Modified RV-4 Holds 30 World Records

After breaking an astounding 30 World Records, Bruce Bohannon's Flyin' Tiger is retiring from service.

Christened "The Exxon Flyin' Tiger", the highly modified RV-4 was introduced at Sun 'n Fun in 1999, just five months after Bohannon's six-time world record setter, Pushy Galore, was donated to the EAA AirVenture Museum.

Exxon ended its sponsorship in 2006... reportedly several years later than the oil company had originally planned. Over seven years, Bohannon and The Tiger set 17 performance World Records in its weight class (C-1.b). It holds the Altitude in Horizontal Flight record at 46,919 feet, the Absolute Altitude record at 47,067 feet and every Time to Climb World Record in Class C-1.b. The Tiger went on to reach an unofficial altitude of 47,530 feet. In addition, The Flyin' Tiger also set an incredible 13 World Records in the Unlimited class (C-1).

"The greatest achievement isn't the number of World Records she set," Bohannon said, "it's being the fastest climbing piston aircraft in history to 20,000... 30,000... and 40,000 feet that makes The Flyin' Tiger a true marvel."

To date, no one has broken any record the Tiger set, Bohannon proudly notes.

For the Bohannons, retirement from the fast lane makes more room for the sweet life. Bruce and his wife, Donah enjoy the fruits of their labor on their 93 acre airport, "Flyin' Tiger Field," in rural Southeast Texas. With two immaculate grass strips, hay fields, a tree farm and acres of wooded trails, FTF is the Bohannons' pride and joy.

After 30 years of high risk flying, Bohannon says he's had enough close calls and enjoys the slower pace. But he's not giving up flying. "I've been teaching tail dragger and aerobatics for over 25 years and recently earned my CFI. I have a new Legend Cub and teach a course in engine failure, dead-stick procedures and do tail wheel checkouts."

As for the future of The Flyin' Tiger, Bohannon says he will continue to maintain and fly her. "Unlike Pushy Galore, this aircraft is a great commuter. Cruising at 17,500 feet, The Tiger burns just 12 GPH at 240 mph TAS. You just don't ignore a machine like The Flyin' Tiger", he said.

"She's a piece of aviation history and I will do my best to take care of her."

FMI: www.flyintiger.net