Missouri Simulator Tour: St. Joseph to Liberty
Previous leg: Savannah to St. Joseph
On October 25, 2016, the world lost a true aviation legend. Bob Hoover, once described as “the greatest stick and rudder man ever,” was a World War II fighter pilot, post-war test pilot, and then spent the rest of his career working as one of the most sought after airshow performers in the world. Besides being a great pilot, he was universally respected as one of the kindest and most humble individuals in the aviation world.
It was my privilege to get to see Bob Hoover fly once at an airshow in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His dead stick Shrike Commander performance will forever be etched in my memory. If you never had the chance to see him fly in person, you owe it to yourself to spend nine and a half minutes to see what amazing things he was able to accomplish in an unmodified business aircraft.
Youtube Video: MGB1977Red
After his death, I thought that it would be interesting to try and make the next leg of my Missouri Simulator Tour in the P-51 Mustang, “Ole Yeller,” that Hoover used to perform in for many decades. Unfortunately, I discovered that even a simulated version of the most feared piston engine fighter in the world is quite a beast to handle.
On my first attempt I ground looped before I even left the parking area. On my second attempt I managed to get to the runway at St. Joseph’s Rosencrans Airport but then nosed the plane into the pavement shortly after the tail came off the runway. Finally, I got off the ground and made my way south to Kansas City International Airport in Platte County. Somehow I managed to make a successful touch and go before turning east to Roosterville Airport in Liberty, the seat of Clay County. Unfortunately, the journey came to abrupt end right there as I careened into a tree a hundred yards from the runway.
The journey so far (11.75 hours and 715 nm)
Two things were learned on this flight. First of all, I am not Bob Hoover. My skills have a long way to go before I will be asked to perform for anyone. Second, the joy of simulation allowed me to have a risk free Walter Mitty moment. No one was hurt as I got to have a quick peak into Bob Hoover’s world and made me even more impressed by the incredible things he was able to do. Sadly, I honored a hero by wrecking his airplane. At least all the electrons managed to walk away from the crash.
Next leg: Liberty to Harrisonville
