oldhooker,
Is that Piper Cub photo for real, or is it fake? If it’s real, that is an awesome stunt. Must be a great pilot to keep that plane from flipping over as soon as the wheels touched the water.
I was wondering the same thing. That guy is either really good or really dumb.
Hi Dawg & Wayners,
It is real indeed. An old Barnstorming stunt of approaching at a high speed and hydroplaining on the water’s surface… from what I’ve been able to glean, the trick was to keep the power on/maintain speed through the stunt. (and pray the engine doesn’t miss!!)
Take care,
Frank
There are old pilots, and bold pilots,but no old bold pilots!
An old saying, but there’s been at least two who entered into the “old/bold” realm in breathtaking style; “Bob” Hoover and the late Duane Cole (who expired of old age). Anyone who was privileged enough to see these two put on a demonstration, will likely never forget the experience.
Duane Cole gave world aerobatics champion, Patty Wagstaff, her initial high performance training, and predicted then her rise to the top. Yes, others have come and taken their place now, but they are the ones who paved the way. [:)]
Take care,
Frank
Wasn’t it Bob Hoover that put on the demo with the Aero Commander? He was/is awesome.
There is a difference between “bold” and talented and prepared. Bob, and Duane never did anything “bold”. It may have looked bold, but was thought out and planned. I think dragging your gear in the water puts one in the bold category.
Yes he was…
… and he also used a yellow P-51D for demonstrations. Who could forget his lanky figure, in the green business suit and straw hat! [:)]
Both Duane and Bob incorporated “energy conservation” routines by conducting much of their demonstrations DEAD STICK! (including low altitude work) [:o]
And I agree, neither done ANYTHING “bold”! [;)]
Take care,
Frank
I never got to see Duane Cole, but I was fortunate to see Bob Hoover on sevreal occasions in his Aero Commander, his yellow P-51 and in the T-39 Sabre Liner. He could switch from one to the other without missing a beat. That is one example of his immeasurable talent. As oscardeuce said, Bob Hoover was not so much bold as he was extremely capable and knowledgeable of exactly what his aircraft and it’s pilot were capable of doing.
Darwin, O.F. [alien]
Here’s a couple of “Jodel’s” doing the same stunt. [:)]
Take care,
Frank
Great pics Frank. I also had the opportunity to watch Bob Hoover & he was a marvelous pilot.
Regards, Rick
Oscardeuce,
That hanger looks familiar. Is that the MAPS facility?
dragonfly
Hey guys,
That technique is actually used quite often up here in Alaska by bush pilots. Especially with big slicks on the mains. They’ll hydroplane along the river right until the mains hit the gravel bar (landing strip), and then cut power. Reverse deal for take-off. Full power, full flaps, brake release and just before the water pop the flaps (mechanical not electric) and force her into ground effect. Then hydroplane down the river until you get enough airspeed to climb out. Helps when you’re getting into a really small gravel bars on a winding river.
Thank you Sal,
So, this is not some “Bold” and reckless maneuver, but a carefully executed technique that was born from the requirement to operate in and out of otherwise inaccessible areas? I’d estimate one would have to be VERY “talented and prepared” to perform such maneuvers out in the wild.
Learn something new every day… that’s what it’s all about! [:)]
Take care,
Frank
Yes, that is the MAPS hanger! Good eyes.
I still won’t be trying this anytime soon in my trusty bird!
I’ve lost 2 friends who were just a little too bold. They were excellent pilots.
I agree oscar, I wouldn’t be attempting anything like this either! [:O]
I’d sent the pictures along to a long time flying friend and ask him about it, and here’s what he replied back:
"I had a student in the MOI course, CPT Brenden Blackwell, who told me of
a guy up in Montana or Idaho that had a little place on the bend of a
river. He had a Cub, and would bring it in on the still water, and ski
up to the shallow gravel bar near his house, then slow it to a stop
there. On takeoff, he’d have enough speed to ski when his wheels hit
the water to complete his takeoff run. That is a little dicey if you
ask me. BTW, Brenden is now a high-roller in American Airlines in
Dallas, or so I was told by the pilot on the In the Shadow of the Blade
helicopter when it came to Athens."
Goodness… those Bush Pilots have my vote!
Take care,
Frank
“Shadow of the Blade” was a very touching show. I was very intrigued by that show. I was watching Discovery Wings (now the Military channel) late one night when they did a program that had an “old man” who wins a ride in a cub. He sits in the back seat, and as they start to take off, the “pilot” finds he needs to jump out for a second to inspect a cable or something to that effect…the main joke being that you fly the cub solo from the rear anyway, they pretend the cub gets away from the old timer, and he ends up doing a big acrobatic performance all the while pretending that he barely has control of the cub. He dips the wingtips inches from the ground, and even brings the thing to an almost complete stop, and hovers for a bit…he finally brings the cub to the ground, and shakily walks away…it’s great stuff, but unfortunately the name escapes me…Great pic Frank, made me think of that right away!!
Yes indeed… meet Mr. Charlie Kulp, aka: “Flying Farmer”
Taken at our annual hometown fly-in a couple years ago.
Here’s his website:
http://www.flyingcircusairshow.com/stars/Charlie_Kulp.html
I don’t know if this is the one you saw perform, Charlie covers an amazing amount of miles in that little J-3! [:)]
Take care,
Frank
Cool stuff guys!
I will never forget the time I saw Bob Hoover fly that P-51 at a local air Show in 76…man that was something! and I have NOT seen anyone fly a old bird like that since.
I can’t wait to see " In the Shadow of the Blade" . The stories I hear from the vets at the airshows I fly to with my combat veteran O2-A make my hair stand on end. They are why I put all the money and time into keeping her flying.