Bob Hoover -- Engine-out Aerobatics!

[@TwinPilots19]

I was one of Bob's ferry pilots that would fly the Shrike from airshow site to airshow site. We flew together on many occasions including many practice flights prior to the beginning of the airshow season. The highlight of my career has always been the opportunity to fly with him during engine out aerobatic maneuvers and the privilege to tell people I know Bob Hoover. God speed and good tailwinds my dear friend.

[@salvadorfindley3555]

Why this comment doesn’t have more likes is beyond me, thank you for sharing

[@josephkaminski1857]

AN Amazing pilot for certain. I have just finished a 3 yr. rebuild of a commander 112A. I bought in pieces and during the process became a A&P, It just flew for the first time in 15 yrs. Everyone said at the airport I found it at sitting on the ground the plane would never fly again. I wish I had an experienced pilot like him to show me the best way to fly this bird. Bob was really a bird in a human body

[@ArrowTrajectory]

Years ago I watched Mr. Hoover on final approach in his P-51. At the runway threshold (with wheels still retracted), he pulled up into a loop, dropped the landing gear, and chopped the throttle. With the V-12 popping and sputtering Bob pulled out of the loop and deadsticked the landing. No crowds. Just out for a afternoon cruise. A truly gifted pilot.

[@afterburner2869]

altered trajectory He was a magician in the cockpit. In that same P-51, I saw him touch down, the hit the throttle and get airborne again, do a roll and land again without running out of runway. Unbelievable!!

[@JohnC-ur5ut]

He's wearing a Suit and Tie while he preforms these complicated maneuvers. What a MAN !

[@erictaylor5462]

3:30 "I'm just as normal as everybody else." Says the man Chuck Yeager called the greatest pilot he ever saw.

[@royhsieh4307]

thats why they shouldn't make bob hoover the test pilot, they should make the average bob do it because they end up making planes only bob hoover could handle

[@75ajw]

watched Bob do his energy management routine in Australia in 1994 and then got his autograph outside his Shrike after he landed. Simply amazing to watch.

[@cl604driver]

Alex Wegman I saw him do the same routine at my first ever air show at PAE back in 1987. He was amazing for sure.

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

Holly cow, this man was indeed one of the greatest in the sky. He understood every aspect of physics in aviation.

[@taofledermaus]

Hell of a pilot, and a pretty tough plane!

[@aserta]

Indeed.

[@ZdrytchX]

why do you appear in the comments section so often you little mercury

[@thehangmansnoose1]

Bahaha, the Tao's been around forever dude, check out some of his high speed vids

[@ZdrytchX]

Why would I need to again? I've probably seen too many of his videos already haha Funny enough this is actually also how I found out about his channel - comments on unrelated videos

[@simont3686]

Indeed. But what brings you here?

[@panther105]

The only sad thing about his performances was that most people who were not pilots probably did not fully appreciate what he was doing.

[@thomasjorgensen6133]

I thought that too, but having gone thru my multiengine training recently, I'd amend that to people who don't have a multi-engine rating not fully appreciating it. Doing a barrel roll into the dead engine is what scares the crap out of me from this video.

[@jmitterii2]

@@thomasjorgensen6133 That plane's design must be special... kind of like a C172's are spin rated while other aircraft aren't. But even he said he would recommend turning into the dead engine.

[@johnnykjane]

@@thomasjorgensen6133 Actually, that is the preferred way to roll. You will roll faster because the running eng will give more lift over that wing. He said it on the video, as long as you have the airspeed, it's not an issue!

[@harpoon_bakery162]

@@johnnykjane that's correct.

[@javssilva3995]

How difficult are these maneuvers in that type of airplane?

[@quinnjim]

RIP Mr. Hoover. You were one of the greatest EVER.

[@rafdecc]

WHEN DID HE PASS??HOW OLD?

[@dphorgan]

@@rafdecc Google.....

[@Sagachel]

He is not a crazy pilot, but a very well trained and confident one

[@elonmust7470]

Flying is like being a career timber faller in the pacific north west back in the old growth days. Consider yourself a Master if you don't get killed before you get to retirement age.

[@trexx32]

You mean self taught

[@Splint993]

Truly a giant amongst men. Godspeed to the greatest aviator to ever walk the Earth.

[@WhallonJesse]

I got to shake his hand at Air Venture Oshkosh 2013 after I heard him speak. What an honor!

[@Mike-01234]

It seems like Bob Hoover is the only "Old and Bold Pilot" still living he has disproved that saying.

[@justforever96]

kell490 Well, there's the other saying, about the "exception proving the rule". The fact that he's the *only* one ought to be significant to other pilots. However, I think "bold" really implies something more like "brash", while this man is supremely aware of what he is doing and how to do it. "Bold" would be "hey, I bet I can do a loop in this thing with an engine out...here, hold my beer!". Hoover KNOWS he can loop in it, and how to do it successfully.

[@Mike-01234]

justforever96 I know what you mean but if you actually look at how many air show pilots who fly low level aerobatics have died I guess what I was thinking is bold is preforming low level aerobatics. The risk is very high only a small mistake can cost life.

[@PilotPlater]

+kell490 I'd say there's a difference between going out and doing this for kicks, and having done it hundreds, or thousands of times at altitude to know the exact handling characteristics.

[@Mike-01234]

Andy Plater That might be true but if you look into how many air show aerobatic pilots have been killed who had 10 of thousands of hours the saying still holds true.

[@PilotPlater]

You're right, but that's a calculated risk you have to take as an airshow pilot.

[@javacup912]

I've seen Bob Hoover a few times, and the best part of this routine is that the Commander is stock. The only mod that Bob said was done to the airplane was installing modified wheel bearings with with a few thousands of an inch loose play to allow him to do the landing and taxing to the crowd with the engines off, using just energy management. Amazing skill and no one comes close!

[@skippmclovan1135]

How on earth did that aircraft stay together??? The 1960's Aero Commander had a wing main spar weakness issue which saw a number of them losing a wing in mid-flight WITHOUT aerobatics being performed!

[@steveclegg2685]

I was Bob's ferry pilot. I have sat with him on several practice flights. He was so smooth a pilot he only pulled 2 positive G's, and a lot of Zero G. Not even half way to the structural limits of 4.4 positive and 2.5 negative. It was a very mild ride with very little stress on the aircraft. That's why he's the "Best of the Best".

[@bobbyboyles9970]

I WAS THERE IN RENO AT THE RACES WHEN BOB DID AN 8 POINT ROLL WITH ENGINES OFF AND COULD HEAR COCKPIT COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE TOWER IT WAS ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE THANK YOU BOB I LOVED IT

[@mattf49006]

Chuck Norris wants to be Bob Hoover when he grows up

[@tacticalbacon7386]

@@saschabach3285 Lol what is this comment.

[@juang971]

I was a kid when I saw Mr . Hoover at an air show here in South Texas at KHRL. He performed the same maneuvers as in this film with an air commander.

[@PovilKa]

RIP Bob Hoover.. 2016-OCT-25, age 94.

[@gaelan2k9]

What's with this troll, seems like a bot

[@PovilKa]

Yeah, spammed several videos at once.

[@gaelan2k9]

Don't see what he's trying to accomplish, not even advertising anything

[@richmanwisco]

He was a demonstration pilot for Aero Commander, the manufacturer of the Shrike Commander he is flying. So yes, he was very much selling something.

[@gaelan2k9]

You thought I was talking about Bob? haha, read the previous comments

[@IndianaJade]

R.I.P. Mr. Hoover ! One of the (if not) the best, and humble ! That's what legend are made of !

[@Catdore]

I watched Bob Hoover go back and forth over the runway in an Aero Commander, dead stick, with only the sound of air over the plane, then finally landing...still gives me the chills.

[@coriscotupi]

I was lucky to see this in person also. A true legend.

[@afterburner2869]

Alan Fontana Same here. I saw him when I was 16 years old, I am now 52 and will never forget that day.

[@richallen5070]

I actually got to ride with him in this aircraft and we did rolls and loops but did with power because of insurance requirements..

[@afterburner2869]

Rich Allen You flew with a legend.

[@Torana-gz5ls]

You lucky bastard.🤢🤢

[@harpoon_bakery162]

Sombitch

[@thehumanityoflife]

Did you ever had to use the barf bag?

[@alanmyers4297]

He is probly already doing stunts with his new wings.Thanks for all the inspiration Bob, R.I.P.

[@haraldschevik5213]

Alan Myers Rest in peace, Bob Hoover, Air Hero, the Pilot's Pilot

[@Bluswede]

Alan Meyers You just made my face leak...that was a thought so solid and poignant! Ol' Saint Pete has prob'ly had that special set of wings ready and waiting for quite some time now...

[@dbaider9467]

Beautiful comment! :)

[@InsaneMetalSoldier]

He does in real life what kids do in Flight Simulator X

[@flyer159]

some kids can't even do in FS what he did in reality :)

[@stevewayne1359]

why must it be kids using FS?? Most kids DON'T use FS as a matter of fact. By far the majority of FS users are adults ... and elderly adults at that.

[@InsaneMetalSoldier]

You can't imagine how many kids use FSX and they land 747s on carriers. Impresive

[@BollocksUtwat]

I remember landing my first jet in FS 98 or something. Granted I missed the run way and only landed on some flat earth but it was supremely impressive to the other kids whose computer it was. Doing loops is pretty damn hard in a sim cause you got none of that gut feeling and all that judgment he talks about needing has to come from looking at a narrow 2D screen. To be sure you can achieve in a flight sim what they can do in real life, but you'll almost certainly do it by crashing way more planes than a real pilot does in learning.

[@philharmonic6481]

A flight sim pilot, I am impressed. Find a flight school, fly a real one, if you have the balls

[@ooo_Kim_Chi_ooo]

The greatest ever. I met Bob many times as a kid and he was just the coolest guy ever. My mom's boss used to fly with him and it got me into aviation.

[@flyingcatsofthesalishsea.]

I was lucky enough to watch Bob Hoover in Reno/Stead 1989.....the legend...the master...ladies and gentlemen....the great Bob Hoover!!!

[@countryjoe3551]

I saw Bob do this routine at Oshkosh in 1987. I was utterly stunned by what he could do with that airplane. Rest In Peace, Mr. Hoover.

[@Bluenose352]

Rest In Peace, Bob. You will be greatly missed by everyone in the aviation community.

[@blackdiamondmarine]

I have vivid memories of Bob and the Commander flying at the Avalon Airshow Melbourne Australia, 15 years ago when i was 12years old. He was my hero then and still is to this day. What a man, what a pilot.

[@tectorama]

RIP Bob, there is unlikely ever to be another like him.

[@privatepilot4064]

One of the great aviation legends of our time. I got to see him perform many, many times. Never disappointed.

[@Nice-music585]

This guy has been thru so much from test pilot to POW to test pilot again and aerobatics all the way till the age of 70 something. A true legend. RIP Mr. Hoover!

[@winkerdude]

I've seen him at air shows. his performance was always the the high point . He made that Commander dance.

[@danheckathorn1021]

Saw him at the Reno air races. Watched him fly this plane then. He also flew above the racers and when one started losing oil that went over his canopy where he couldn't see Bob dove down and flew right with him guiding him down for a safe landing. He was always one of my favorite pilots.

[@r08800]

Thankyou for being here at the same time as us Bob. Our lives are richer from your example of excellence in and out of the cockpit.

[@gordondean2110]

Very much of a gentleman. I met Bob Hoover one time. I was an engineer at WSMR testing the Launch Escape and Recovery System for Apollo for North American Rockwell. Bob was a VP of NAR. He came by our facilities to see what we were doing....

[@AviationNut]

Gordon Dean Did he have a special carrier for his huge balls?.

[@dr.sygmundwilliams1854]

Awesome Pilot to put the aircraft through those twists and turns so low to the ground.

[@schnabel69]

A true aviator in every sense of the word. I miss his performances.

[@edwardpate6128]

Saw many an air show in the early 70's with this great man doing this demo. Rest in peace sir!

[@rtornellort]

You couldn't get me to try one of those maneuvers for all the money in the world! Glad he did though,awesome to watch!!!

[@HarleyQuinn_93]

This guy was an amazing pilot. Side slips?! He looks like he's flying a helicopter!

[@71Habu]

Bob Hoover and Chuck Yeager were training squadron mates. Both had exceptional eyesight and could usually spot the enemy first. This was true of most all of the top pilots. Robert S Johnson, Chuck Yeager, Bob Hoover, Richard Bong all reported they were usually the first to spot the enemy. As a side note, Bob Hoover had to get special dispensation on his pilots license to fly into his 90’s. Most people have to give their pilots license in their 70’s or early 80’s.

[@romanfrattasio8209]

Bobs book forever flying is a must read for any aviation enthusiast or Bob Hoover fan. He is truely a national treasure.

[@afterburner2869]

Damian Frattasio You are exactly right and I am glad that there are people out there such as yourself that remembers him. I saw him do his thing when I was about 16 . I am 52 now and have never forgotten what he could do in a cockpit.

[@GamePlayWithNolan]

He passed away. :( R.I.P.

[@afterburner2869]

GamePlayWithNolan when did this happen?

[@keithnoneya]

One of the most talented Pilots I've ever seen. A truley skilled pilot and professional. I still get a thrill watching the videos.

[@Giovanniram22]

What a publicity for the Company and the aircraft!

[@barryjanis]

I met Bob at Sun n Fun 30 yrs ago, still have that photo shaking his hand. He was the REAL DEAL. May God bless him !

[@gaelan2k9]

Rip, amazing pilot

[@gaelan2k9]

林柏銘 Alright bud

[@arodrigues2843]

Bob Hoover , one of the GREATEST pilots, EVER.!!!! We, those who love airplanes, will miss you.!!! RIP, Bob.

[@humbertomonteiro6742]

Bob Hoover forever,super aviation legend.hats off to you sir, and long live...

[@timmots]

I love the understatement "this manoeuvres is a bit tricky"

[@brianbnlv]

Happy that I got to talk and have my photo taken with him at the Reno Air Races last month. Grew up watching him fly the Aero Commander there. What a great American and Aviator!

[@Weightlossjourney24]

As far as I can tell is Bob Hover is on person capable of performing these acrobatics. Flying the feathered edge. Rip Bob

[@p51d007]

Saw this 40 years ago as a kid. Still one of the best shows ever. Bob is one of those "old, bold" pilots that are VERY rare.

[@valerie80yearsago90]

Absolute madlad. He was truly one with whatever he flew. How magnificent. RIP Mr. Hoover, you were one of (if not) the greatest.

[@factfilenews]

I searched through the Internet to find this amazing Piolt. Bob Hoover Sir, you will be missed.

[@Keys879]

RIP Bob, the great ones are always hardest to lose!

[@CallmeDaBreeze1971]

My jaw dropped as I watched this. Amazing flying.

[@markjessurun1294]

As a pilot myself I have great respect for BOB HOOVER and his earobatics !! Wish he was my instructor even in today's flying !! What a great pilot !!!

[@flybob63]

Saw him do this in person eons ago. Amazing. Saw his P-51 routine also. The best. The absolute best.

[@georgew.5639]

I saw him do this in person at an air show. It’s one of the most memorable acts I’ve ever seen. I was amazed by what I was seeing.

[@Chris-ri6es]

When I watch this I thank God for having brought Bob Hoover into this world.

[@jamesadams3458]

Who ever said there are old pilots and there are bold Pilots But there are no old bold pilots just didn't count on Bob Hoover !!

[@Bluswede]

Everyone's talking about Mr. Hoover's flying and landing skills...what about the parking skills?!! I saw him perform in Oshkosh back in '78, and the announcer made a big deal about how he parked the plane right where he had started it up before flying his routine. Back then, you couldn't get anywhere near the flight line without paying a huge amount at the gate, so I had to accept what was said. THEN, I saw him perform again in '89 or '90, and was able to approach the aircraft on the ground...YUP!...he was perfect for and aft, and only about four inches of left and right! This, after flying the routine, landing, taxiing, and making a U-turn off the center taxiway to park! There are damned good pilots out there now, but they all seem to bow to Bob Hoover...R.I.P., sir Hope those new wings are working better for you than the many other sets you've tried out!

[@ChosenWon]

I could listen to him all day. What a gem of the country. He may have lived too long. When he passed there was little to no news. What a kick in the ass for a guy that did what he had for the country during the war and after. The USA is fickle. Here this guy does it all in text book fashion and a squirrel trying to get into a bird feeder gets 10 times the views. Go figure.

[@zzodr]

FAA officials look away now..

[@aviationdude9546]

well the faa dont give a s.it blog it

[@MrAcer4]

Haha

[@nsant]

The FAA hated him.

[@harpoon_bakery162]

@@nsant -- as much as the FCC hated Howard Stern ?

[@dinostudios6579]

@@nsant No the FAA loved him. He brought great interest in aviation and inspired a generation. He also promoted great airmanship and flew his plane beautifully.

[@TCASSADY1]

I think I Bob Hoover air shows when I was a kid. Doing stunts with the engines off in an aero Commander

[@StortWeldingCoLLC]

As Mr Flight Chops said,a MUST WATCH,, 11 Thumbs UP!!!!!!!! Absultly (SP) Fantastic!!!!! Thanks,Jack.... Its Amazing when ya Watch It and YOUR stomach Gets Quezzy!!!!! WOW,is The ONLY WORD,,,

[@GamePlayWithNolan]

+Jack Connors I came here from him XD

[@chiwami0619]

This gonna be next flight lesson to my students in multi. Love it!

[@peterprigge7852]

We watched practice with the P-51 at George AFB, Victorville & Edwards AFB in the early and mid 1960's. Everything stopped to watch the unbelievable flying. RIP. Peter Prigge

[@rivendell9999]

My role model as a pilot. Many pilots can throw the stick around in a small aerobatic aircraft in all sorts of manners in order to produce some spectacularly-looking and high-G manuevers at airshows, providing their muscles and stomach hold up the effort. Very few, if any but Bob, can do it so smoothly and precisely, particularly in a large aircraft such as this one, that's what I call "surgical flying" :) Bob will live forever!

[@adamshaw6415]

Probably the all-time best. Certainly the all-time most courteous and gentlemanly.

[@jean-louischatelain7506]

Surely the all-time best... And all-time best sense of humor in the field of aviation (think of his unforgettable and elating autobiography!)

[@benoitsilve5135]

I am not sure I want to buy his airplane second hand...

[@SilverbackGorilla69]

Jean-Louis CHATELAIN Forever Flying? If so it's one of , if not the most entertaining books I've ever read.

[@corymurphy2947]

benoît silve you can't buy that one, it's in the Smithsonian

[@keo6g72]

All 52 dislikes are nobody's. Y'all don't matter and neither do your opinion. Bob Hoover is one of the greatest ever. Period.

[@chuckkirkpatrick6712]

Hoover was THE greatest pilot that ever lived. He understood energy management...

[@kideuce]

The aircraft is an Aero Commander. It was manfactured by Rockwell-Standard, which merged with North American Aviation in 1967 to form North American Rockwell. Mr. Hoover, a long time employee of NAA, had been doing spectacular aerobatic displays in the P51 for a number of years and soon added the Aero Commander Shrike to his performance.

[@REDMAN298]

I`ve had the honor of shaking the man`s hand, chatting with him and seeing one of his last shows. He was a great man.

[@brentdykgraaf184]

Wish I had ever had a chance to meet this aviation legend like I did Yeager... when Yeager said "Bob is the best stick and rudder man I ever met".. that is saying something!

[@OriginalThisAndThat]

Definition for daredevil is: You do something that there is a slight chance that you are not able to pull it out everytime and its dangerous enough that not so many people wants to try it out.. Bob wasnt one. He knew exactly what to do when something goes wrong. He never pushed his luck or limits.

[@Gilberto90]

By the end of this video I was just smiling knowing that I was watching someone with complete mastery of their craft. This is what arete looks like.

[@vetryder]

I was lucky enough to see him do this demo in person a couple of times many years ago. It’s even more awesome watching it happen right in front of you.

[@tedmeeuwsen712]

After logging a couple of thousand hours flying the Shrike, after viewing Bob I realise my experience is really one hour two thousand times.

[@vincewhite4745]

No one better than Bob!

[@erictaylor5462]

I am so glad I got the chance to see him fly in person.

[@jeffp7481]

I saw Bob Hoover in his Shrike at Air Sho 78 in Harlingen. He did three loops above the runway, dead stick, with a low cloud cover, then a roll and turned back around, landed, and rolled to a stop in front of the stands. Where did 44 years go? One of the highlights of my life.

[@Duality306]

I got to meet Mr Hoover and talk with him for about 30 minutes at the Indianapolis Airshow many years ago...He told some AMAZING stories about himself and Chuck Yeager then got to see him do his routine in the Shrike for Evergreen

[@yobrojoost]

I wouldn't have thought any of this was possible, what incredible skill! Not to mention nerve!

[@SamYoungRadio]

I bet his wife had a huge life insurance policy he never knew about it. lol

[@BollocksUtwat]

I struggle to imagine what insurer would take one out on such a man.

[@rcmodelr]

Lloyd's Of London will provide Live & other Insurance to anybody willing to pay for it, including most air show pilots.

[@gunterg7309]

Why would you bother it’s bob hover he was airplane Jesus.

[@harpoon_bakery162]

i dont think he flew for the money. probably didn't have a lot.

[@laprepper]

those crazy cross control side slips at low speed/altitude, this guy is a beast!

[@melkeister307]

I saw him do his routine in three different types of aircraft in 1978 Harlingen Tx. P-38 lightning, Lefty Gardner, aero commander, his, and a saberliner business jet!! No equal.

[@dstickler]

Had the great pleasure of seeing Bob Hoover perform at the Reno Air Races a couple times in the 80's. The best of the best performers were there but the Shrike Commander show really stood out. Clearly a great airman. The proximity to the runway with wheels up was insane. But the manouvers without power were another level. Just when you thought he had to be done, he kept going and going. He knew exactly how much energy to conserve. Including landing deadstick with enough speed to roll perfectly right up to the flightline in front of the crowds. It didn't even look like he touched the brakes. Then he popped out wearing that signature hat. :-)

[@paulm5197]

I saw Mr. Hoover perform this routine at an EAA convention. As I pilot with time in twin-engine aircraft I was taken aback by the skill he demonstrated. I never imagined that anyone could fly such an airplane in such a manner.

[@orangemonster61]

Loved watching this. Love you, Miss you Bob. Seen you once at the Reading Air Show.

[@MrTruckerf]

They say there are no old, bold pilots...........but they never met Mr. Hoover!

[@LateNightCable]

Bob Hoover was a living testament to the extreme airworthiness of the Aero Commander. Bob Hoover, a bold pilot, who grew to be an old pilot.

[@delord1619]

I got to see him perform late in his career, nicest guy to meet afterwards.

[@brittlech]

Great American hero and ambassador to aviation. Words don't describe the loss.

[@PaulSmithDYL]

I watched his routine in Sussex NJ around 1990. I was a new private pilot at the time. I was and still am totally amazed at his skill.

[@busyflyin]

I saw him fly this routine at an airshow in Flint, Mi sometime around 1980 - 83. Bob Hoover is the real deal. What a flyer! That plane is one of the most graceful looking birds in the air, and to watch him finish up dead stick was amazing! I don't remember the whole thing but I think he climbed to a respectable altitude, killed the engines, then dove down for a low level flyby, pull up to a loop, do an 8 point roll, and then land.

[@Flogervideo]

Love the style with glasses

[@assman12354]

He’s the man the most interesting man in the world wants to be, and he doesn’t always drink beer but when he does, it’s dos xx, poured inverted with the engines off

[@bradpetersen92126]

Growing up around airplanes, Bob Hoover’s name came up often. My dad was Piper’s first International Service Manager, and we lived in Geneva, Switzerland from 1962-1966. I wish I could remember the names of those I’d met tagging along with my dad, all over Europe.

[@dans2798]

just became my favorite pilot.

[@Twobarpsi]

Saw your 8 point dead stick roll in person, in the 80s. RIP my hero!