HS-125

Here’s a couple for you.

They still pay for food, rent and their wives. They also have lots more to lose when they make a mistake. They should all be paid double what they do – at least !!

Famed American test pilot Bob Hoover learnt to fly before joing the Army Air Corps during WW2, where he did so well he was used to test fly various aircraft (possibly captured enemy types?). He was eventually sent to a combat unit, where he was shot down on his 59th mission, and served 16 months in Stalag Luft 1, a German prison camp. He finally escaped by stealing a German aircraft and flying it to Holland.

He then went on to continue flying as a test pilot (even blagging his way onto demonstrating aircraft during an actual mission in Korea). He was also a chase pilot for Chuck Yeager’s Bell X1 missions, and continues to amaze audiences today with his aerobatic ‘engine out’ performances in the Shrike Commander.

“Gentlemen, you have a race…”

Edited: I have just read that Bob stopped his sheduled airshows in 2000.

Actually, thinking more about his request, if Srbin is impressed that the Su-31 is ONLY US$190,000, then I figure that cost of operation really isn’t his main concern.

More likely he should buy something that he should handle safely. If you have lots of tailwheel time, do look at a Pitts or something. If not, look at something easier to fly, with less power to weight ratio. Once again, a CAP10 is low powered, but that clever tailwheel will keep you on your toes (or off the runway).

The Yak is nice

I agree with Moggy’s recommendations, look at the Yak-52.
Especially if you have little tailwheel time.

The Cap10 is a nice two seater, but if you have money to burn check out the Extra 300. I’ll even come and help you fly it.

You have to buy a two seater so that you can be taught to fly decent aeros, and secondly, so you can take up your friends.

Photos follow… first the Yak-52..

This will stir up the forum

Check out this info on New Zealander Richard Pearce.

http://www.canterburyfare.co.nz/invention/invention-first-flight.htm

After many disappointments and crashes, he was soon achieving powered takeoff flights of up to 50 metres. His first successful flight on 31 march 1903 predates the Wright Brothers flight by over eight months. 😮 (Apparently…..)

Can’t I have a friendly dig at the CAA?

Oh, perhaps they were sick of carrying people in the backseat, but I thought that the CAA may have been a factor. This was from a conversation with Wayne Milburn, the Aerotec engineer, many many years ago. My memory isn’t very fresh anymore, especially now that I’m sitting on the other side of the equator, and the world appears upside down in the UK.

You’re right about the rear cockpit being revived, as the attached photo shows (dated 7th Sep 03) from http://www.warbirdz.net

NZ Cat

Seen at Wanaka 96.