The California Aeronautical University, Bakersfield, CA, has announced that aerobatic pilot and air racer Vicky Benzing will perform at the Moses Lake Air Show on June 12-13, flying her P-51 Mustang Plum Crazy as part of the event’s aerial demonstration schedule. The aircraft, painted in a distinctive purple scheme, carries a history of its own. Known as Plum Crazy, the Mustang won the 1970 National Air Races and has since become a familiar sight on the airshow circuit. Benzing recently returned the aircraft to flying condition following a refurbishment project.
The Mustang’s history extends well beyond the airshow circuit. Built as a P-51D during WWII, the aircraft served with both the U.S. Army Air Forces and the Royal Canadian Air Force before entering civilian ownership in the late 1950s. It later gained national recognition as Miss Van Nuys (Race 64), one of the best-known competitors at the Reno Air Races, where it was campaigned by pilot Clay Lacy for more than five decades. Benzing purchased the aircraft in 2019, and after a four-year restoration, it returned to the air in 2023 carrying the name Plum Crazy while retaining its familiar purple appearance. Click HERE to learn more about the restoration.
One of the few female pilots regularly flying historic warbirds in airshow performances, Benzing is a longtime competitor at the Reno National Championship Air Races. She remains the only woman to have raced in the Sport, Jet, and Unlimited classes at Reno and became the fastest woman in the event’s history in 2015 with a qualifying speed of 469.831 mph. Before entering aviation full-time, Benzing earned a PhD in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and worked as an executive in the technology sector. She has since built a career in aerobatics, air racing, and warbird flying while also becoming involved in aviation education initiatives.
(Image credit: Adam Estes)
California Aeronautical University noted that it has worked with Benzing to promote awareness of aviation careers and flight training opportunities. Through appearances at airshows and other aviation events, she has spoken with aspiring pilots about pathways into the industry and the training required to pursue professional flying careers. The university operates flight training and aviation degree programs at locations in California and Arizona and said its partnership with Benzing reflects a shared interest in encouraging the next generation of pilots. In addition to her flying accomplishments, Benzing appeared flying a Boeing Stearman in Mercury 13, the Netflix documentary examining the experiences of women who sought to participate in America’s early space program.
(Image credit: Adam Estes)
The Moses Lake Air Show will take place at Grant County International Airport and is expected to feature military and civilian aircraft, radio-controlled aircraft demonstrations, STEAM activities, a car show, and a general aviation fly-in competition. General admission on Friday will be free, while children will receive free admission throughout the weekend. For more information, click on this link: calaero.edu.
