TORA! TORA! TORA! was the recipient of
the prestigious Art Scholl
Award for SHOWMANSHIP at the 2001 International Council of Air Shows
Convention.
Each year, the International Council of
Air Shows presents the Art Scholl Showmanship Award to the air show act
that best exemplifies the qualities of showmanship demonstrated by Art
Scholl.
Art Scholl was killed while filming a
flying sequence off the California coast on September 16, 1985. A
long-time dedicated ICAS member, Art was a renowned pilot and consummate
air show performer. He flew his Penzoil Chipmunk aircraft before an
estimated audience of 80 million people over 20 years and appeared in
more than 200 motion picture features, documentaries and television
commercials.
His exacting, exciting and always
entertaining performances were a reflection of the best in our air show
industry. He was a dedicated professional who practiced tirelessly to
get the most from himself and his airplane without ever sacrificing
safety. His unique blend of pilot skills and showmanship always left
audiences wanting more. Every aspect of his performance – his
marketing support for the shows he flew, his personal appearance, the
quality and professionalism of his flying, and his personal integrity
– emphasized his determination to contribute to the overall success of
any air show in which he took part. Throughout his career, he set the
standard by which all other air show performers have since been
measured.
Air and ground acts – including
announcers – are eligible for the award. Past recipients may also be
nominated. The selection of each year’s award winner will be made by a
committee compromised of a member of the ICAS Board of Directors who is
not a past recipient, and at least five past recipients. The committee
chair does not vote in the selection process.
The list of past
recipients includes the names of our industry’s finest performers and
is, by itself, a fitting tribute to Art.
