F8F BEARCAT First Test Flights w/ Steve Hinton | Planes of Fame

[@johndavey72]

Steve. Your the consummate test pilot. Just another day at the office.....and what an office ! Thankyou very much.

[@gordy3614]

I saw the Blue Angels flying F8Fs at NAS Los Alamitos IN early 50s, great show‼️

[@paulconnors2078]

From a former Grumman employee, it's great to see the outstanding job you did with the restoration and to see this Cat back in the air.

[@arcanondrum6543]

I admire Grumman more than Lockheed and yet both were neutered after they were purchased by bean counter corporations.

[@paulconnors2078]

@@arcanondrum6543 I agree with you and I hate how Northrop treated Grumman and its employees after the so-called merger.

[@jmflyer55]

@@SNAFU..….YOURE joking right? Have you any idea just how strong those wings are?

[@jmflyer55]

Beautiful… And a great narration. I’ve been flying roughly 40 years, but I’ve never had an opportunity to do the wonderful kind of flying you do for a living my friend. Ive always owned my own personal aircraft while flying different gigs for others, to keep myself doing what I call “real” flying. I fly a V tail Bonanza I owned for about 20 years. haha. But being considered by most an “old timer” now, I still just have that passion for flying I had 45 years ago. I enjoy just flying, no autopilot, no flight plans, hell, I shut of my comm radios when I’m remote flying and enjoy music etc or just taking in the scenery without all the BS I deal with all the rest of the time. What I’ve considered but probably won’t happen, is I’d love to have an old Stearman or maybe a Waco. Flying has changed so much in the last 15 to 20 years, and I think young pilots are missing out on a lot of things that used to make aviation so personally rewarding. With everything having GPS and even trainers having coupled autopilots, it seems to me that some young pilots are loosing that almost “intimacy” we used to acquire during our training back in the 1970’s and early 80’s. I’ve met some young pilots who aren’t even able to read a paper sectional chart, much less use one in the cockpit while flying. Perhaps it’s a bit of a case of rose colored glasses on my part as well, but it seems to me that much of the “romance” of flying (if I may use that term) is now gone. And I think that’s a shame in a way. It’s also why I think what you’re doing with those old war birds is fantastic work. Thanks to you and the entire team of people that are making that happen. 👍👍👍👍

[@stulynn2005]

Outstanding job on the bearcat. It’s so good to see such a beautiful bird back in the air.

[@SmokeFlame1]

9 second roll and it's airborne. What a plane! I like the way Steve does his narration. Informative and interesting.

[@happyhome41]

FANTASTIC video with mater-of-fact narration by a towering figure of aviation. Thank you !

[@Imustfly]

Thank you for sharing !! Love that Cat,...such a little brute. I remember being at the Reno air races in 1969 (I was 11),....and watching Darryl Greenamyer take his white Bearcat and simple go high and fly around everyone like they weren't even there....and win without issue.

[@davidaughinbaugh8643]

Steve, these Planes Of Fame videos are excellent! Your commentary, knowledge and overall description of the process of bringing these awesome aircraft back to life are second to none! Thank you!!!

[@christopheschwartz7374]

Le magnifique matou a sorti ces griffes pour la première fois! Belle restauration il encore plus magnifique en vol! Un abonné de France.😊😸...

[@retydeere1111]

Watched from the barnyard (6:01), grew up here. Watched a lot of first flights over the years, never gets old. Even the mosquito last weekend past through, oh the sounds! The narrative with the bearcat was what's been missing. Now I know a little more of what they're doing up there. By the way, I really do work hard in that cow pasture, looking at aircraft. 👍👍

[@goatflieg]

Nothing like living under the pattern, huh? I've lived under the traffic pattern of Moffett and now KPTK here in Michigan... but if I had anywhere in the world to choose, Chino just might be it... or maybe Fantasy of Flight...!

[@Grossman2868]

Great job Steve and team! Twelve years later, thanks for the dedication and perseverance. We who could not dream of doing this live vicariously through you people!! Thanks again!

[@goatflieg]

Perfect mix of ambient audio and commentary... because as a fellow pilot who will be doing the first flight in my own aircraft soon, I could listen to Steve Hinton talk details for hours! Thanks again to Planes of Fame and Steve Hinton for all you do... I'm a loyal fan for life.

[@bigbelconut]

To much talking, we don't get to fly or ride in these planes so being able to listen to them is a big part of this type of video. Let us hear it start listen to it slicing through the air, taxi back to the hanger, then tell us all about the airplane.

[@davelewandoski4292]

Thank You Steve and PoF for making these videos, and keeping these aircraft in the air where they belong.

[@bamther5718]

Thank you Steve Hinton and POF. I remember somewhere in the back of my mind this was Neil Armstrong 's favorite plane to fly. Considering all the aircraft he flew that is some compliment.

[@gmanchurch]

Thanks so very much for sharing that with us Steve! Awesome job on the restoration and really love to see those beautiful airplanes put back in the air. You guys ROCK! Can’t wait to see what see her after paint!

[@highnitro707]

This is such cool content, it can't be found anywhere else... tailwheel touching down first is the mark of a good tail dragger pilot! (doing a full stall landing of course) I love it

[@RoninTXBR549]

Congratulations on getting the Bearcat in the air!

[@rodgerhecht3623]

Awesome work and great flying. Love Bearcats, my son and i have had a few RC Bearcats, he has one with a 7 cly 77cc gas 4 stroke radial engine. Cant wait to see how you all paint it up,and to see Steve fly some air show aerobatics .

[@gooniac33]

I am really enjoying the narration!! Everytime I watch one of these videos I am learning something!! Awesome!!

[@anthonyc2370]

Just beautiful! Congratulations she looks amazing! Looking forward to see her at the shows, Great Job!!!

[@garystrong1651]

Thanks for sharing what its like flying the models I put together as a kid. Really lived n breathed WW2 stuff when young on our ranch. The draft put me manning for awhile an out post miles out side Tuy Hoa air base Nam with the 101st. Was at the extreme end of the approach so I had a daily air show with jets n props n rotors. Nam cured me of my fascination with war stuff. Not so cool as when young.

[@boldcautionproductions9203]

You got realistic. Thank you for serving.

[@peanutsmcgonnagle2458]

The Bearcat's always been my favorite war bird going back to Mira Slovak's Smirnoff Special, Darryl Greenamyer's Conquest 1 and later Lyle Shelton's, Rare Bear. My very special friend, Mr. Charles R. Winterrowd, who has since passed away, flew the Bearcat at the very end of WWII and once told me that he could have bought a Bearcat way back then, war surplus for $500! Thanks again, Steve. Wonderful!

[@arcanondrum6543]

My father said the same. I don't know many people who booked as many PIC hours as my father but all was post-WW2 (he w/ Airborne). Anyway, cheap, CHEAP Aircraft and my father didn't bite either. Years later, my father had many hours in a T6 and I'll say this, it's good that someone else was paying the bills, oil costs alone were like fuel costs for a Cessna.

[@chris_hisss]

Thanks Steve for the details and POF for the video!

[@ouiroc]

What a job you do it brilliantly

[@f-4gww458]

Always room for one more Bearcat in this world. Beautiful, even not fully painted.

[@philglover2973]

Awesome video thanks for your time and consideration love from England 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@George-pp2hr]

Hello guys. I watched the engine runs before you completed this beauty of a Bearcat. Looks great with the prepainted look. I wish i could see one face to prop face so to speak. Its superb looking welll built rugged machine. Im a fan of this as i have many model kits to build. I love all the Grumman Cat Aircraft. Well wishes keeping this tough metal cat alive.love that engine sound.👍✌️🇭🇲🦘🐨❤️

[@6988kid]

What a beauty of a plane! Some people have the nicest jobs.

[@tombrown6628]

What a smooth and powerful sound,

[@Nilessterner]

Congratulations on your restoration. I can’t wait to see her at your next airshow.

[@OFD271]

I got to see you on one of the test flights. Was doing pattern work and told to taxi back on 26L. Held and got to watch one of my favorite airplanes land right in front of me.... super cool ! Really excited to see it in its new paint

[@gregorygaunt9353]

Nicce work there, everyone! CAn't wait to see her on the airshow circuit.

[@Ryanboy2020]

Cheers to all who gave life to this beautiful warbird. I hope she has a long life teaching others the concepts of aviation and the consequences of war.

[@jonbennett3946]

good to see another one in the air!

[@mpetry912]

wow it really climbs out ! thanks !

[@rx524]

Impressive plane! Can’t wait to see it painted or polished!

[@dmutant2635]

A beautiful looking AND sounding aircraft.

[@bretz71]

Love that round sound!

[@dinosoarmotorsports]

Thanks for keepin' 'em flying!!

[@MCW1955]

Steve, thanks so much for all your great videos. I think I've watched them all. Roaring Glory Warbirds is still my favorite series. I have a lot on old VHS. Again, thanks.

[@bobdyer422]

Boy I've been waiting for this. Since I was a kid and the "Professor" had his F8F he flew out of Meriden, Ct. I've loved the B-Cat. Then Lyle and "The Bear" it never ended. P-47 is still my all time favorite. But Steve Hinton & and a F8F! Can't get better.

[@topturretgunner]

Steve Hinton. Thanks for this review of the Bearcat. One of my favorites the Bearcat to me is the Ferrari of the fighters of that era. It’s a very intriguing airplane. I been following you since Glacier Girls first flight and appreciate your reviews. Hey please tell Chris Fahey hello. I closed my Facebook account and haven’t corresponded with him in a while. Having visited POF twice while I was driving over the road and one of the many people who you’ve no doubt met I was really impressed with POF and don’t hesitate to recommend it to any who are interested. All the best to you. Blue skies.

[@kennysherrill6542]

Congratulations Steve and all you rivet drivers. Looks and sounds great guys.👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸

[@russellbennett2364]

What a great aircraft and flown by a great pilot.

[@DaveWrightKB9MNM]

1) Bearcat 2) Tiger Cat 3) Tomcat 4) Corsair 5) P-38 are my faves, in order.

[@jasonmarmor4683]

Outstanding restoration!

[@philhill184]

Met you in Middlesboro with Glacier Girl. Great to see you fly. Hope all is well.

[@robertcringely7348]

I didn't realize until now that this was Elmer Ward's Gulfhawk. What a beautiful airplane and such a sad story. But it's great to see it flying again.

[@bronto150]

Great to see it saved... I thought on 1st flights the landing gear stays down and locked open .. just in case of hydraulic problems. I'm sure it was on jack stands for a gear test but?? Nice to see POF still saving old planes. I remember seeing their P-38 in the old shack getting rebuilt years and years ago. Great video Steve and POF.

[@jamesa702]

BearCat looks like a racer. Fully packed.;

[@patrickboos1919]

Looks beautiful , sounds Great. Please send more video's of her. Mr. Steve Hinton you fly her well, YOUR A GREAT PILOT thank you.

[@samthing4thetrack806]

cool design feature with the canopy sides vs say the P-51 D method, although that may be quite an edge

[@patrickboos1919]

Please make another video of the bearcat if you could , thank you for this one .

[@fenny1578]

Sounds wonderful, looks wonderful. Vicious bird. Have y'all decided what livery you're gonna paint on her?

[@georgeknott767]

Dear Tlktaalik: Steve Hinton Sr., is the right man in the cockpit of this F8F Bearcat. Yes. Rarebear, is probably the pinnacle of the Reno, NV, Unlimited, Gold class, Bearcat Airracers. On another stream regarding a paint scheme for this F8F Bearcat( do you know which model it is? A Dash One, or Dash Two? The Dash 2 has the taller fin-rudder, and is armed the 20.00mm cannon ). If you want an actual War camouflage scheme you will need to look to the French. In particular, the aviation arm of the French Navy whose correct name is: Aero navale. Further, a famous battle where the French Navy, air wing were involved in, in Vietnam, in 1956? involved the F8F Bearcat Dash 2, armed with the 20.00 mm cannon. This campaign was at a place called: Dien Bien Phu and the French lost.This was the battle which led to the French Government leaving Vietnam( The French called Vietnam: Indo cin ). Lastly, I understand there was at least 1 US Navy carrier in July-August 1945, 1/2 way across the Pacific Ocean, and packed with Grumman F8F ( Dash One?) Bearcats. Farewell, George Knott.

[@jeff9104]

Great video, liked the commentary during flight test **

[@donlawrence1428]

yeah, that is really something!

[@stevenrichards8880]

Well done for all involved! Way to "keep them flying"

[@jwhoward182]

I flew with you in Ho Hun in 1986 when you were flying with Bob Hoover. I remember that flight like it just happened.

[@richardmorton1310]

Cool, remember you from your early days at Reno.

[@Trojan0304]

Thanks for taking me the cockpit, CAM member

[@kevingraham8119]

Thank you for sharing I appreciate it

[@PMMM9]

Great to watch

[@Stromzilla]

Very nice! Thank you for sharing.

[@ormmeford2204]

You have one of the greatest jobs in the world!!

[@warrenwalker4972]

Another fine restoration, congratulations.

[@patrickshaw8595]

Thanks, Steve. I feel like you brought me along on your shoulder on that hop, telling me what you know. That doggone Bearcat is the most MACHO manliest thing ever to fly. Even a P-47 or P-38 would recoil a little bit if you parked it next to the stubby little Kamikaze-Killer !

[@dyer2cycle]

...Yes, good to see it back in the air :)...what worries me, though, is the seeming lack of interest by younger people, and the shift from interested collectors of these warbirds, to the "investor-type -collector", and the daunting costs of restoration and operation(compounded by said lack of interest by people willing to contribute/pay to see these birds)....I hope there's enough interest to keep these planes in the skies into the future. Steve has got to be the most talented/experienced warbird pilot alive today..I doubt if anyone has close to as many hours in so many different and unique types...Be careful, though, Steve, and don't ever become complacent or let you guard down!..the recent loss of Dale Snodgrass just reminds me that no matter how good or experienced you are, you have to keep your guard up all the time!...we've lost far too many of these irreplaceable guys in recent years :(

[@n3307v]

Love that airplane. Thanks for making and sharing this.

[@jetpilot3714]

Great job!

[@tyrionlannister6769]

Great stuff and now emblazon the F8F with its "Bearcat" namesake....Arctictis binturong (Binturong)...!

[@theflyingfool]

Very cool! Just the sort of aircraft that I'd like!

[@johno9507]

I love that the Bearcats 'reduced power take off' at 1600hp is the same as the Mustangs full power.

[@mrcat5508]

But it’s heavier and more drag so it balances out a bit

[@JeffsCustomRC]

Wow Steve!!! New to channel and subscribed, I fly these in the RC versions and love them, can’t imagine flying a real one or even riding in one, this is very close though, thanks for the ride and can’t wait to see more!!👊🏼👊🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@ethanbrown1235]

I absolutely love these videos, keep em coming

[@jerrybryant4489]

Nice three-point Landing.

[@Portrayalpress]

Congrats! Keep'em flying gents!

[@kiereluurs1243]

No parachute in test flights, or even in general?

[@garymoodie6996]

That's a great looking fw190

[@chadwinslow5493]

Super sweet!

[@P61guy61]

Excellent. Thank you for posting

[@cf6282]

Gorgeous plane!

[@Jim.Thunda]

Hat's off to those dedicated and fortunate enough to get these war birds back in the air. No better way to honour those brave men that flew them in mortal combat. Lest we forget.

[@jockellis]

Hellcat pilots told of having many bullet dings in the armor plate that saved their lives. Would having the Bearcat or Later Mustang open cockpit make them less safe when Zeroes were on their tails?

[@keithstudly6071]

Ok I understand that this bird is not strictly a F8F but is actually A G-58A, one of two civilian planes built. In fact I've heard it refereed to as a Gulfhawk as Gulf Oil was the original owner. Is that correct? If so I can see that some liberties could be taken with the configuration of the restoration. Great plane!

[@goneflying140]

Just awesome!! I have often wondered how the Bearcats would have faired in combat. The Japanese were having enough trouble with the Jellxat and Corsair. This plane would have had a very high kill ratio I bet.

[@kevinchappell3694]

By that time of the war, the Japanese pilots were undertrained, the Zero overmatched and the Americans heavily armed and armoured. Yeah, a high kill ratio for sure.

[@navion1946]

Strong work Steve.

[@davidetcheverry944]

very good narative as usual, thanks steve from china lake dave.....cfto....

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

What will the final paint livery be ?? I hope the French in Vietnam since they used it the most !!!

[@glenngailey4916]

Awesome, just awesome.

[@637man3]

Beautiful, the Bearcat has been a favourite since I built the Hawk 1/48 model when I was home sick as a youngster. Impeccable lines and terrific performance made her the fighter she was... but can we talk about being the guy to chase that first flight in a P-51? Gives me goosebumps thinking about seeing two of the grand dames of propellor driven aerial combat aloft together.

[@TRabbit1970]

Now that is a fabulous bird of prey.

[@jessieevans8258]

Just beautiful guys!

[@MrRugbylane]

Oh my good god, what a beauty. Who needs those underweight supermodels (Spitfire, Mustang etc) when you can fly a beauty like that

[@SpectrumRob]

Nice video! What's the history of this airframe? Thanks

[@mattinsley1721]

Can't wait to see it fly in person when the annual air show gets back in operation. It has been way too long..

[@paulmurphy42]

Reno is at ground level, but WW2 fighters like the Bearcat were designed to fly their fastest at about 30,000 feet, for dogfighting and to escort bombers. So what top speed would Rare Bear be able to reach at 30,000 feet, a/ if no adjustments were made to its current engine and b/ if it were adjusted to give its best at 30,000 feet?

[@tragkfshnt]

Are you by any chance gonna enter it at the Reno air race soon.

[@tubewacha]

Love these videos!

[@samsignorelli]

Looking into the stats on the F8F...I knew it was the biggest engine into the smallest air frame, but I never realized it was shorter in length and wingspan than a Wildcat!