A-4C Skyhawk - Hide's Last Ride

I flew the A-4 with the Navy as a young man. At age 70, I was invited to fly A-4C 149606 for Skyhawk Ventures and for the next 3.5 years, flew the airplane at airshows and various flyby events.
At age 74 I remained comfortable in the cockpit, but it was time for me to step down, which I did during the Valiant Air Command's 2016 Tico War Bird Airshow. It had been just short of 50 years since my initial A-4 training flight in the Navy. It was all a hoot!
Special thanks to Dan Carr and Porter Spangler, who bought and restored the airplane and to Phil Ricker, who was part of the restoration team and kept the airplane safe for me to fly. Very special memories go to my good friend and fellow A-4 pilot, Larry Elmore, who was my partner in flying the Skyhawk, until dying in a tragic skydiving accident. ...and to Scott Roth who alternated the flying with me the last year. Thanks also to the Valiant Air Command, who later acquired the jet and allowed me to continue as it's pilot.

[@JonJay66]

Go Dave, slinging that bird around like a 20 year old, I love the 60s and 70s era jets, so much class and just amazing guys that flew them without all the tech they have now, stick and rudder flying, the A-4 was a truely great aircraft

[@rbagel55]

My father flew over 184 combat missions in Vietnam in A4 Skyhawk's. He was on board the Independence.He praised the Skyhawk's ability to outflank enemy fighters and it's ability to carry more than twice it's own weight in ordinance. He later commanded VT21 in Kingsville TX in 73.and of course the aircraft were Skyhawks. They were a great design, fairly inexpensive and quite flexible. My dad passed away about 2 years ago and any time I see a video about A4'S, I think of him.

[@CivicKideZ]

You must be proud of him. I’m sure he was great

[@rjs1jd]

May his memory live forever and PS . Everytime I see a documentary about a an A4 I'm gonna think about ur comment and his service . BTW the A4 Sky hawk was one of the best all around nimble bomber/ground attack Jets I've studied extensively all jet from late WW2 Korea and my favorite and one of the worst for the USA and all sides of the conflict/war! God blessed ur father along time ago so we can still have 'our mortal pride!!!!!!!"

[@rjs1jd]

May his memory live forever and PS . Everytime I see a documentary about a an A4 I'm gonna think about ur comment and his service . BTW the A4 Sky hawk was one of the best all around nimble bomber/ground attack Jets I've studied extensively all jet from late WW2 Korea and my favorite and one of the worst for the USA and all sides of the conflict/war! God blessed ur father along time ago so we can still have 'our mortal pride!!!!!!!"

[@David611950]

loved the scooter drivers stationed at Kingsville twice, married on base in 75, If you have been away from NASK for sometime, you would not recognize the place. A4’s and T2’s, Never a dull moment 🥰

[@rtaf4206]

rbagel55 : At least he did 400+ take off and landing from aircraft carrier, salute to that...RTAF

[@dang25272549]

Wow.... 70 years old aviator but still capable of flying a fast mover . So cool .

[@michaelsabella5924]

I miss this plane, I was part of Vma-322 out of Weymouth, ma, Marine reserve squadron back in the 80's ... I worked on the hyrdraulics.. Miss this work.. Thanks for this Vid.

[@dan1n1CO]

In 1990, I had the privilege of being the plane captain that launched the last active duty A-4M in a Marine Corps gun squadron - VMA-211. It was launched from MCAS Yuma for a flight to Davis Monthan AFB. I've forgotten the name of the Major who flew it, but it was a bittersweet day. My enlistment ended about three weeks later and VMA-211 received their first AV-8B about a month after that. About three and a half years ago, I was lucky enough to tour the Lockheed plant in Fort Worth. On that tour, I was shocked to see an F-35B heading to VMA-211 (soon thereafter reassigned as VMFA-211). I spent six years in the USMC, all six assigned to VMA-211. It's amazing to see how much, and how seemingly quickly, the technology in the USMC has changed. RIP and Semper Fi, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Raible and Sergeant Bradley Atwell and all who have paid the ultimate price for freedom.

[@hachipanki8634]

The A4 Skyhaws flew over Malvinas (Or Falklands) on the war on 1982. These planes were old, but they demonstrated to be very good birds, and the pilots were aces on the air, they fighted the Sea Harriers with old planes! Im proud to live in Argentina, very proud! 🇦🇷

[@gdwlaw5549]

HaChiPanKi my girlfriend lost her father on the HMS Sheffield. I’m from Portsmouth, UK. This was a very stupid war indeed. I was only 14 at the time. I went to see the Royal Navy felt leave Portsmouth an come back. Every day during the conflict the school intercom would sound as our school friends would be called up to learn that their father was missing or killed.

[@astropepi]

And still lost the war!

[@jbaroli]

@@astropepi yes but they had aid from the most powerful nation in the world...

[@robertmantell5466]

My pops flew A-4's out of Glenview, IL as a young Marine reserve pilot. He always talked about three planes he flew in his lifetime that stood out as the greatest he was lucky enough to fly: F4U, DC-8, and the C model Scooter. Mr. Hide, congrats on safely flying for 50 years of your life, that's a huge achievement. I sincerely hope that you get to enjoy your retirement for many many years.

[@johngillon6969]

I was on the uss shangrila assigned to va-152. 1970. Those pilots were the finest dudes you ever wanted to meet. they treated the crew with respect and genuine friendship. I was black shoe navy for two years and then found my self in a squadron. The skipper was Jerry Strum, he was the greatest leader and human being i have ever met. The XO and Opps officer on down all great.

[@starseeds7506]

Argentines love this wonderful plane.

[@TheDustysix]

And Quick Fuse Settings on MK83's.

[@eddiebetanzos1898]

I was an Electrical Technician at the McDonald Douglas factory in Palmdale CA from 1962 to 1978 when we built the last one. I agree with these great comments on this amazing birth. A4 was sold to many other countries and their pilots came to train with us. Many great memories. Our test pilots and whole staff were the best. Eddie Betanzos

[@enthusiast599]

You are one of very few luckiest old guys on the planet... Keep up the good health so they invite you again when you are 90!!!

[@jameskeresey1283]

I got my wings in VT-21 in July 1970. We were the only TA-4 squadron at the time. As the Vietnam War was slowing down at the time, we got "stashed"at different places around the country. I had the good fortune to be stationed at the Naval Air Test Facility in Lakehurst testing catapults and arresting gear in the A-4C. Most guys were in non-flying billets. I later flew A-3's and spent 10 years flying the Prowler. Without a doubt, the Skyhawks was the most fun I ever had in an airplane. You literally strapped that airplane to your body; it felt like a part of you.

[@gregoryswidnicki7581]

The A-4 is in my opinion the Sports Car of the sky. Thank you for the fantastic video.

[@EmilianoSFE]

I think you should come to Argentina to see our A4, we do not have the old ones in operation but you could have the pleasure of visiting the cradle of the A-4AR fightinghawk 👍

[@o7jimmy]

I was on board the USS Forrestal in 1967 also, I was in HVAH 11 out of NAS Sandford Fl.. Great video showing your last A-4 flight.

[@nach2821]

BRAVO ZULU Dave! Thanks for your service. Doc USN 70-79

[@darrellparkhill]

The first time I saw this A-4, it was sitting on a trailer behind Windermere Prep School in Orlando in spring of 2003... and not too far removed from being turned into beer cans. My girlfriend at the time - now my wife of 15 years - is the daughter of the school owner, and Porter was his business partner. She told me how Porter was an old Skyhawk driver, and that he was going to restore the airplane to flight. I was uncertain, to be sure. Time goes on, the school was sold, and my wife's father lost touch with Porter. Years later, I found out that he actually got that trailer full of parts back into proper formation, and had someone flying her out of Sanford - it blew my mind that he actually pulled it off. I reached out to Porter, and put him in my father in law back into touch with each other; I was happy to be able do that. I am well pleased that this old warbird found new life with you guys... Tico is a great place, and they will treat her well. Tailwinds and CAVU skies, sir!

[@sw40c]

Thank you for your service - both in the military and showing this piece of history to the public!

[@Joe..3.8.0.9_]

Thank you sir for your service !!!!!!!!!!!! Am ex Navy ...75-78.....

[@toomanywaystofall]

To all military aviators...a cut above the rest of us...so privileged and proud to look up to you all. God Bless you all, God Bless America...

[@JoyceDeschamps]

My name is Tom Deschamps, and I was stationed on the America (CVA-66). I actually saw this plane (different pilot) at the Vero Beach air show several years ago. Very cool!

[@iaidagger8278]

Gee Whiz!!!!...Skyhawks Forever!!!!!...Thanks for sharing!!! Salud a éste piloto de A4C!!!!

[@alcidestappero4350]

Un avión espectacular el mejor de la historia ! sin dudas !!

[@bjornlammers]

I saw you flying at the airshow two years ago and it was great! Thank you so much!

[@andrerovigatti9997]

Thank you so much for bringing us to fly with you , brave Eagle ! Skyhawk allways be a wonderful bird.

[@Steve-ev6ow]

I bet ATC enjoyed being a part of the show, too! It would have been interesting to ride along with the Lt. on a mission over Haiphong - once, but not twice, lol. My father was in the USAF, one tour at Korat RTAB in 1968, where they flew F-4’s and F-105’s among other assets. He made it back, but many brave pilots did not. Many thanks to all members of our Armed Forces, former, present and future, whatever your service affiliation! 🇺🇸💫

[@davidwebb3134]

Thanks you so much for serving our country. Long live the U.S.A.

[@andrewwade8464]

Somewhere there’s an RNZAF pilot or 2 with a tear in their eye. Hey. Thanks for this. The smile on the mans face dragging off those cars said it all. Low level. Made it look easy. I bet that’s a hand full. Great to see the A4 fly again. Draken International have what’s left of our airforce. Long may they keep it together. 👍🇳🇿

[@Borat808]

Beautiful machine. Beautiful pictures. Heinemann's Hot-Rod! 😁

[@derrickchennault6562]

I loved watching these when I was in the USMC Air Wing. 76-80. Sgt. 6541 MOS.

[@thomthumbe]

This was very cool to watch!! Thanks! I remember when A4’s would come to Clark to participate in joint training. Would also watch them land at Subic when the family would spend a day at the small beach near the RNWY over there (had to drive on a taxiway to get there but nobody cared). F4’s too. Cool stuff all the way around. I’d give just about anything to go back in time!

[@davidtaylor5007]

I've always been impressed with the amount of stuff they could hang under that plane...and it still flew!

[@raynus1160]

Wow, you certainly made that look routine. Thanks for sharing.

[@admsitio]

Congrats! Good flying, thanks for sharing it. A Happy man with his toy.

[@Bredaxe]

My father always held the A-4 in high regard. As a Marine in Viet Nam 67-68, the CAS they provided was invaluable and saved a lot of lives.

[@Flyrodmovie]

Dave, Great job! Great shooting, editing and flying! You have given us a good feel for what its like to fly the A4. I hope we will be switching to Tac together for many years to come.

[@onehumanonearth6226]

Great job Dave! Love your story and your flying!

[@blueknight505]

Great job Dave I enjoyed the video and thank you for you service to are nation .God bless America

[@countrichardvoncoudenhovek8855]

Dave, Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪, that was a very nice video, I couldn't believe that you are 70 in this!!!! You look so young and your passion for life and flying stands out. May you still slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter silvered wings.

[@clearprop5447]

Beautiful..just..Beautiful……….. Thank You Dave ))

[@leslewis687]

Served with VA-113 on the Big "E" as a jet mech. on the C model and the E model. Made two deployments the Nam. Loved to work on this bird and watch it fly. The Scooter one hell of a bird!!!!

[@yellowhammer4747]

EASY TO MAINTAIN AS WELL!

[@allgood6760]

Awesome.. we flew Skyhawks down under thanks from NZ 👍🇳🇿

[@gragrn]

Well done Dave, she's a beautiful airplane!

[@brianwalker9893]

Way to go Dave. A lot of us would loved to have the opportunity to fly that airplane again.

[@weebitteeateeweebit]

Fly DCS man. There's free mod for that A-4

[@USAIRFORCE621]

I fly this in my Steam Flight Simulator all the time, such a responsive and easy aircraft and brings back memories of my family who served in Vietnam, fantastic air frame!

[@springwoodslasher79]

Omfg. NOBODY FUCKING CARES YOU PLAYED THIS IN A GAME.

[@fabioo9459]

This small plane sink a lot of british warship´s

[@BatGuano-CA]

@@springwoodslasher79 Is this Simulator App available for PC?

[@porckchopz5680]

@@BatGuano-CA yes

[@christophersmith2004]

Congratulations, Hide, on achieving what mere mortals only dream of! You are an inspiration to all. Have a safe and wonderful trip out west this month. Slide Rule

[@georgefryk2003]

What a great show and at the end to see the sidewinder on the side and VA 86 for the squadron. That was my squadron that took the ARD 2 to the med in 1958. Great memories. Thanks for sharing it.

[@gregbauer1892]

fantastic for a 70 year old! i wish I could have done what you're doing. Keep it up.

[@rogerr1933]

Hey, I flew A-4s back in the early 70's and am turning 70 yrs of age in two weeks....would love to be your replacement...just passed my physical and currently fly my own Midget Mustang.....lets do it!

[@GunsNGames1]

Are you dead now?

[@rjs1jd]

@@GunsNGames1 come on man how could you say that .... REMEMBER THIS Freedom isn't free! ITS BOUGHT AND PAID FOR BY BLOOD SWEAT AND

[@johnsmith-gt3po]

I hope you still kicking at 72. 👍

[@okkami676]

I love this video!

[@alejandro3241]

you just gave me new hopes for when I turn 70 :)

[@Stringman1950]

Excellent. Blue skies, sir!

[@DMStaxi]

Very nice! Thanks for your service! Great video!

[@crawford323]

I had the privilege of being allowed to fly an A-4 simulator at Chase Navel Air Station, in Beeville Texas. I grew a few neurons that day.

[@RO-pd2nn]

Beautiful tribute. 🫡

[@bushpilot-bm3kf]

Loved this bird since i rode w/ the Blue Angels flying the Skyhawk's. We have one in the Bluegrass Air Museum. Lexington Ky.

[@larrykrise3609]

enjoyed this vidieo very much.so glad you were still in good health and do this. god bless you,sir.

[@vmlelectronics]

This is a truly beautiful bird!

[@jimfowler5930]

GREAT video, and, FLY NAVY!! Bravo Zulu, sir!

[@GiuseppeMiglietti]

What a wonderful airplane the A4...!

[@rbagel55]

Probably one of the best the US military has had The Navy used them over 30 years. And then other countries like Argentina, and Isreal used them for several years. The airframes were very sturdy. And they were pretty inexpensive too.

[@stormkilm6217]

That is so awesome! Salute to you Sir!

[@mathiasschneider9113]

it's cool how the snake decals were placed behind the intakes and Danger labels. Good performance Hide!

[@karterlee4955]

Dave, I remembered seeing you while watching "Seconds from Disaster" when you told your story of the USS Forrestal fire in 1967. You were with Senator (then Lt. Commander) John McCain on that day.

[@patrickleyris7188]

total respect !!! bravo, je suis admiratif !!

[@waynee5603]

Very neat installs on the modern guages / instrumentation.

[@kitoko502]

Simply ... GREAT !

[@fourfortyroadrunner6701]

Stationed at NAS Miramar, 70-74, ETR-2, maintained GCA RADAR and TACAN. Got to see hundreds of aircraft of all types land and launch while there, including at least one Blackhawk

[@sabyegrp]

We had A-4s on the Hornet CVS 12 in 1968 before leaving for Westpac, Yankee Station. Before leaving California, we were off the southern Cal coast with A-4 squadrons coming out from NAS Lemoore to do their carrier quals. I worked on the bridge, and had a great view of all the bolters and eventually the successful recoveries. Nearly 40 years later I'm on the Board of the USS Hornet museum in Alameda, and one of the other board members tells me he was one of the young pilots who came to Hornet back then for his quals. Small world.

[@skyhawk61]

I was in VMA-214 Det N as the junior 1stLt. The first A4 detachment on the Hornet in ‘63. Best tour of my 13 years of flying the A4. We had 4 A4B’s with 150 centerline tanks and sidewinders. Intercepted Russian Badgers and Bears when they overflew the Hornet.

[@anttitheinternetguy3213]

An awesome detail right here, at 7:37 and 8:25 you can see slats working! Lovely plane

[@ikaikamaleko8370]

Ive always loved that skyhawk slick little fighter jet.

[@dragonmeddler2152]

A great pilot and a great plane. Should still be out in the fleet.

[@abandonedaccount123]

beautiful little plane!

[@Danny-in6hj]

Very cool Dave, Well done

[@IrishManJT]

Well done Dave!

[@waynee5603]

I was an 80s kid...No better Blue Angel than the A-4...FO SHO! Scooter ftw!!!

[@braddywarbucks]

I've always really liked this airplane.

[@fredgarvin8280]

Vincere Vel Mori ATTAKRON46 87-90. I know nothing about the Blue Angels/46 zapping plague of that era-no $hit, Sir. Well done and Thanks for posting. I enjoyed.

[@lpd047]

Pretty cool stick!

[@aftastosk6016]

In the '80s I believed that the early -B/C versions with the J65 engine are noisy, leaky, smokey in generally much worse than the later J52 versions but this is AMAZING...light, fast, ultra responsive and incredibly agile. I cannot imagine how good the aggressor A-4s (with the J52-408 and much less weight than the -F/Ms) are to fly!

[@Ries1948]

Nice looking aircraft.

[@12masterr]

Awesome!

[@scootergeorge9576]

I worked on the A-4L while assigned to VA-204, the "River Rattlers" at NAS Memphis. I believe these aircraft began as the A-4C before being reworked and updated for the Naval Air Reserve.

[@CollieJenn]

Nice landing.

[@fistpunder]

Nicely done sir. This Pilot looks in better shape at the age of 74 than some people do at 30!

[@campknightlance]

Never too old to fly live long and fly

[@austinwoodul4875]

My grandfather USN cpt Jack woodul flew in a Squadron call the sidewinders and I believe the a4 in this video has it's signature snake.

[@Pennyskin]

Austin, Your grandfather is a close friend of mine.

[@ramrod175]

I was a rigger for the A-4 at Cherry Point NC MCAS 1981-1985 the last of the A-4s HMS-32, VMA-223 . HMS-32 had the OA-4s 2 seaters. Loved to see those birds fly,very agile!

[@jimbulebush3593]

Great video. It was good to see the VA-86 markings. I’m always looking for Bu 145059 (405) in the videos. I was her plane captain in the early 60’s in VA-86 on USS INDEPENDENCE. Not sure when they went to the A7 while on USS AMERICA. I think they last flew there as a VA before going to VFA on USS NIMITZ.

[@jimtalor7971]

One lucky man! There are those in the same situation but due to weight gain over the years couldn't fit in that cockpit let alone fly.

[@rwy2340]

WOW SO SPOT ON LOVE YA MAN

[@bobfallis]

Good lord, dir, I swear those drop tanks were scraping the ground on some of those passes. A-4M was the first jet I wrenched on in the Corps, so I have a soft spot for all A-4's.

[@rustypotato1884]

I was there at that airshow it was fun to watch. That is also my home airport

[@beata7166]

Epic! Those race cars were low on energy ;)

[@GryphonArmorer]

So cool. I guess being a civi plane you can't have a hud in it? That is one of my favorite aircraft. I've always wanted to build a model of one and just so happens I inherited an unopened kit from my dad. I imagine since you flew them in service, you had blast that day/weekend.

[@aaronanstett8987]

Holy hell is the cockpit small

[@jamesrice6096]

A-4s Forever!!

[@_tanitakeo1425]

Nostalgic!! It was common in Atsugi base.

[@gateway8833]

One day out at 29 Palms, the EAF Commanding Officer was coming in, landing and had his wife come out and pick him up. He came in driving a TA-4 from the backseat. On his approach the Aircraft yawed strangle, I was the CFR NCOIC so I was sitting next to our alert Crash Truck, as the CO taxied past me, my CO held up the Joy Stick that had become disconnected from the floor while in the approach. When I set the ladder climbed up to help them get out and safety the Aircraft, my CO said Hold this, and he handed me the yoke.

[@4351steve]

For 3 1/2 years I watched the training version of the training version of these pretty little birds operate out of NAS Chase Field, Beeville, TX. I never took the opportunity to catch a ride in one. Probably because I the objective of the Aviator would have been to make me lose my lunch. In the mid 70’s Chase was the busiest airport in Texas with all the touch and goes being made by the students. I imagine their quite a few Chase graduates that have seen or will see this video and relive their days flying this airplane.

[@lonestar1087]

Stephen Snyder - This brings back strong memories for me. My late father was a Marine A-4 pilot in Vietnam and came back to the states as an instructor at Chase field. He passed several months before my birth but Beeville was our home for several years later. To this day, both my mom and I have “family” from that era of our lives...(side note... after my father passed they named an approach to Chase after my father... I still have some of the old approach plates... )

[@dennisbaecht7860]

I was in VT-24 75-79

[@johnstreet7656]

Interesting side note, the older model A-4's did not have an on-board starter, they used an external starter. That's the device removed after the startup. Basically a starter with a long probe that engaged splines on the compressor. Later models had the external-air-driven starter mounted on the front of the gearbox that provided starting rotation to the N2 compressor. The A-4M model later incorporated a self-contained starter - JFS100-34.

[@lucgryffroy3688]

Beautiful bird. Makes you want to agree when they say Douglas never made an ugly airplane.