RE: saftey officers
Montague's observation is correct, there are unforunately
pilots that don't know there own limitations on thier own skill and flying ability.
They are the ones trying to be Bob Hoover without putting in the flight time
and practice it takes to be a Bob Hoover.
In real aviation: There are no..... old bold pilots.....
(even Bob Hoover has had to cut back on the tricks he did, "Knowing" his own limitations)
In modeling: There are no ...bold pilots.......... with old airplanes.
Those of us that attempt to radically exceed our flying abilities crash, (hopefully not into someone)
those who attempt to fly aircraft(heavily wing loaded) beyond our abilities, do the same,
and the problem solve's itself.
Most of us know who at the flying field is trying to exceed thier flying ability when doing so,
and start looking for a fox hole to wait for the big crash.
Getting back to the original point I made.....
If Bob hoover told you not to do some manuver with a P-51 because it was unsafe
vs some no name cessna pilot (claiming to be some expert)....... and your flying A P-51.
Who's word or advice is going to carry more weight with you?
Who's word is going to carry the most weight with most pilots?
So its easier for a Bob Hoover(safety officer) to get co-operation from a bunch of guys flying airplanes
than "the guy who fly's a sweet stick" trying to tell the warbird guys, jet guys , 3d guys whats what in flying.