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

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

DISCLAIMER: This interview was taken from the "Timeless Voices" series available on the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association).

Bob Hoover is a former air show pilot and United States Air Force test pilot, known for his wide-brimmed straw hat and wide smile. In aviation circles, he is often referred to as "The pilots' pilot."

Hoover is best known for his civil air show career, which started when he was hired to demonstrate the capabilities of Aero Commander's Shrike Commander, a twin piston-engined business aircraft which had developed a rather staid reputation due to its bulky shape. Hoover showed the strength of the plane as he put the aircraft through rolls, loops, and other maneuvers which most people would not associate with executive aircraft. As a grand finale, he shut down both engines and executed a loop and an eight-point hesitation slow roll as he headed back to the runway. He touched down on one tire, then the other, before landing. After pulling off the runway, he would start engines to taxi back to the parking area. On airfields with large enough parking ramps (such as the Reno Stead Airport where the Reno Air Races take place), Hoover would sometimes land directly on the ramp and coast all the way back to his parking spot in front of the grandstand without restarting the engines.

A few years after starting the show, he began carrying passengers during the actual show. (The Shrike Commander could carry six passengers.) These passengers became known as "Hoover's Heavers" due to the number who became airsick during the maneuvers.

Note: If you folks have the chance, read his book "Forever Flying". It's a riveting read.