Stunt Flying by Art Scholl


In 1978 I spent some time formation flying with Art Scholl and doing photography. We had some time to discuss his career, and he told some great stories. One was about this movie. It seems they had several pilots attempt to do an outside loop in this airplane, which is actually a disguised DeHaviland Chipmunk. Then they called in Art, but no one bothered to tell him that anyone else had tried, or that there was any problem. Of course Art was accustomed to flying his Chipmunk in airshows, and quickly figured out the proper entry speed. Too slow and it would do an outside snap roll, too fast and there was not enough elevator power, apparently a very marginal maneuver in this airplane!
Art loved to say the directors complained he was the most expensive stunt pilot in Hollywood, and he would say "Yes, but the others are all dead". Art died in 1985 while filming a scene for "Top Gun"

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That's a great story and wonderful insight into the business. I didn't realize that they actually had issues with that scene. Thank you for sharing that!
I also didn't realize that Art flew for this movie as well. I am well aware for Top Gun, and I have pay my respects to his plane at the Smithsonian.

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These guys are fricking amazing. Seriously. I'd be delighted to see an "Extras" that would show the stunts and then a photo/ short bio (interview if possible!) of the pilot who actually did the flying.

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Art Scholl has to be the best pilot most people have never heard of. Chuck Yeager is a great pilot, and there are many others, but there are several others often overlooked. Another one of those often overlooked is Mr. Yeager's chase pilot, Bob Hoover.

I envy and congratulate you on having been able to fly with the great Art Scholl. You must have had your share of flying experiences to talk about.

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