The Best Pilot Ever.

Wow, very impressive.

I think this is an exert from a 1980s BBC series ‘reaching for the skies’, which i am lucky enough to have an episode or two of on tape. Does anyone know where i could buy this TV series on video or DVD, as it was a very enjoyable and informative documentary series i would love to add to my collection.

I remember being told the following story many, many years ago. If it is bulls#!t, then it is still a good story.

Guy turns up at the sales room. Dynamic, young salesman does the ‘Good morning sir. See anything you like?’ to this mature customer who is obviously just going to waste his precious time. Customer says ‘ Yes, the Shrike. Any chance of a flight?’ ‘Certainly sir’ and off they go. Salesman showing off the attributes of this superb aircraft to this older customer, apparently trying to give him a good scare in the process as a payback for just wasting his time. Customer asks for hands on, salesman, smiling says ‘you have control’. Fifteen minutes later in the salesroom, the salesman is still white and staring blankly while shaking uncontrolably. The customer pats the young salesman on the back, and to make him feel better, bought the aircraft. And the rest, as they say, is history.

I only managed to see Mr Hoover’s display on the screen. The first time was as a young teenager. It was one of those few events that leave an everlasting impression on a young kid and help persuade him to take up an irrational and professional interest in aviation. Thank you Mr Hoover. I have no regrets.

I look forward to seeing the evidence. Google doesn’t look hopeful. The world assocates Bob Hoover with the Shrike Aerocommander.

I have had the pleasure of sitting in Bob’s Aerocommander, still a fine aircraft, after all those adventures. I have also got over 500 hours in AC12s and AC14s (The other kind of Commanders) so I reckon I can tell the difference too 😀

Trinny, none at all, I perfectly know the difference between the twin engined Shirke Commander, and the AC11 (For having flown in one several times, and gone to their fly-in, last year 🙂 )

I suspect some confusion here between Rockwell Commander and Shrike Aerocommander.

Try your luck at www.commander.org, I know someone there has the video, and is selling it. (check their web board)

The video you saw sounds very intriguing. I never knew he did anything for the Commander 112.

Thanks for that, WD.

Last year, I had the chance to see the 45 min promotional video he did for the Rockwell Commander 112. It was simply stunning. A whole aerobatic show with a GA plane !