Worlds Best Pilot?

[laminar]

Just thought it would be a good thread, best pilots of all time, all kinds test pilots, race pilots, bush pilots whatever you got.

I put all my chits on Doolittle

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

From all accounts, he was a good one for sure..

Hard to say where any of them would line up in an actual "skill test", per-se... but for sure, John Penney and Skip Holm would have to be on any list, along with Tiger and Lyle....

Not to forget one who possesses probably more skill per hour flown than just about anyone ever...

The very amazing Bob Hannah!

Wayne

[matt]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

i vote for hoover

[MRussell]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

Must I only vote for one?

[AirDOGGe]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

My first choice was gong to be Bob Hoover. I get dizzy just thinking about what he could do with engines feathered during his "energy management series" routine. Just amazing.

But since his name was already mentioned, then I'd have to pick Art Scholl. How I miss his graceful performances in the Super Chipmunk.

[blacksheep]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

got to be Mr. Hoover . The things he could do with a stock aircraft !

[mayday51]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

Some one just opened a BIG "can-o-worms" !

Among those talented people mentioned, we need to add:

Wayne Hadley....

Amelia Reid....


these two have taught a lot of our boys and girls !

[GeeBeeZ1931]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?


How about Gen. Robin Olds; an ace in 3 wars!

Bill Kohler

[First time Juke]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

I just bought the DVD version of The RIGHT STUFF.

I still firmly believe in the selluloid story; it must be Gordo Cooper !

One good pilot was certainly captain Hans Wind. He had 75 kills and landed a Me 109 G-6 to his home base even after being hit with a 37 mm cannon to the cockpit all instruments broken and throttle set at full forward ( handle broken ). He was found uncouncious in the cockpit. ( He never flew military aircraft after that ! )
He and his wingman sergeant Nipa Katajainen hold the unofficial aircombat " world record " of 45 kills in a forthnite.

BTW: Is he ( Gordo ) still alive ?

[Gary Osif]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

Gordo recently passed away.

Chuck Yeager has got to be on that list too, IMHO.

Gary

[MustangFan]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

My vote goes to Steve Hinton.

[gobeargo]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

If I must only pick one, it has to be Yeager.

[Unregistered]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

Jimi Franklin Both before and after the turbine mod to the Waco

[laminar]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

The Eagles were pretty slick

[laminar]

Re: Worlds Best Pilot?

Greenamyer and Sharp