Dudley Henriques wrote:
Matt Whiting wrote:
I've constantly tried to
increase my smoothness to better emulate Bob, knowing full well it
simply isn't possible to even get close. However, it is fun trying
and it was fun seeing what near perfection looked like.


Actually it is possible to approach the smoothness of Bob Hoover.
Although Bob is one of the finest pure stick drivers I've ever seen,
there is nothing magical or even difficult about the way Hoover handles
an airplane. What Bob does is based on a solid knowledge of control
dynamics and an ability to predict based on hundreds of hours of
concentrated practice.
Bob would be the first to tell you that after all the fan fare about his
flying ability has been considered, what it all boils down to is using
the simple basics correctly.
It's as simple as that. ANY pilot possessing normal coordination skills
and the desire to learn how to do things correctly coupled with a mind
set that is geared to practice can fly an airplane every bit as smoothly
and expertly as a Bob Hoover.

I don't dispute that, but I also think there is some natural
coordination and sensory skills that must be possessed also. I've seen
many different aerobatic pilots fly and have seen none that seemed the
equal of Bob. If anyone truly could do it, it seems like more would have.

I fly quite smoothly for normal flight operations, but I don't think I
have time to practice enough to approach Hoover's skill and wonder if he
had some natural ability that would make it impossible to gain his level
of skill despite the practice.

I believe that practice is a huge part of any endeavor, but my skills
are math and science and others have art, music, etc. I think I could
paint 8 hours a day every day and never be Picasso.


Matt