Famous Airshow and Military/Test Pilot Robert A. “Bob” Hoover passed away October 25, 2016 (age 94). He will be missed.
He was born in Nashville, Tennessee and started his service with the U.S. Army Air Force in 1940 and served until 1948 when he left the Air Force to continue in the civilian side of aviation. He flew as a Test Pilot for North American Aviation but is perhaps most famous as an Airshow Pilot flying unbelievable routines in an Aero Commander, twin engined, Shrike Commander. His last airshow performance was at Sun ‘N’ Fun 2000 (he did not perform any aerobatics though).
Hoover received several military awards during his career such as: Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier’s Medal for Valor, Air Medal with Clusters, Purple Heart, Croix de guerre and he received several civilian awards: Living Legends of Aviation Freedom of Flight Award, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Trophy, National Aeronautic Association’s Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, and he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and in the Aerospace Walk of Honor.
There is a highly researched three-year project documentary film about “Bob” Hoover that I just found out about I am told is quite good. Get it here: “Flying the Feathered Edge”