Bob Hoover passed away this morning

[papab]

The legendary aviator died at his home near Los Angeles on Tuesday, at age 94, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
R.I.P Bob Hoover....

[falcon409]

I think sometimes we look at these guys as larger than life and indestructible, yet they age just like any other mortal man sadly. His accomplishments and his indelible mark on Aviation in general are too numerous to list and anyone who loves the idea of flight knows his name. He joins a very select list of Aviation Pioneers who have gone before him and his contributions will last long after his passing. RIP Bob Hoover!

[Mach3DS]

He escaped Nazi prison camp by stealing a FW190 and flying to Norway! Best story I've heard!

[Rami]

I was very sad to hear this is well, having met the gentleman at OshKosh. May he fly forever up above us.

[davido53]

Blue Skies to one of the great aviation legends.

[txnetcop]

Thanks for the memories Bob you were among the best on earth...never to be forgotten!
Ted

[Smashing Time]

Thanks for the heads up papab

My love of Mustangs started when my dad took me to an airshow in the early 60's and watched Hoover perform with his Mustang (N2251D).
R.I.P. Mr. Hoover.

[rdaniell]

I met and got to spend some quality time with him years ago at an airshow. He flew both the Shrike Commander and his Yellar P-51.

Sadly, his generation is leaving us every day . I have a first cousin who is a WWII veteran. He's 93.

RD

[doublecool]

Sad, sad news
He will not be forgotten...

[goshawk45]

R.I.P to this Aviation legend, may you have clear sky's ahead Mr. Hoover

[heywooood]

I saw him fly at Miramar a number of times...the engine-out routine he did in the Shrike was pretty incredible.

I thought he had already 'Gone West' as they say - though I cannot imagine he much enjoyed life after flying. He was born to it as much as anyone was ever born to do anything. Ever.

RIP R.A. (Bob) Hoover

[Sundog]

R.I.P. to a great aviator. I saw him at many airshows and saw him up close at Oshkosh. Funny story there; after the show, we were walking back to our camping area to meet up with some friends, but as they were walking out to where we were, someone stopped and asked if they wanted a ride. Of course, it was Bob Hoover driving! That's just the kind of guy he was and how things roll at Oshkosh.

[Maj Kong]

Quote OD: " He flew both the Shrike Commander and his Yellow P-51"

I met him at the Reading Airshow in the mid '7o's. He did that almost unbelievable routine in the P-51, landed, strolled over to the Aero Commander and did the same routine.
A great pilot plus a fine gentleman.

[stovall]

Indeed sad news. Roger Wilco-66 and I were privileged to hear at Oshkosh this past year, his complete story about his escape from Stalag One in northern Germany two weeks before the war ended. He was sharp as a tack. Something for me to remember all the rest of my life.

[Flyboy208]

Saw Mr. Hoover about 10 years ago when me and my Dad flew our Pilatus P-3 to Arlington, Washington for an EAA fly in. Remember waiting in line for a conversation and autograph with him, but had to get out of line to go pre-flight the Pilatus for our departure back to Montana. Looking back, I wish i had the extra time. Just to shake the hand of an Aviation legend like that is a rare opportunity ... Mike

[SRAces]

When I was young I was fortunate enough to see Bob Hoover perform. What an amazing pilot! When I heard he passed away earlier this week, my first thought was that I had to paint his Shrike Commander for the Carenado 500. I'm hoping to have it finished by the end of the month. Possibly sooner. The green stripes are not in final colors. Just there for alignment. R.I.P. Bob Hoover.

[MustangL2W]

SRAces,
I could not believe that Carenado didn't offer that as a "Stock" scheme. May just be me, but I can't think of a Shrike Commander without thinking of Mister R. A. "Bob" Hoover!!! Thank you for paying tribute to him and doing his Commander. He flew many different airplanes, but that one in particular is in the Smithsonian. What he did with that Aeroplane still fascinates and amazes me.

[SRAces]

It's getting there. No way I was going to finish it as quickly as I wanted. Having to create most of the markings from scratch. Thought I would post a "work in progress" shot.

[MustangL2W]

It Looks great.... So Far So Good!!

[ryanbatc]

Awesome! Looks real nice

[SRAces]

All,

I just realized that my alignment of the green stripes on each side of the fuselage is off. It's off too much for "picky me" to not live with it. So I'm not getting this done as quickly as I had hoped. Spending some time on it today and thought I'd share a "work In Progress" shot. It might be at least another week before I can upload it. Thanks for your patience.

[zlin]

Looks perfect! Waiting for the release!

[SRAces]

All,

The Bob Hoover paint is now in the library.

[BrittMac]

Nicely done sir.

[Timmy74]

Thank you very much! What a tribute.

Cheers,
Tim