Aviation lost a true friend this morning

[DHenriques_]

For those of you who might not have heard as yet, we lost Bob Hoover this morning. He died at home in Palos Verdes Ca. at age 94.
Bob was many things to many people. To me he was a mentor, a friend, and the first charter member of the International Fighter Pilots Fellowship, an organization I founded in 1971.

I have included below the comment I posted on the Facebook page I maintain within the aviation community this morning.

In the end when we face the inevitable and leave the world behind, what better can be said of our time here but that we were the best of the best at what we did and that we were loved and respected by friend and foe alike.
Bob Hoover was such a man. What he has left behind is of incalculable value to us in aviation who were privileged to have known him.
Bob survived an entire lifetime in the most demanding and inherently unsafe environment one can imagine and retired from that environment not only in one piece but leaving behind a safer and better environment for those whose lives he touched.
Go in peace my friend. When we all gather at the bar and hoist the toast we will not be sad. We will remember the good times and smile. As the glasses clink together in fellowship our voices will together say,
" He did it RIGHT !"

[bmbrzmn101]

Clear skies Mr. Hoover. And thank you for inspiring generations to be professional in their aviation career.

Chris

[Piper_EEWL]

Very sad news. The aviation community lost a true legend.

[Mikenor]

One of the greats... RIP Mr. Hoover


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Roadburner426]

That is 2 legends lost this year. Certainly is a very well said Facebook post, and a testament to his life. He certainly had a huge impact on many. May he forever have clear skies to fly in.

[awash2002]

I watched him perform at Sun N Fun I will show my tribute to him in another post

[Killratio]

The bluest of blue skys.


Edit.. a brief bio which hardly does justice...

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all ... lot/pilots

[Ian Warren]

Dud's, We even recall in the mid 1980's his flying skills doco'd on TV here, One hell of a showman glued to a pilot with the Skill to match. Yeah, I really hate it when those types time runs out ... One thing, he will always be remembered.

[cflord]

Rest in peace Bob. Thanks for all you've done for aviation. We will never forget your expert skills as a Pilot. "Blue Skies"!

http://www.flyingmag.com/aviation-legen ... yS0#page-2

Keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down!

Ret SMSgt Cliff Lord - C-130 Flight Engineer & Mechanic

[n421nj]

Sad

[LZ-WIL]

Sad... What a modest man he was, he reminds me little of my grandfather. May they be at peace...

--
Will

[Nick - A2A]

I only knew Bob Hoover from what I've read about him, and from videos such as the famous "Iced Tea Barrel Roll" and his one-engined aerobatics in the Shrike Commander.

However, it only takes a glance through his biography to see what a remarkable man we've lost.

Farewell Mr Hoover!
Nick

[cflord]

Great picture of Bob!

Bob Hoover


Keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down!

Ret SMSgt Cliff Lord - C-130 Flight Engineer & Mechanic

[Paul K]

A bow tie and a Spitfire - the marks of a proper gentleman. We knew of him over here too. Rest in peace, Mr. Hoover.

[Scott - A2A]

We lost an aviation legend, but you lost a friend. Sorry for your loss Dudley.

Scott.