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| Art Scholl | |
|---|---|
| Name | Art Scholl |
| Birth date | July 14, 1931 |
| Birth place | Dayton, Ohio |
| Death date | September 16, 1985 |
| Death place | Santa Monica, California |
| Occupation | Aerobatic pilot, flight instructor, aerial cameraman, entrepreneur |
Art Scholl was an American aerobatic pilot, flight instructor, and aerial cinematographer renowned for precision aerobatics, airshow performances, and aerial camera work in feature films. He founded a prominent aerobatic school and aerial photography company that provided services to Hollywood productions and television, influencing aerobatic instruction and aerial cinematography standards. His career combined competitive aerobatics, commercial aviation training, and cinematic risk management, earning him widespread recognition in aviation and entertainment communities.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, he grew up in a milieu shaped by Wright Brothers heritage and mid‑20th century American aviation developments. He studied engineering and aeronautical interests during his youth and later moved to California, where he trained under established aerobatic instructors associated with organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association and venues like Palo Alto Airport. He held certificates from the Federal Aviation Administration and obtained advanced aerobatic ratings that aligned him with peers from institutions like the National Aeronautic Association and competitors who flew at events managed by the International Aerobatic Club.
He built a reputation on the airshow circuit flying aircraft such as the Pitts Special and custom modified variants used by notable aerobatic pilots including Franklin C. "Ed" Dwight contemporaries and stunt aviators who performed at venues like the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and Sun 'n Fun Fly-In. He participated in competitive aerobatics under frameworks established by the Aero Club of America and international contests governed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. His performances often appeared alongside headline acts at major events like the Miramar Air Show and historic displays at locations such as Interstate Aviation Field. He developed signature maneuvers and demonstration sequences that were cited by instructors from the Air Force Flight Test Center and enthusiasts following the careers of pilots such as Leslie Irvin and Leo Loudenslager.
He became a sought‑after aerial cameraman and stunt pilot for Hollywood, providing camera platforms and in‑flight coordination for major studios including Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, and production companies involved with directors like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron. He worked on sequences that required coordinated aerial choreography with actors and technical crews accustomed to collaborating with second unit directors such as Vic Armstrong and cinematographers associated with the American Society of Cinematographers. His company provided aerial photography and specialized platforms for films and television shows, interacting with stunt coordinators from unions like the Screen Actors Guild and aerial effects teams that had previously collaborated with companies linked to George Lucas and Irvin Kershner.
He founded an aerobatic training school and aerial services company that supplied flight instruction, demonstration pilots, and camera ships to private clients, motion picture productions, and government agencies. His operations integrated maintenance practices in line with standards promulgated by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and maintenance facilities comparable to those certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. The company trained pilots who later joined airshow teams and worked with manufacturers such as Cessna, Piper Aircraft, and specialty builders of aerobatic aircraft like MX Aircraft and builders influenced by designs from Ray Stits. He also collaborated with insurance underwriters and risk assessors from firms that underwrite aerial displays and stunt work for events coordinated by entities like the National Air Show Council.
During his career he received recognition from organizations in aerobatics and cinema, including awards and citations from bodies such as the International Aerobatic Club, the National Aerobatic Championships, and industry groups that acknowledge stunt and aerial cinematography achievements akin to honors bestowed by the Motion Picture Academy technical branches. Peers and aviation historians have compared his influence with that of leading aerobatic figures celebrated by the National Aviation Hall of Fame and honored at events sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association and the National Air and Space Museum.
He died in 1985 during aerial filming off the coast of Santa Monica, California, in an incident that prompted investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and coordination with local maritime responders from agencies such as the United States Coast Guard. The accident occurred while filming sequences for a major motion picture; subsequent inquiries examined factors including aircraft maintenance records, aerodynamic limitations of aerobatic platforms, flight profile planning used by second unit crews, and procedures followed by production companies and stunt coordinators. The investigation produced reports referenced in discussions about aerial safety protocols adopted by studios and regulatory guidance issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and safety organizations that advise film productions involving aircraft.
Category:American aviators Category:Aerobatic pilots Category:Stunt pilots