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Van and I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Mr. Hoover at a social function this past OSH. He was unbelievably cordial and sharp for a man of his years.
He remarked to me how his body was now bent and broken from all of the mishaps he been in over the years. When I cajoled that he survived most probably due to exemplary flying skills, he said, "Not at all. It was just s@#t a*s luck!". All of our lives are made up of moments. This is one I shall cherish for the rest of my life. I ask everyone who reads this, that next time you can, raise a toast to arguably the greatest pilot who ever lived. Blue Skies Mr. Hoover. Let's see what you can do with your newest set of wings. |
Farewell Bob
I first met Bob Hoover in early 1971. I was dating a girl who lived down the street from the Hoovers in Rolling Hills Estates above the Terrence Airport. Bob and Colleen came over for cocktails one evening and I was fortunate to have a conversation with him. I had the opportunity to fly the Wing Derringer prototype earlier that day and we were discussing the utility of the Derringer. His said that a 2-seat twin was great for a golfing vacation but not much else. He was right; the Derringer never amounted to more than that. Later that year I met Bob again at an airshow in Pensacola. (I was flying OV-10s at Hurlburt Field at the time.) After he landed his Shrike Commander I greeted him and shook his hand. I was just a little gratified to note that his hand was sweaty. I guess even Bob Hoover has to work a bit to do the extraordinary!
Colleen passed earlier this year and I'm sure they are together again. The world is a lesser place without Bob Hoover. Tailwinds Bob. |
God bless you
Most of us will be genealogy research in a few generations, a rare few become legends, even fewer are fondly remembered. Mr.Hoover was and is the gentleman legend that will be remembered for doing much to help and inspre others. I will remember him for his kindness and for proving to many of us, in flying and in life, most all things are possible when done right.
Godspeed Mr. Bob. The journey continues! |
sad day
I had the pleasure of flying with him back in 1969..he was everything they have said he was.....GREAT!
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I met him at the Reno air races in the mid 90's or so. He was kind enough to autograph my pilot logbook. We only chatted for a few minutes. After seeing so many of his flawless airshow routines over the years (and at Reno that year) I was surprised at his precision for his age... And that was 20 years ago! I hope he kept flying right until the end.
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An old Bob Hoover video demonstrating aerobatics in the P-51. Come Fly With Me
RIP "Captain" Bob Hoover. :( |
Very well written..
Quote:
Godspeed Bob.. |
Moments
My wife and I blundered into him talking with a friend of his in one of the vendor hangars (C?) at OSH '97. I said, "that's Bob Hoover!" She said with her "then" knowledge of aviation, "Does he sell vacuums?".....
He heard, was hugely amused and chatted my wife up as the Brits say. What a kind man. It helps she was/is cute. He knew how treat a lady. I took lessons. Then she saw the flying show that afternoon...................... Tailwinds Howard |
I think he was revered as much for his graciousness and humility as he was for his flying, if that is even possible. A true role model in a world where graciousness and humility are becoming very scarce.
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Sometimes the guy is for real.
This was on the Front Page some time ago. Worth repeating. Thanks, DR! ![]() Dave |
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