For you airplane nuts - Stopped engine aerobatics

[TorqueMonsterMT-01]

This guys has balls of steel and nerves to match.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vQpVI_aldB0&search=aircraft

[rivi]

The great Bob Hoover...

[JCsman]

And, as I understand it, a dead stock Aero Commander. So he also has to pull the loop and roll within very strick G loads, manage air speed/altitude/etc.

He's been at it for years. Still impressive as all get out to me..

[jamais]

Yup, I'm 56 now and I remember seeing that very same Aero Commander being rolled and put through its paces when I was only 18 years old. He goes back to Yaeger et al, he is a pilot's pilot.

Jesus, I can't believe its been that long ago. Aero Commanders were a treat to fly in civilian aviation. Your ass was inches above the runway and you had this hydraulic steering via rudder pedal that felt like you were sliding on ice. Consequently the novice felt like he would slide off the runway at any moment. In reality it was rock stable in flight and proved to be strong as hell.


According to the Centennial Edition (March 2003) of "Air & Space Smithsonian" ,Bob Hoover was named the 3rd greatest aviator in history.

Thanks Bob, you're a no bullshit guy

[Tipstall]

Wasn't there a huge bullshXX deal with the FAA and Bob?

Ken

[MidlifeMark]

I saw that show about 20 years ago. Dead stick all the way to the ramp!

[geechie]

Wow!!

That is so cool. Never been a pilot, but I love riding in the right seat. My agency used to have an Aero Commander that we used for turtle patrols.

I thought what he had to say about those "who cut their margins too close" was very applicable to motorcycling.

George

[Tipstall]

http://www.ct-divorce.com/hoover2.htm

Here is a link to the big deal between him and the FAA, careful it might get you going and as you read it you will say, "no way".

Ken

[DarthRider]

Here's what our member "Pistol" had to say about this.
He few F-4s and F-16s for 20 years and apparently Mr. Hoover is a well known hero to USAF types!
Dave


Neat. The ultimate in energy management. I saw R.A. Bob Hoover perform this show many times back in the early '70's. After one such show at the Reno National Air Races the FAA pulled his license for being "under the influence" while performing. Bob took them to court and prevailed. Rather than immediately give Bob his license back the FAA delayed and said he was just too old and refused to give it back. I remember AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) fought to get his license back and eventually the FAA relented but not until about a year later.
Bob Hoover and Chuck Yeager were good friends. Hoover was Yeager's backup pilot in the Bell X-1 program, and he flew chase in a Lockheed P-80 when Yeager first exceeded Mach 1.

[geechie]

Aircraft come in Adventure Touring models too. One of my favorites...

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/62233628-M.jpg

George