics, that allow us to fly.

5. Why did you register in trust?

I purchased my aircraft in Louisiana, US and I wanted to maintain the US registration as a German citizen. In Germany there is too much administration and too many regulations regarding aircraft registration, certification and maintenance. It is barely understandable, and the rules and requirements often change. A US Trust is also the most cost-efficient way to maintain my aircraft.

6. Please share a little about yourself.

I am an Airline Captain with LTU and Airberlin on L1011, A330 and 320. I am married and have three sons, all of whom are Lufthansa F/O´s. My home is Swabian Alb south of Stuttgart.