Ewan. points well made. Seems that the spectators and some pilots think it has a “wow” factor to push or break limits. I’ve seen several fatals in my life and have no wish to see anymore. There is no guarantee that our “ace” won’t make a mistake with dire consequences.

Loch.

So what’s your point?

Bob Hoover’s Shrike deal was started with the blessing of the OEM [Rockwell]and his aircraft had some mods and a specific inspection program in place; he did not use “any old AC500”. Bob did not just decide to do this.

I say again, I’m perplexed why so called profesional operators think they know more than what is contained in the AFM.[ My A-26 AFM is dated 1944 which was when the aircraft first went into combat.] I guess I just won’t let them fly my aircraft – however more importantly I don’t want some selfish smart@r$e to cause my aircraft to be grounded by his actions…

Warbird Magic

This is taken from a history of the A-26:-

“Although the Invader looked pretty much the same throughout its production life, the aircraft was beset by hundreds of changes – as many as 35 a day which really delayed production. Even worse was to come when an A-26 wing failed during a static test in May 1944. The Army demanded that Douglas redesign the wing and incorporate a ten percent increase in strength. This was done but seven more wing failures were recorded before another Army demand for redesign. In service, many pilots handled the Invader as if it was a fighter. With performance similar to many fighters, the aircraft was not as strongly built but many pilots remember seven to eight G maneuvers while attacking the enemy. Even today, close inspection of the wing and care in handling the aircraft during maneuvering are undertaken to avoid overstress on the wing.”

Collection:

TBM
A-26
Spitfire XIV [under rebuild]
Cessna 0-1 and 0-2

The point is that these aircraft are around 60 years old and need a little respect. I watched the Firefly go in at DX a couple of years ago doing stuff that was at best an act of trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses”. Had breakfast with both those nice guys as well on the fateful day. I was sickened by it all. Stay inside the square is what I’m saying. No need to “impress” anyone really. I’ve flown these aircraft for 20+ years and have never felt the need to do one better than the rest. I’ve just bought an A-26 as well…

So what’s the point in “showing off”. I thought good airmanship was operating equipment within the AFM limits not becoming a “test pilot”..

Probably explains all of the accidents in the UK warbird scene..

The guy is a dope. The A-26 AFM says that aerobatics manoeuvres are “strictly” prohibited. Sorry, no glory to a person who ignores this…