RIP Bob Hoover

[mckennar]

I know threads like this don't get very much traction around here, but for those of you who are also aviation enthusiasts, the world lost an absolute legend today in Bob Hoover.

For those unfamiliar, here's a brief intro:
Pour Out an Iced Tea for Bob Hoover - The Drive

 

[techno]

I saw his performance in an Aero Commander at the Avalon Int Airshow in Australia many years ago. Did a whole bunch of aerobatics with the engines shut down. Surprisingly it was just as awesome as watching the military jets.

 

[mckennar]

I saw his performance in an Aero Commander at the Avalon Int Airshow in Australia many years ago. Did a whole bunch of aerobatics with the engines shut down. Surprisingly it was just as awesome as watching the military jets.

Oh man that must have been amazing to see in person. Everyone's seen hardcore military hardware performing envelope-pushing maneuvers... not to say it's commonplace, but when that ol' Shrike Commander started pulling high-g aerobatics it must have been like watching Sabine Schmitz thrash that diesel van around the Nurburgring.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I saw him fly over Daytona Beach in the late 90s. Fantastic pilot. I think the feat I find most incredible was that as a POW in WWII he escaped from the Germans, stole one of their new age fighters and flew it to the Netherlands.

Truly an American icon, and as the cliche rings true, they don't make them like they used to.

 

[Toffees]

I know threads like this don't get very much traction around here, but for those of you who are also aviation enthusiasts, the world lost an absolute legend today in Bob Hoover.

For those unfamiliar, here's a brief intro:
Pour Out an Iced Tea for Bob Hoover - The Drive

Bob Hoover was the best--sad I missed this news.

This is a great video of his basic airshow

And the pouring a glass of tea maneuver