Planes of Fame F8F Bearcat first engine run

[JohnTerrell]

Steve Hinton made the first test flight yesterday with the Bearcat at Chino. The Air Classics Facebook page has posted information and photos from Joe Scheil, including an update on the restoration of the Fagen Fighters F6F Hellcat and restoration of the ex-Clay Lacy P-51D (now owned by Vicky Benzing) at Fighter Rebuilders, and the recently completed static Russian P-40E by California Aerofab (one of several static warbirds that has been built/restored for a new museum in Russia focusing on Lend-Lease aircraft of WWII). https://www.facebook.com/airclassicsmagazine/

[Joe Scheil]

Had to resize the pic for the forum, it was an awesome time. The Planes of Fame Museum is a magic place for so many reasons, but nothing is more electric than a First Flight Test.

Congratulations to the Team!


And a photo to update the registry!

Attachments

[JohnTerrell]

Here is a video just published today about the Bearcat test flights, narrated by Steve Hinton:

[MKD1966]

Thank you so much for sharing that video John !!! You just made my day...

[marine air]

Thank you guys for posting that video and thank you Mr. Hinton and crew for making it and allowing it to be shared. It shows some of what can be expected on any first flight. I also notice they went up to about 8,000’ and probably did more air work.
Near here, in Bowling Green , Kentucky a rare original 1918 Airco DH 4 fighter was destroyed on it’s initial test flight. They literally did everything wrong and destroyed many years of hard work and dollars. Quality videos like Mr Hi tons will help us all improve our safety on these type of flights.