Video from the Past [33] - Bob Hoover - American Test Pilot

[@donaldschmitt4019]

I met Mr. Hoover at an airshow in the mid 70's. I was Drooling over his Yellow Pens oil P51 mustang. A voice behind me said nice bird isn't it I turned and there he was straw hat and all. We talked and he treated me like a friend. Never forgot that. Rest in Peace Mr. Hoover.

[@irn2flying]

Love that story. Thanks for sharing!

[@steveclegg2685]

I have known Bob for over 30 years and have flown with him many times. I would occasionally fly his Shrike Commander for him from airshow site to airshow site. He was not only a true gentleman and great American, but without a doubt the greatest aerial demonstration performer the world has ever seen and probably ever will see. Aviation has lost an icon that can not be replaced. God speed and good tailwinds my dear friend.

[@robertyoungsr.3811]

Sew

[@EdwardJordanTheOriginal]

Very true! I don't think I can name his equal

[@johnedwards5516]

What is your favorite story about Bob Hoover that you personally witnessed.

[@dhyde9207]

Bob was at an airshow in Flint Michigan back in the 1970's and I was honored to have Ole Yeller in my hangar for that show. Bob signed my leather kneeboard and it's something that I will never give up. What a gentleman.

[@ldmax]

There will never be another Bob Hoover. So long, Bob.

[@Flightstar]

Great listening to his stories. He lived in a perfect time for his dreams and ambitions to truly soar.

[@ShevillMathers]

Met this wonderful man in Tasmania, Australia when he took part in Sky Race Tasmania, back in the 90’s. I have hours of video footage of all his flying performances at each airshow, and a program signed by him, which I treasure. Not often one gets to meet one of aviation’s greatest flyers. RIP, Bob, keep those angels entertained. 🇦🇺

[@Torana-gz5ls]

Was at that show. At the time Tasmania was the only place he was licensed to fly due to his age. His performance in the Shrike was perfect, I remember him disappearing behind a small hill with his engines both stopped and expecting to here a crash. Only for him to reappear do a loop and land on one wheel then the other and pull up right in front of the crowd and give a wave. Best thing I've ever seen.

[@robertcombs55]

One of the greatest Pilots of all time.

[@Blue-Blazes]

No. He was the greatest pilot of the 20th century...period.

[@MequonJay]

Exactly what I was going to say Sub Zero! He was a good friend of my mother and I knew him when I was a kid. THE GREATEST!

[@JimWalsh-rl5dj]

A true gentleman, humility, not a braggart and one of the best

[@flyinhawaiian5848]

Amazing life story! The perseverance to overcome so many obstacles to achieve his dream of flight is inspiring. Jimmy Doolittle referred to Bob as "the greatest stick and rudder man who ever lived," and rightly so. Rest in peace Mr. Hoover...

[@cramersclassics]

I too had the privilege of meeting Bob with my son at Arlington, WA in the 1990's. Still have the R.A. Bob Hoover hat he signed. This is the best Bob interview video I have seen. Thanks!

[@Therecouldbehope]

The integrity and honest quality of this man is of epic proportion. From a grocery store stock boy with a bicycle to the greatest aerobatic pilot in the history of aviation - Mr Hoover was never defeated by life’s challenges, he shall always be remembered as The Best- ever. Thank God I was lucky enough to watch him fly.

[@MrLikeke]

Thank you for putting up this wonderful talk by Bob Hoover. 26OCT 2016 RIP Mr. Hoover.

[@whirls007]

Had the pleasure of lunch with Bob in 1980 when he dropped off Ole Yeller for an air show in Groton, Ct. Wish we had the camera phones then. Got to be close up with him and the P-51. What a great guy. Still have his business card.

[@firefly510]

Mr Hoover and I began our careers in exactly the same way. The first two flights severe nausea, air sick like crazy - had to tough it out until it disappeared. After that our careers diverged. Much respect to a true hero.

[@daveholmgren]

His advice: When faced with a forced landing, fly the airplane as far into the crash as possible (from memory, actual quote probably differs...) - saved my life in Tunisia last year. He was and remains my biggest hero. Blue skies and tailwinds, Bob...

[@donaldprice1597]

I've had the honor of meeting Bob Hoover at his FBO at Rialto AP, and also seen him do his show in both the Shrike Commander and a P-51. I have never heard his full story before--what an amazing guy, and an American hero.

[@kramsallisac9356]

I saw Bob Hoover fly this Shrike Commander airplane at Harlingen, Texas when the Confederate Air Force was alive back in 1976 ........... It was strictly skill and nerves of steel that he was able to maneuver his Shrike Commander aircraft in a manner that showed mastery of the machine ............... Bob Hoover was the kind of guy that could do what he wanted because he knew and understood himself and the machine he was in charge of ................ What a great testimony he was to all of us, pilots and non-pilots and his story will no doubt be told for many years to come ................ Thank you Bob Hoover for making flying so exciting for all of us !!!

[@dalehorn8614]

I was at that show. 4 days in Harlingen was a blast for this Junior High School student.

[@remb9614]

The greatest generation right here. This man oozes ambition. He was one of the best pilots of all time and his contributions to aviation and military will always be remembered. The airplanes of today are possible because of men like this.

[@winkerdude]

I've seen Bob Hoover many times times at air shows. I never had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him. His performance was always the best part of the show. He made that Commander dance.

[@jerrytee2688]

times × times = times squared

[@motorcop505]

Bob was our greatest test pilot in the US. The legendary Erik Winkle Brown, RN was one of the very few with greater experience. Thank God for men like Bob and Erik.

[@donwoodward4771]

Thank you, a very balanced statement.

[@BrassLock]

What a delightful human being, who had the skills and ability to befriend the right people at the right time.

[@mrpwd7322]

Bob Hoover and Robert Mason (for helicopters), were two men who made decision early on what they wanted to do, and were better prepared to gain the skills needed to master their craft. It starts with the decision to do something and follows with planning, preparation and practice. Pushed their knowledge through direct experience. Arthur Lee is another compelling story. In any event, Bob lived in the greatest age of flying and was lucky enough to gain tremendous experience out of the force of his character and determination. Gone but never forgotten.

[@Eddie_Schantz]

I went with a relative of mine to an air show in the early 70's. While we were walking around the grounds, we passed by several people standing in a circle talking about flying. We managed to get into the circle to listen and one of the men was Bob Hoover. We just stood there an listened to Bob answer questions about his flying. On of the questions someone ask him was if the Aero Commander he flew was built special for his acrobats. He said " No its not. I can take one right off of the production line and do the same thing. It is all in the stress that you put on the plane and knowing the limits it will take" I was very impressed with what he was saying and the knowledge he possessed.

[@kjetgirl]

Geez.... I just found out about your passing looking at these videos on the tube..... not much TV press overseas on such and Iconic passing in Aviation history.... very SAD Rest in Peace Bob... and say hello to my DAD too if you cross paths up there !

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

What a story! There is nothing like having a story teller regale you with amazing memories. This man is a legend.

[@holywells]

Yep, good ol' Bob. At Reno, back in the 1980s, we could hang around and listen to him and Yeager tell their stories! They truly had the best stories of any other pilots! Absolutely the finest aviators that ever lived.

[@hadial-saadoon2114]

I saw him at Reno several times. It was always a treat to see his show with the Shrike Commander. But my favorite moments were watching him pull up in his Mustang as the Unlimiteds came down the chute and then, "Gentlemen, you have a race!".

[@martentrudeau6948]

Bob Hoover was a treat to listen to. Thanks Bob.

[@richarddiersing777]

I saw his expertise in person. 1980/81 I believe. Outstanding.

[@armstronglance]

God Bless Bob Hoover! He defines what the “Greatest Generation” is all about! My Dad flew WWII, a POW, then at WP & Edwards at the same time. Bob was an inspiration to all the guys. Love the Wagon Wheel spoke story! That explains why my Dad almost married a pretty English girl. Armstrong’s are Scottish, so we fit in.

[@s9plus20]

What a wonderful interview. Thanks for posting!

[@RemoVegas]

Mr. HOOVER - R.I.P…! Thank You SIR For Your SERVICE To Our Country..!

[@JH-bq9zr]

Every 18 year old should have to watch this

[@brentdykgraaf184]

I met Chuck.....but never had the honor to meet this amazing man...patriot...pilot.

[@rich34glider]

Wonderful stories, RIP Mr Hoover.

[@sumrica]

Wow! What a story, Mister Hover. I'm so glad you told it for us.

[@brucehehl5688]

Deke Slayton said of Bob Hoover, "he is the best pilot I ever saw!" What an American treasure and a humble gentleman!!

[@jaysoneubanks579]

There is no other pilot who will surpass Bobs abilities.....Bob is Gods force.

[@gregstoddard8038]

Self taught and the best....Thank you for your service and life's work Sir, and Peace Bob..

[@tomarmstrong1281]

"What a delightful person". Thank goodness that there are some. Very few pilots reach the levels of skill and ability where the airplane becomes an extension of their own physical and sensual being. He was a master.

[@thehungryterrier1]

RIP Mr. Hoover

[@genebonjour5545]

Seen this guy in about 1980 in Daytona Beach airshow. He had yellow p51 mustang doing the show. Letters on plane said Rockwell international. Great flights he did

[@reckemroysrc3764]

I love this story. BOB HOOVER IS A TRUE TREASURE OF THE USA. RIP RA BOB HOOVER 🙏🙏🙏👍👍✌✌

[@ps2hacker]

I heard a story that Bob Hoover got shot down behind German lines, and was captured, and taken to Stalag Luft something or other, but after a few months, managed to escape, then he "borrowed" an FW190, and managed to fly back to his base in England without getting shot down by either side.

[@F.A.A.F.0]

+UNITED POLICE STATES OF AMERICA He landed the 190 in Holland. He said the locals thought he was German and came after him with pitchforks because he was flying a German aircraft.

[@Cetrero]

Awesome pilot and exceptional human been !

[@jerrytee2688]

He had been a human?...or was a human or...what?🤔

[@Mike-01234]

He road a bicycle to an airport and took flying lessons at 16 he never even drive a car yet his parents had no idea he was flying a plane many only dream of a life like that.

[@ronjohnson918]

The best that ever existed.

[@Paiadakine]

How could his parents be ever mad at Bob? I think folks back didn’t have much money and if you wanted to do something you really sacrificed so you really appreciated every moment. “Heaven without dying”. I like that comments. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@vancetrigger]

RIP and thank you

[@skycarl]

This was really good,,, thanks.

[@howardtucker2423]

DTHAR RIVER WAS THE "STONES RIVER" AND THE FERRY WAS CALLED "STEWART'S FERRY" THAT ROAD STILL EXISTS TODAY

[@BeagJohn]

I am amazed anyone (probably a non pilot) has a bad word to say about Bob Hoover. "It ain't bragging if you can do it." And Bob sure could. Read Chuck Yeager's book!

[@donwoodward4771]

No flies on bob, but who would want to read any book written by a. Scum bag like yeager?

[@captaincrunch72]

@@donwoodward4771 what a disgusting comment. Was Yeager abrupt and had a giant ego?? yes, But did he back up his mouth . YOU god damned right...

[@mikeowen657]

If this man couldn't do it, no one can. Good bye to the greatest stick ever.

[@kjetgirl]

Mine too...an aviation history that I would have been naturally in sync with having a similar attitude to Aviation and Flying as Bob with my innate love and lifetime passion for Flying and Piloting. Just wish we could have crossed paths and met up sometime ..... and even still now while we are both still around is my aviation dream wish.

[@TheThedeuce]

Amazing man, amazing pilot.

[@silviog.4211]

Wanted: really talented pilot for aerobatics with engines feathered. Live pilot preferred.

[@flyingcatsofthesalishsea.]

Thanks Bob..Rest easy fly boy, rest easy...

[@captbad9313]

Who puts a dislike on something like this?

[@camarocarl7130]

Bob is a class act. Did so much more than Yeager for aviation.

[@KutWrite]

Why compare them? Both were greats.

[@johnmay2786]

What an inspirational man!

[@richardc.crabtree2694]

My father Richard C. Crabtree Sr. was a P-47 fighter pilot shot down in the Po River Valley, Italy & POW in Stalag Luft 1, Barth, Germany with Mr. Hoover. My dad said a British Pilot POW told Mr. Hoover how to fly the German plane they saw flying in the area. Mr. Hoover was always determined to escape. When the Russians were close & the German guards took off my dad & a couple of buddies made it to the Baltic, grabbed a German sail boat but we're recaptured by a Russian gun boat. Obviously Mr. Hoover pulled off a better escape & didn't have to deal with crazy drunk Russians.

[@billbright1755]

Well Mr. Hoover, in war or peace, it's nice to fly.

[@billbright1755]

The Lord thought, I think I'll make this young man a flyer.

[@MotionMcAnixx]

There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots. But there are no old bold pilots. But sometimes, there are.

[@joemason9187]

The real seat of your pants pilot, we can gain much knowledge from him RIP sir

[@marechuber]

Saw Bob years ago flying a twin engine like no other I ever saw.

[@Makeitliquidfast]

See that's the thing Bob is not gone and no doubt can hear or knows everything that's said about him, we Christians believe in eternal life so Bob hopefully we'll be seeing you soon and God bless you.

[@DrogoBaggins987]

Guys like him were always rare but it seems that this country just can't produce men like him today. There was a story about him in the book How To Win Friends And Influence people. A guy on the ground put jet fuel in his p-38 and just about killed him. Bod didn't even get angry.

[@paulmurphy42]

Does anyone know how he was able to steal the FW190 from a revetement when he'd never flown one before, and didn't speak or read german? Did someone brief him before he got in the cockpit? I can't find a detailed acccount. Thanks.

[@LCMNUNES1962]

SAGRAD MONSTER AVIATION WAR 2 from Brasil congratulations

[@skipgetelman3418]

Always will be my hero

[@maartentoors]

fly! you yank! kiss the sky for me!

[@rickjolinsrcrunway5911]

Goodbye Bob!

[@mikesimmonds1916]

Nasville metropolitan? Bob Hoover international surely?

[@LuizCma]

mr hoover the best, airton senna brasil comparition schumaker.

[@dpete8995]

My dad was pissed when he found out I was taking flying lessons!

[@jpowers104]

My Uncle!

[@howardtucker2423]

I GREW UP THERE 1947 THROUGH 1961

[@CrosswindSurfer]

does the unedited version exist?

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

Don't make them like that anymore.

[@damiandiesel1]

mine too

[@mikewaterfield3599]

semperque legenda

[@ranchlazyo]

Ya know...I like Bob, but he thinks he is God gift to aviation. Sorry He's not.

[@F.A.A.F.0]

+Lazyo Ranch This man is a Legend.. STFU

[@steinwaygrande3971]

+CMallory He is a Legend and Gods gift to the world of aviation.

[@steinwaygrande3971]

Not a nice comment at all.

[@mikeyriley8959]

No he is not like that at all. I met him, did you?

[@yellowhammer4747]

Mikey Riley Never met him but ask him so many questions if I did that It would probably kill him. lol