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Escaping A Nazi Prison Camp In A German Plane | Bob Hoover, An American Hero | Documentary
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- Опубліковано 25 чер 2022
- Bob Hoover managed to escape a POW Nazi camp in a German plane. He is one of America's greatest aviators and a legendary pilot, barnstormer, World War II fighter, pioneering test pilot, and aerobatics genius.
Bob Hoover tells his amazing story, sharing the thrills and chills, spectacular stunts, and death-defying exploits that have made him a living aviation legend.
You can say that part of tom Cruise's new Top Gun (Top Gun: Maverick) was inspired by his amazing stories, like stealing an enemy's airplane to escape, a German plane!
this documentary is presented in conjunction with our partners at Air2AirTv (Sleeping Dog Productions). A big thank you to Scott Guyette and Jon Tennyson
Bob Hoover was known as The Pilot’s Pilot, he may have been the greatest pilot of all time. Sadly not long ago Bob left this world but gave us an incredible aviation career that spanned military, experimental aircraft, and stunt pilot. In the 95 years of his life, he had some amazing stories to tell, but we haven’t heard all of them.
Sleeping Dog Productions has put together a Bob Hoover biopic called The Gift that dives into his amazing life. For the first time ever you see new interviews with Bob Hoover and his career with some of the giants of aviation.
“The Gift is the true story of Bob Hoover’s flight into history. Hoover is a true American hero. He tells his amazing story in his own words sharing all the historic moments, spectacular flights and death-defying recoveries that made him a living aviation legend. Climb into the cockpit with America’s original top gun for an astonishing inside look at a life lived on the edge - a life that began just 19 years after the Wright Brothers first powered flight and lasted well into the Space Age. Hear and see his first-person accounts of his friendships with giants from Eddie Rickenbacker to Charles Lindbergh, Jimmy Doolittle, Chuck Yeager, Yuri Gagarin, Neil Armstrong and others.”
Robert Anderson "Bob" Hoover was born in January 24, 1922 and passed away on October 25, 2016. He was an American fighter pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, and record-setting air show aviator.
Hoover flew Spitfires in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and was shot down in 1944 off the coast of France. He was held for over a year in a German POW camp before eventually escaping and flying to safety in a stolen enemy aircraft. He then worked as a United States Air Force and civilian test pilot after the war, flying chase for Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1 supersonic flight in 1947, and as a flight instructor for North American Aviation during the Korean War.
He is best known as an air show display pilot, who flew for nearly 50 years until his retirement in 1999. Known as the "pilot's pilot", Hoover revolutionized modern aerobatic flying and has been described in many aviation circles as one of the greatest pilots ever. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Aerospace Walk of Honor in 1992, along with several other military and civilian awards and accolades. In 2013, Flying magazine ranked him 10th on its list of the 51 Heroes of Aviation.
Hoover was considered one of the founding fathers of modern aerobatics and was described by General Jimmy Doolittle as "the greatest stick-and-rudder man who ever lived".[35] In the 2003 Centennial of Flight edition of Air & Space/Smithsonian, he was named the third greatest aviator in history.
During his career, Hoover was awarded the following military medals: the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Soldier's Medal for non-combat valor, the Air Medal with several oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart and the French Croix de Guerre. He was also made an honorary member of the United States Navy aerobatic team the Blue Angels, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the American Fighter Aces Association and the original Eagle Squadron, and received an Award of Merit from the American Fighter Pilots Association.[36] He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1988 and to the Aerospace Walk of Honor in 1992.
Hoover received the Living Legends of Aviation Freedom of Flight Award in 2006, which was renamed the Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award the following year. In 2007, he received the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Trophy and was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Watch more aviation videos and learn more about American pilots on our channel at:
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Exclusive videos courtesy of our partners at Sleeping Dog Productions:
air2airtv.com/
A big thank you to both Jon Tennyson and Scott Guyette!
Watch more aviation videos and learn more about American pilots on our channel at:
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Exclusive videos courtesy of our partners at Sleeping Dog Productions:
air2airtv.com/
A big thank you to both Jon Tennyson and Scott Guyette!
Thanks for sharing history it’s a lifetime achievement congratulations to Mr. Hoover and all the people that make up the service pallets today yesterday tomorrow thank you for your service thank you and God bless everyone going incoming pt Lerch
yeah you wouldn't want to come up against that guy on the other end if he is behind you you're gone and if he was in the lead you'd be behind him because that stick and Rudder it just kicked that Rudder over and you're supposed to go right past
Absolutely 1 of the BEST MR; R.A. Bob Hoover's life story's I've seen , His legacy is Eternal, immortalized in my era of pilots.
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In the early 1980s at the Abbotsford Airshow I stood at the crowd barrier as Bob Hoover taxied up right in front of me after a show in his yellow P-51. As he got out of the airplane and stood on the wing I asked him if I could have a picture and he held his hand up to me in a wait signal, reached into the cockpit for his Panama, placed it on his head and smiled right into my lens. I still have that picture
Awesome memories 🙏♥️👍
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Great American Great story I wonder whatever happened to his yellow Mustang?
@@turkey0165 it's up in rexburg idaho at the air museum. It's flown regularly
I too remember Bob Hoover and his many appearances at the Abbotsford Airshow. The one time that's burned in my memory is when there was a cloud ceiling and Bob decided to take Howie Keefe's Miss America up to see what the altitude was. This must have been when Ol' Yeller was being rebuilt after the fire because he used Miss America in his performance as well. Anyway, I can still see him running her down the runway, mains on the ground and tail in the air. He used almost the full length of the runway and suddenly pulled her up into a near vertical and literally climbed like she was a jet. He was almost out of sight before he leveled off, it was incredible and I'll never forget it. That's how I picture Bob going to Heaven, God rest you sir.
My Father flew 86 missions over Europe in WWII, in a P51.
At 5'-8" tall he cast a mighty shadow for me to grow up under. Even now, I'm in awe of my Dad. These were extraordinary men of Bob Hoover's generation. Mr Hoover had the tallest shadow in Aviation.
86 missions! That is incredible, what a hero. You must be truly proud of him, thank you for sharing Michael..
It’s straight insulting today new generation calls themselves the greatest generation
They only think about themselves and not others like the Greatest Generation did. My grandfathers were both in WW2 and they was both Bad Asses
They don’t make them like them anymore period
The greatest generation ! 👍
Mr. Hoover was an amazing man. 👍
That's when real men walked among us and did until the year 2000 now they are growing old as boys. I was born in the 70's and I'm not half the man my Dad is and I can see it. I just don't know why.
Wow Bob Hoover’s career and life story should be a movie. And God bless him for his service to our country.
Absolutely. would be too real for a movie perhaps.
I had the immense pleasure of meeting and knowing Bob as a teenager in the 60s. I have been in his home, he had sleep in my Ohio bed several times and was responsible for my meeting Neal Armstrong while he was an X-15 pilot. He was one of the kindest, most generous men I have ever met. There is so much to his story that will never be passed on or understood. Thanks for crafting this presentation. Mine is one of countless lives he touched. Thanks, Bob, you were a super class act, who was very real!
I can only imagine the amazing stories he had to share!
Why is he in your bed?
I was skimming this and was lucky enough to hear the story of Bob escaping POW camp and stealing the German plane to Holland and freedom. After just watching Maverick it’s not so far fetched
...Agreed.... Mr. Hoover was a GREAT HUMAN. My Dad paid $40.00 in 1966 for Bob to take me for a ride in that P-51 shown @ 1:08 at the Los Alamitos Airshow. Still one of the highlights of my life........
Wow that’s incredible! I wish I was a part of aviation in the mid 20th century. I’m 21 now and would like to be an ag pilot so we will see how that goes.
Bob Hoover was responsible for my love of aviation and becoming a pilot. I was a 12 year old kid at Oshkosh when it rained for 4 straight days in 1972. No air show performers were able to fly due to the 1000 ceiling. When out of nowhere we heard the whine of the Merlin and saw Bob’s yellow P51 break through the cloud deck the spectators rushed to flight line to watch Bob Bob perform an incredible air show with only a 1000 foot ceiling. It was still raining steadily and we were all all soaking wet but didn’t care. Bob held the attention of thousands that day and cemented his place in my heart. What a great American and incredibly gifted aviator. RIP Bob! B. Bur / Michigan
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I don't believe anyone could fly like Bob Hoover. His exploits with the AeroCommander were unbelievable.
I don't think there will ever be a pilot that can fill Bob's shoes. The man was an incredible pilot and a legend in aviation history. RIP Bob, soar with the angels
I 100% agree with you Rich. Such a great person and pilot
He's probably teaching the angels some tricks
😅...and they were born with wings
Like so many of the other folks who have left their comments here,
I also had the incredibly blessed opportunity to have met Bob at an aviation banquet at the
Crawford Auto and Aviation Museum in Cleveland, Ohio sometime in the early 80's along with a number of his personal peers that were being honored on that was to be one of the greatest evenings of my life !
Bob was being pulled in so many different directions that night, with so many people wanting to have the chance to meet him, shake his hand, take a photo with him, or an autograph from him, and yet, somehow, Bob was so gracious to continue to come back to our conversation with me !
He took the time to give me personal attention, and made me feel like I was the only one in the room that evening !
To the point of my feeling guilty for taking up so much of his time !
As Bob spoke during the banquet, as one of the guest speakers, and honored guests of the event,
Bob spoke of that same accounting of his mountain top plateau landing, and roughly two hour flight back to civilization plastered to the gunsight, and windscreens as he and Tom found a way to shoehorn themselves into the single seat aircraft, and made it back to safety with them both a little worse for wear, but safe, nonetheless !
As every one of us who have had the true blessing of having been touched by the pleasure of knowing Bob, whether it be just a brief moment at an honorary banquet like myself, or an entire lifelong relationship, Bob had a special way about him, created by that special bond between fellow aviators, even though, my flying time was nothing more than a blip on a radar screen compared to his lifetime of flying achievements !
Thank you Bob !
And thank you, to the fine folks who put the effort into creating this extremely fine piece !
Thanks for also sharing your experience!
He was the man. I got my pilots license at 60, in a RV6 I built, never having flown anything else. R A Bob Hoover was part of my inspiration. Thanks.
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1990 I came from Europe to visit the Reno Air Race and had the great honor to watch Bob Hoover performing. I'm stunned to this day and I have never seen such brilliant displays again.
Thank you for sharing this memory 🙏♥️
We lived in Reno many years. I didn’t get to see Bob Hoover fly, I regret, but the Reno Air Races are awesome. I am an Aviation junkie. Hoover was an incredible pilot. So glad you came from Europe to visit. I want to go to the UK and Germany to the big air shows there. I’ve been lucky enough to see a B-29 which is extremely rare. What a thrill.
I met Bob Hoover at one of the Planes Of Fame airshows just a few years before he passed. He was gracious, humble, and a giant of a man. I'll always feel blessed that I was privileged to meet one of the true pioneers of aviation.
So lucky to have met him Jonathan
Was that airshow in Ontario Ca? When I was a teenager I rode my bike to the event in the middle 70s, it was further away than I expected from Fontana and I called my mom to pick me up for a ride home...
@@miketwomey4923 Wonderful memory!
As I remember it was more than 20 miles on a single speed bike, but I loved WW2 airplanes so much that I had to be there. I was 14 in 74 and I didn't want to leave until the end of the show and a three hour ride home would've had me in the dark on sketchy rds. Thankfully mom picked me up...
A friend, a grand gentleman, and the most talented pilot who ever lived; RIP Bob as you fly with the angels
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Stumbled upon an air show as a teenager. Closing performance was a bright yellow P51. What a performance! Later in life I had the privilege of watching Bob at many air shows. Finally had the real thrill of meeting him and talking for some time at a show in Daytona Beach. A cherished memory! The best pilot ever!
How lucky! He was indeed one of the greatest, if not the best pilots that ever lived.
As an aviation nerd since the early 60s, Bob Hoover's skill as a pilot has left me awestruck. His Commander routine is a joy to watch. Great video. There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old bold pilots,,!!?? Bob Hoover walked that line with consumate skill & mastery.
Well said!
I am not a pilot. My younger brother is, and a lot like Bob. I got to meet Bob at Oshkosh Fly-in and knew even then he was a star. But I had not known about his escape from the prison camp. What a guy! Thanks for producing this.
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I watched him many times and every time I was amazed. Love to hear his full story. A mountain of a man with a gentle heart.
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I had the privlege of watching Bob for almost 20 years in Reno. Not ONLY the "overhead angel" for the unlimiteds and the jets, but also flying the Shrike. There will ONLY be ONE Bob Hoover!
Wonderful Steve. You were lucky!
Maravillosa historia y cuanta gente le pudo conocer y admirar...
Gracias por tan buen relato.
“I want you to give check rides to all the instructors.” That’s the most badass thing ever.
As a new pilot in '68 Bob said... "You and I are both the same. We both love flying."
THE Greatest Pilot that ever lived. Bob Hoover.👍😎
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Thank you for this video! My mother is still alive, so is her husband. He flew in WWII. As a small child my mom always took us to neat stuff. One of the events we went to every year was the EAA fly in. Not in Oshkosh, which I have attended many times, but in Milwaukee when the event was still held at Mitchell Field. That is where I first heard the name Bob Hoover and saw the yellow plane that amazed a small boy. Over the years Bob's name would show up in different stories and it would make me wonder where these men came from because they were giants when you think of what they did, and at ages we can hardly comprehend. Thanks mom, for exposing me to giants and thank you for the great documentary on Mr. Hoover!
Thank you and also thank you so much for sharing your memories Jay
Watching him perform and then watching him fly above the air racers as their guardian angel was always a special event. As a young pilot back in the 80’ s he was impressive and of course knowing his history added to it. They don’t make pilots like him anymore.
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I am not sure they ever made pilots like him. They are bestowed.
I lived near Reno and my dad was an aviation buff so I got to see Bob many times, and was very nice while talking to a 12 year old (me) back in 1974.
He also autographed my race program. I loved the 16 point barrel roll dead stick in the Shrike Commander, and and flying around the pylons in old yeller after starting the race. I went the air races until 1986. Bob Hoover was the G.O.A.T!
thanks for sharing J.D.
Watched Bob Hoover at several Air shows in the 60s and 70s. He inspired me to learn to fly. We need a few more Bob Hoovers today.
Could not agree more
I consider myself very lucky that I was able to see several of Mr. Hoover's airshows with my father, and got to see him come down the flight line. Thanks for doing this story, I have learned so much more about the man behind the name, and he truly was an American Hero! Thank you for sharing this information through UA-cam.
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Saw Bob perform in Florida in the '70s. He flew the routine in the P-51 and wow'ed the crowd. Then he hopped into the Shrike Commander and flew the same routine. Minds were blown. He was a master at control, energy management and maintaining positive G's. He was one of my heroes, and I didn't even know much of the back story. Truly the greatest of all time.
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I had the privilege of meeting Bob several times in my youth . I remember him as a very sweet and humble man... Who ever put this together has done a fine job .. Thank you for this Biography
I was also privileged to meet him twice. Once, as a kid at the 1970 Mojave Air Races and once just after I got married. What a great man!
You are welcome. You were lucky to be able to meet such a great, humble hero.
I will never forget watching Hoover, at an air show in Pensacola. His, was the last performance,, the Blue Angels had just finished. I had no idea who he was. He was magnificent! His multi - engine out loop and landing was a show stopper.
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My Dad took me to an airshow where this guy was performing when I was small. I knew he was amazing, but how amazing I did not know till I watched this. This is a very good video of a pilot that should never be forgotten. He was an excellent pilot and person of significant dimensions as a person. This guy was way, way ahead of the saying 'thinking outside the box'. He was doing it.
He just asked what box?
Oh yes, saw him and his Commander at several air shows. A real showman!
An amazing pilot and a humble hero. May he rest in peace
The best thing about this is his interview and stories are documented for all generations to come to enjoy.
I saw Hoover perform at the Mojave airshow in the 70's with his twin engine Shrike. Man, he did stunts with that airplane that gave me goosebumps. He didn't just flirt with danger, he laughed at it. That said, he as careful and talented pilot.
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I got to meet Bob when he had just jumped out of his yellow P-51 with the right wing on fire. The airshow was at the Marysville Ohio airport sponsored by Scotts (grass seed, fertilizer, etc). The fire dept at the airport moved kind of slow as “Nothing bad ever happens during an air show”. A flat bed semi was quickly brought in so wings could be removed and put on semi and wings and airplane taken to his repair station in Cali. The problem causing the fire was old camera gun wiring that shorted out inside wing. I think the airplane was fixed in less than 3 weeks. He was able to find brand new p51 wings in crates, i think he might have bought a second set. Airplane was repaired, repainted and back on air-show circuit in a few weeks.
These Men are War Heroes. I'm 62 years old from Australia 🇦🇺
Thank you for your service 🙏 ❤️ My prayers 🙏 ❤️ are for our Planet & Our Kids / Grandkids. Scary times we live in 2022 and Beyond...
When I was young I was an American working for HONDA R&D in Torrance. I knew the sound of Bob's P51 and would grab any vehicle to get over to the Torrance airport to see what was up. He never disappointed with his signature "dance" down the runway when landing. I also would go to airshows to see his amazing double loop dead stick maneuvers in the Shrike and of course, he knew the energy of the plane so well he rolled up to the grandstand/commentators tower with just enough coast to make it. All dead stick! Amazing!!
wow 🤩
I had the rare opportunity to shake the hand of this special ... great man . A memory I will never forget as long as I live!
God bless you Bob Hoover.
John.
what an honor
I saw Bob fly at an airshow in South Africa when I was young, he performed the most amazing routines, I was inspired by his flying and years later became a pilot, he was indeed a legend and inspiration
Thank you for sharing Lawrence
What a wonderful tribute to an incredible aviator. They broke the mold on this one.
Bob Hoover and Shaun Tucker are the greatest pilots I've ever seen, this video brought back lots of fond memories, Thank you.
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I twice saw Bob Hoover fly his show at the Reno Air Races. Though there were 20 years inbetween he graphically showed he wasn't one of the best, he was THE best there's ever been. Thank you Bob.
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I met Bob in the pits at the Reno Air Races in the 90s. I had watched him fly the Strike Commander for about 10 years at that point and I also had a young son who loved airplanes. Bob was so generous with his time. He answered all of my son's questions and was gracious and sweet. My son talked about it for a month after that and couldn't wait for the next year, when Bob was sure to be there, the Angel In The Sky for the racers and a performer during the breaks. RIP Bob!
I knew Bob. Almost got to fly with him as he was taking about a second seat in the P51 while is was the Rockwell bird. Such a sweet and genuine man. It was about 83 I met him. Such an influence stick and rudder is almost an insult to his talents. Thanks Bob. Being the great pilot but also, being a great human. I will. Never forget him.
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Wish more of our countrymen had his courage and grit .!!!!!! We need more like him
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What a GREAT American. What an aviator!
I have gone to hundreds of airshows. My favorite ones were the ones Bob performed at. He could turn any aircraft into a stunt plane the energy management show in the Strike Commander was always one of my favorites. It was also an honor to meet and talk to him. He was a true gem to aviation.
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Amen to that, but I think it was a "Shrike" Commander at least that's what my dad Rocky Jones told me when I was a high school kid back in the '70's. He knew Bob very well as they were both U.S. Air Force fighter pilots, and civilian test pilots. And later dad was a Formula-1 race pilot ( "Pogo" N8787 and "Ol' Blu" N9797) and Bob was at a lot of the races starting them off from one of his yellow Mustangs. Unfortunately dad was killed in an air race in Texas on 070790. Dad was the true epitome of an airman as was Bob. RIP gentlemen! Love ya dad! Still miss ya!
Awesome! Was fortunate to see Bob fly many times since the late ‘70’s. Studied his “Energy Management” demonstrations for years before and after my first flying lesson. Served me well in USAF training and tac airlift delivery in my 25+ years of Mil Aviation. 😉
Mr. S Tucker, thanks for the narration - first saw you fly at Sussex, NJ in Aug 1992 in the Randolph Challenger. Been a fan ever since, THANK YOU!!!
@@exit1368 So nice to hear from so many people that met him, or saw him and have such a good memory of him. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing this incredible man's life to light.
Our pleasure!
Saw Bob's flying at an airshow in San Diego years ago. So smooth, so polished. Just amazing. RIP.
It is wonderful to see all these positive comments about this amazing pilot
What a great documentary. Thank you, Bob Hoover, for making air travel safe for all humans.
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This is the BEST Tribute to Bob Hoover I've ever seen.............. Thank You DroneScapes !
Wow, thank you Robert! ❤
I'll second that.
What an incredible tribute. Thank you for sharing this with a 66 year old private pilot. Cheers!!!
Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for your service Mike!
Thank you for this incredible tribute to an incredible man. My love of aviation is due in great part to Bob Hoover. Having watched him dozens of times, and meeting and visiting with him at airshows are treasured memories. It is also great to have such an incredible pilot share his story. Thank you again for this keepsake to share forever!
thank you for watching
God bless this Legend. Thank you Sir. For your service, your skills, your kindness and your drive and dedication. You Sir, are the quintessential hero!
Well said ❤🙏👍🇺🇸
I was privileged to watch him fly several times in the 70's -80's when I was a young pilot, used to dream of mastering an aircraft like him. After a few aerobatic class's I settled for being content as a safe pilot. Much respect for Bob Hoover !
An amazing man,p. Thanks for sharing your memory Wayne
Only a couple of minutes in, and already, my mind is blown! Those one wheel touch and goes in the yellow Mustang are nigh on unbelievable!!! Then to roll it onto the other wheel!!!!!! I've never seen the like before- amazing precision flying!
What a great presentation of Bob Hoover's life... I remember seeing him perform at Torrance Airport airshows... He was amazing at those performances with the P-51 and the Rockwell Shrike Commander... The P-51 he flew was maintained several times at an FBO at Torrance Airport... My parents & my family went there to check the air shows, and that beautiful P-51... He lived not far from Torrance, in a place called Palos Verdes... What a great video this was... Thank You for presenting it!
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It was my great honor & privilege to watch him do what he so obviously loved doing. It was quite evident R A Bob Hoover was an absolute part of any aircraft he controlled.
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Thank you for this documentary. I saw Bob and Sean fly many times at the Salinas Air Show throughout its many incarnations. Watching Bob do aerobatics in the Aerocommander, engines OFF then land and roll to a stop was awesome. I would certainly buy a ticket to a movie about him, particularly if it dramatized that time he stole an FW-190 to escape being a POW!
Thank you for this amazing story. I've seen Sean Tucker and R.A. "Bob" Hoover both perform at Oshkosh. They are both Super Heroes to me!
In reality.... the successes of Bob are relative to the man he was. His integrity and determination carried him through where the road ended and where it began again. Those times were indeed leaps of faith where his spirit shined brightest.
I'm sure that in his new world... there is "flight"!
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First time I've heard of Mr. Hoover, what a great guy. It's terrific that he got to do all his life, what he loved doing, very few of us get to do that.
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I've had the privilege of watching Bob Hoover fly on several occasions, starting the air races at Reno, flying his famous Aero Commander demonstration at the Miramar airshow and other places. Although he is utterly famous for being one of the best pilots to ever live, his most endearing quality was his character. He was a kind man, friendly and approachable, always a gentleman willing to talk to his fans.
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I would read the book Forever Flying which is an autobiography with Bob Hoover and Mark Shaw with a forward from General Chuck Yeager. My uncle Cal Ferris was fortunate enough to fly during the same era and did a lot of amazing things to further aerial fire fighting and he even flew the hump in World War II. It was guys like him and Bob Hoover that have taken us so far and so fast.
Thank you for sharing Tremar
Pilots do have heroes. I had two. My first was my dad. DFC, MCM. The guy who armed his V35A Bonanza with two .303 Browning machine guns slung under the wings to do his bit--as did many other Rhodesian pilots--to fight in the Rhodesian bush war. The only V35 to be armed as such. The hero second was Bob Hoover. A man that my dad said was not only an incredible pilot, but also a true gentleman. I agree.
Enlightenment, encouragement, much to be admired. Hold on to your dream.
The Rhodesian Air Force. I’ve heard about that airplane. Were you acquainted with the CL44? And yes, I too had the honor of meeting Bob Hoover on several occasions. I’m not a pilot, just a fan, and he was unfailingly gracious.
I had the great opportunity to shake his hand.
It was at the Reno Air Races and we had just watched him demonstrate his engine out energy retention routine in his aero commander. I was around 17 years old at the time and was there with my cousin who's step dad was a pilot and had a hangar on Stead Airfield. We went with him and a couple other pilots over to talk to Bob, my cousin and I hung back a bit as they were talking and Bob made a point to say hello to us and I asked if I could shake his hand and he stepped forward without hesitation.
I was big into aviation back then and I knew who Bob Hoover was but not to the extent this video got into. Made a good memory feel even better.
Thank you for the kind comment and for sharing your memories 🙏👍
Bob Hoover was a one of a kind to say the very least!
A great tribute. I seen Bob fly engines out at the Australian International Airshow. He was received as a Superstar. A very nice kind man, had time for everyone. He loved Australia because CASA let him fly when he wasnt allowed to fly in the USA.
Now CASA is the most onerous of organisations, if they trusted him the FAA should have.
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Within the FAA there exist the small-minded envious sort who think they can make their star bright by knocking down great men.
Just two of that sort abused their authority to ground Mr. Hoover on specious charges.
Twice I've had the displeasure of coming afoul that sort. They should be ashamed of themselves. Mr. Hoover handled that sordid event as the consumate gentleman.
@@secretsquirrel6308 Someone stole their play lunch and so hey dedicate their miserable lives to making others as miserable as themselves.
Thank you John and Scott for bringing this out to all who knew him as the greatest Professional Airshow Pilot ever live
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When "Air shows down under" began in the 90's, I was fortunate enough to do outside broadcasts for the FM station I was working for at the time. I was plane crazy and nobody else wanted to be out there at the airport for hours on end. That's where I met and interviewed Bob. He casually came in and did his interview after he'd completed his "dead stick" landing. Then he hung out in the caravan yakking to me and a few of the other pilots who'd come in for interviews. Got to the point where I had to shout out, "Keep it down guys, got to do a break live, here." They quietened down for a bit, then it was back to the stories. Great guy and a great time for me too, as I got paid to do the gig and to meet a truly magnificent pilot and as I now know, one with a story that is just fantastic.
I saw Bob Hoover fly many times I even saw him close-up in person but I never spoke to him… Oh but he was my hero. He looked and acted so very much a charming man just a regular man but he was special. I will always remember him all of my life and I hope he is never forgotten because he did lots for other people. He's part of my childhood memory as my first hero I will never forget him
The best and so humble
I met Bob at the Redding airshow in 1966, my dad said he was going to leave me with a friend for an hour, it was Bob, I had no idea who he was as I was 11, but he dragged me around for an hour, then I saw him fly, it was a fun experience
What an experience Greg!
I'll never forget the first time I saw Bob Hoover fly his demonstration in his Shrike Commander. While every maneuver was well performed, I particularly enjoyed the dead stick portion of the show. What a thrill!!
Saw this in Tasmania he was a genius, shut one engine off cimbed into the dead engine and after looping the loop twice with both engines dead then did the Tenessee waltz and pulled up 50 feet from the radio announcer.
My Dad served in the Army Air Corp during WW2. And I thoroughly enjoyed this tribute to a true Patriot! Thank you for sharing this with the world.
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I joined the Marines, when I was a kid back in the 80’s because of men like Bob Hoover. I seen him perform once at an air show back in the day. A great man to be sure.
This story should be shown in every school. What an american hero! But more to the point, what a great regular guy! An inspiration to us all.
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Just want to thank for this wonderful video. I've been introduced to someone I just knew in my childhood but whom I never imagined everything he went through in his life. God bless him and his family forever.
thanks for watching Paul and thank you for the kind comment
Bob Hoover is one man I have met who can take a weapon of war and fly it like the dance a peaceful ballerina. An amazing man. A wonderful man.
"he wasn't the first person to break the sound barrier"
He wasn't, but he was a legend, and he was in the chase plane behind the X-1 on that flight.
he would have been, except he and Yeager were screwing around (something about a bridge) back in Ohio and the CG told Hoover he'd be chase, not lead.
Was so fortunate to meet several of the big names in aviation and Mr. Hoover was one of them....saw him fly his Mustang and do the energy management routine in the Evergreen Commander
How fortunate! ❤
I never saw Bob Hoover but I indeed see Sean B Tucker fly numerous and can only imagine how awesome a pilot Mr Hoover was. God Bless him.
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Had the honor of watching him fly at the Avalon airshow and he understands energy management and aircraft better than anyone.
This video is beautifully put together. Thank you for telling Bob's story with the proficiency it deserves.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Beautiful emphasis on Bob's "being there" with every safety point. His was a quality of personal presence genuineness and care this dedication did well to explain.
I got to meet Bob Hoover in the early '70s at Oshkosh and saw him perform several times. He was one helluva pilot and a super nice gentleman.
I had the honor of being at a dinner banquet of which Bob was one of the guest speakers.
I will forever regret having not asked him more questions about his colorful life history !
But I was significantly
star-struck to the point of being nearly speechless, and shrunk into only brief polite conversation instead !
Thank you for such an inspirational piece !
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Fantastic job by Sean; I've watched both of you for 35 years and you inspired me to be where I am; infinitely better that were I was. Thank you so much!!
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I met Bob Hoover at an airshow and shook his hand knowing that I had witnessed a ballet performance of his talent. I will never forget this moment in my life.
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Gracias Sean por hacer este homenaje a Bob , una persona increiblemente amistosa y de una humildad sin limites, alcance a conocerlo en Van Nuys y conversar con el en la epoca en que el proyecto de Row 44 comenzaba.
An amazing and humble man who was some kind of genius, great story, glad I took the time to watch it, from Australia.
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Bob was a hero to my dad who was a lifetime pilot, and he was my hero after seeing his dead stick landing of the Aero Commander after an amazing stunt show.
Now I am 60 and restoring a 1961 Forney F 1A Aircoupe, and learning how to fly all over again after 37 years away from GA.
God bless Bob Hoover and all of the hero pilots and service men and women who fought and many were wounded and died for our freedom. Shame on the foolish people in the USA that take this freedom for granted. Freedom is never free.
I'm lucky to have seen him fly in the 70`s the greatest pilot ever there will never be another!!
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Anyone involved in aviation knows the name Bob Hoover the best of the best! Thank You
You are welcome 👍
They need to record more stories like this, not of just the great pilots, but all those great people that made a significant contribution to to all of our lives...
There used to be a cable channel put out by discovery called wings in a covered a lot about the unsung heroes of aviation
Most of those channels folded, but you can still watch many productions on: www.air2airtv.com
@@jamessveinsson6006 Loved that channel
First off I wanna say thank you for making such a great updated documentary, very well put together and very cool to have Sean D. Tucker narrate it(perfect guy for the job) so thank you too Mr. Tucker. Maybe one day if my stars are lined up right I'll get to watch and meet you in person.
I'm gonna try my best to not make this reply long. Sorry if I do.
K now where to start lol.
Mr. Bob Hoover is my hero. I am 38 years old and unfortunately I never met nor saw him fly in person 😔 but I have researched, read stories, and heard stories about him for the past 15 or 20 years. I come from a family of aviators (both grandpa's, father, and uncle). It's my main passion. I do know how to fly but I'm not licensed yet, only because if I have the time I don't have the extra funds or vice-versa. Anyways my uncle and father don't realize what aviation means to me obviously. They both have went and saw him numerous times at Air race's and Air shows. They never had the heart to take me along(selfish), when they actually had it in them to invite me I learned the hard way that they never meant it. But on a side note those selfish a__holes (uncle and father) could have had Bob sign a photo to me beings they not only both have one, my uncle had Bob sign an extra one to his Rottweiler dog named chief, messed up if you ask me.
I admire Bob so much I literally shed some tears when I had learned about his passing. Not only because I lost my hero but because I knew I'd never get my chance to see him fly and hopefully shake his hand and visit with him in person. I was told once by an older fella that Bob was the type of person that would stop and take time to talk with anyone. This fella that told me this was my sisters old boss and also my insurance agent. I walked into his insurance office and what did I notice immediately... he had an old photo autographed by Bob sitting on his desk. I said Wow you have Bob Hoovers autograph.. and he says to me "do you know that you are the 1st person that's ever come in here and knew who he was" I said in the great words of James Doolittle of course I know who the best stick & rudder pilot to have ever lived is. He told me he got that from Bob years ago in Oshkosh and if I went there ever, I'd most likely get to meet Bob. I never made it😢 On a positive note though I now have possession of that very same signed photo from Bob to my sisters old boss. He passed away Lil before Bob did and my sister was there that day and heard how surprised her boss was that I knew who Bob was. My sis surprised me with it. She asked his wife if she could have it to pass down to me😊 bless her heart. I could go on and on but I'll stop. There will never be another Bob Hoover because God broke the mold after him. He's know to aviators as The Pilot's Pilot.
Blue Skies Bob
&
God bless
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This was amazing!!! I’ve been in the army for 26 years, eight deployments, 9 1/2 years overseas, but this guy is bad ass!
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Just an old jetstar mech he was a bad ass
I´ve read "Forever Flying" Bob Hoover´s book and I´ve become a great fan of this amazing pilot! I wish I could have met him personaly and shaken his hands!
I met Bob Hoover and shook his hand a few years ago when he visited Charlotte on his book promotion tour. He was older and partially crippled at the time but nevertheless gave a rousing patriotic speech about his amazing career in aviation. A very talented but humble and gracious gentleman with an extraordinary life story to tell. I still have and treasure the two autographed copies of “Forever Flying” that he signed for me and my friend.
R.I.P Robert Anderson "Bob" Hoover. This is an AWESOME Documentary. Thank You for putting this out there where we can see and hear some of the fabulous stories about this Great Man. Thank You Bob for your service and Sacrifices as well. A True Hero of Aviation. btw I don't fly as I am scared of heights. I also once saw Bob fly thanks to my Pop taking me to an Air show in Livermore,CA back in the late 70's.
Takes me back to my yearly teens in the 70's. I also used to ride my bike to the local field and see if I could do some "sandbagging"! I saw Bob at Willowrun Airport with the Blue Angels as the main show. But Bob was the best. P-51 then the Aero Commander and he cut power and rolled up to his parking spot evertime. Magnificent!
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I was working at a small airport when Bob flew in to do his Aero Commander show. I helped him move and refuel his P51. He told me exactly what to do and watched me like a hawk. I was VERY careful and serious around that guy.
@@michaelroach3131 Very fortunate to meet him!
Was fortunate to see Bob in the 70's in his Shrike and P-51 and F-86. Doubtful anyone had or will ever have his stick and rudder skills and most importantly, if you've seen his shows, his energy management skills. Absolutely amazing. Have also seen the great Sean Tucker. He may be last of this type of pilot with exceptional skills and perserverance. Great video! Thanks.,
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Bob was a credit to the entire nation. What an impressive legacy!
He is an amazing man and pilot
Had the pleasure of meeting him at the Kissimmee air show back in the early 70's. What a great American.
He was indeed a great man
I was in Manhattan Beach in 2002. I stopped at a Fry's Electronics Store on Sepulveda Blvd looking for the latest gadgets when I saw Mr. Hoover walk into the section where I was browsing. He was a tall guy, which caught me off guard. He had walked through the store and no one even knew who he was. I was awestruck, and he was caught off guard that I knew who he was. I introduced myself, we spoke for a few minutes and out of respect, shook his hand, and parted company to allow him to shop. It was an amazing day. I always knew of his legendary status, had witnessed his artwork at airshows, and his aviation history and service to this nation, but I was completely blown away by how humble he was. I'll never forget that moment...
What a meeting 🤩
@@Dronescapes I'll never forget as long as I live. I didn't tell him that I was a U.S. Army MH-60 Black Hawk pilot either. I wanted to give him his space. I could see that he was enjoying being just a regular guy without being mobbed. I was in the presence of greatness. That was more than enough for me...
@@fretsward2225 Fascinating memory. By the way, thanks for your service
@@Dronescapes Thank you. Some impressions last forever. This was one of them. I even remember what he was wearing that day...
What a man! True hero and patriot!