Leo Loudenslager performs with his Stephens Akro Laser 200 at the 1996 Muskegon Air Fair in Muskegon, Michigan.
Leo was a seven-time winner of the United States Aerobatic Championship, and in 1980 he became the World Aerobatic Champion.
Leo died approximately one year after this video was made as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
@blckstng96 Also don't forget he was doing all of this with only 200 hp unlike the Edge 540's and Extras of today which have around 3-335 horses depending on how tricked out the engine is.
chubsmagoo 1 year ago
Kermit was sometimes dubbed the natural. He could be away from aerobatics for months at a time and come back to it and in a few flights fly like he had been practicing all the months he had been away.
chubsmagoo 2 years ago
There were three aerobatic pilots I remember in the early '80's at the Sussex Airshow who were absolutely amazing. Loudenschlager, the son of the owner (or creator) of the Christen Eagle and the French Connection. They performed when FAA rules weren't as stringent in terms of maneuvering within certain heights. After the new rules took effect in the '90s performances went to shit.
I will also add I have never had the privilege of seeing Kermit Weeks perform. I heard he was a real bad-ass.
DaveFromBrooklyn 2 years ago
this is not lame at all, and you must consider that Leo designed and built this plane himself. he performed all his manuevers very low to the ground, something most people cant do and is very dangerous, also he is doing precision aerobatics not just overcontrolling the aircraft like they do today, Leo you will always be the best!
blckstng96 2 years ago
I dont think they have the muskegon air fair anymore. I remember it when i lived there when i was younger.
vroomba03 3 years ago
Miss you,"Looper". That must be some air show in heaven with Leo, The French Connection, Jimmie, Bobby, Jim and Art. Thanks for the joy you bought me on many a hot August afternoon at the Sussex Airport Air Show.
MissileMist 3 years ago
We miss you Leo...
chubsmagoo 3 years ago
That was a great show! I was there!
stevei812 3 years ago
Leo was one of the best.This routine is pretty tame by todays standards BUT!!!.. if you talk to any of the airshow pilots of today they will tell you about what an influence he was to them. He was the master.
mapquest68 3 years ago