The goal of the first test flight in any aircraft is that it be uneventful, but there’s a reason test pilots are among the best in the business. In the warbird community, Steve Hinton is one of the go-tos and while many of his test flights do go off with barely a hitch, they can get interesting. Hinton was at the controls for the first flight of a Douglas A-26 Invader that was rebuilt for renowned collector Kermit Weeks in Chino, California, last May and earned his fee with a cool and collected performance with a successful outcome. Weeks prepared the video above and released it earlier this week.
When Test Pilots Earn Their Keep
Key Takeaways:
- Renowned warbird test pilot Steve Hinton conducted the maiden flight of a rebuilt Douglas A-26 Invader for collector Kermit Weeks in Chino, California.
- Although the goal of a first test flight is typically uneventful, this particular flight became "interesting," requiring Hinton's expert and composed performance.
- Hinton's skill ensured a successful outcome for the challenging initial test flight of the A-26 Invader, which was later documented in a video released by Weeks.
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