TheTacticalSpoon
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This is Bob Hoover, and he was without a doubt one of the best, if not the top pilot to walk and fly this earth. He fought in WWII and during his 59th mission the aircraft he was flying in got shot down over enemy territory. He was sent to a German prison camp but later escaped only to steal an enemy plane, and fly it back to friendly land.
He later flew as a test pilot, both for military and civilian programs
He continued flying, performing air shows for spectators. One of his famous stunts was to do aerobatics in a Shrike Commander with the engines shut off.
He even did barrel rolls while pouring his iced tea into his cup.
This is a picture of his final 4 point barrel roll in a Sabreliner with Randy Howell
He had many great friends and is know all across the aviation community as true legend. I was very fortunate to meet him once. Very polite and modest, you'd probably never know who he was if you didn't ask him first.
Blue skies and an unrestricted climb to you sir. Rest In Peace.
EDIT: Thanks all for FP! I don't know what to request so send whatever!
GenScuba
But all we hear about is Trump, Kardashians and how racist White people are....
poorfrijolito
Off into the wild blue yonder suh
BahamutBBob
Bob Hoover was my driving instructor! A different Bob Hoover, but still!
Frashy
steelinmyhead
Pay attention Imgurians: Polite and Modest = FP = Immortality
cogs
Every avocation has one person that can rightfully be called "The Man". In aviation, The Man was Bob Hoover.
HeavymetalRandall
Amen to that.
RogueOfHeart
I used to work at a museum that he came to yearly. Very cool guy. Signed my aviation monopoly game
MidLifeChrysler
Bob Hoover, Bud Anderson, Chuck Yeager.. I've met them all, and gotten to see them all fly. 100% Legends. Here's to a tailwind, sir.
arsenalstan
Don't forget about Robin Olds, patron saint of fighter pilots. Died back in 2007
MidLifeChrysler
True, and another practitioner of the Glorious Mustache.
Godefroyae
A lonely impulse of delight, drove to this tumult in the clouds - Yeats.
AviationNation
I instantly thought of Danny from Memphis Belle
TygrF
"...put out my hand and touched the face of God." (http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/highflig.htm)
AnOldJudge
I think he went to a Prisoner of War camp and not a Concentration camp. Big difference.
TheTacticalSpoon
I do believe you are correct, thanks for the catch
michaelpaice2
Happy landings, you awesome man
RyanMcParty
Tower to Bob, you're clear for takeoff. Have a nice flight.
imnotlostinlifeijustdonthaveanywheretogo
Very nice mate
basilpesto69
I came back to upvote this
jaypayjay
oh jeez... it's a terrible day for rain
UnfortunateSchmeltingAccident
Dude.....that was beautiful to read...
oller
Got to spend some time with him when we interviewed him at The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends. Awesome dude. Could not have been cooler.
grandfaloon
I used to fly turbo commandes, i met Bob at our airport. I even sold him av gas a couple of times. He was a great pilot, and good man.
TheTacticalSpoon
He certainly was, and what airport?
grandfaloon
High desert airport
Rips4w
First Angel he sees says, "We're super stoked you're here. We were hoping you'd show us some of that awesome flying. Here's your wings."
ffilm
Most people don't think of the Aero Commander as acrobatic, but he could do things with it that were impossible for anybody else.
grandfaloon
Not impossible, he was very calculating, the aricraft wss able to perform aerobatics, low g force to not overstress the main wing spar.
relar
RantMannequin
What on earth is this from!?
SandwichMonarch
The original Independence Day movie. Best. Extra. Ever.
retgarr
Best pilot ever.
Frashy
You deserve your rest. Blue skies to you. Thanks for your immense contribution to our aviation world.
MidnightTheDragon
The first paragraph alone deserved an up vote.
alfonsotheextream
He also taught han how to fly
303SnowWolf
Cleared west, climb unrestricted. Safe flight.
mijk
YOU'RE MY BOY BLUE!!
JohnnySilverhand
kermie92
He has the eyes of a nice man
MidLifeChrysler
He was a gentleman and a kind soul.
MariusKingOfSeaGulls
I don't think he was sent to a concentration camp. It would rather have been a POW-camp.
Xendeus
After late 44 the SS was given authority over the POWs unlike in the beginning of WW2 the Luftwaffe over saw them.
TheTacticalSpoon
Corrected, thanks for the catch
whyteraven74
Hoover was just one of those people who seemed born to be a pilot.
theamazinspiderman
Honestly thought that was Stan Lee for a sec
Captainclickbait
I was confused too.. why is there a picture of Harrison Ford and Stan Lee all of the sudden
QuintessenceOfDust
I saw Stan Lee in Morrisons this morning, I think this just means all old white men with glasses look the same.
SuperheroInnuendos
So glad I am not the only one, specifically why I came to the comments =)
MonkeyWithASpatula
That's what I thought too.
JustARichard
Yeah me to I was sad now I feel bad that another guy died and I was relieved
ActuallyAmTheD
Me too. Nearly shat myself.
pyronyzen
2016 you fucking monster. stop it. Stop
peecs
Agreed. If 2016 gets chuck Yeager, I fucking quit.
TheTacticalSpoon
1/2 For those wondering... engine out aerobatics: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g7R7jZmliGc
RageCuddles
OP check out this doc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEe5ul37Q7g it's amazing. Old guys like that need more recognition.
pyronyzen
how many times did that man's massive balls drag on the runway with each pass?
januskincaid
Holy shit. Came to be pedantic about it not being a barrel roll, but it actually WAS. Most people think of the Starfox barrel roll, not 1/2
januskincaid
the actual one. The one from the game is an aileron roll.
TheTacticalSpoon
2/2 Iced Tea barrel roll: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=V9pvG_ZSnCc
DrewsephStalin888
Thanks!
TheTacticalSpoon
No prob, there's tons of other stuff about him out there but those are probably the most well known
imnotlostinlifeijustdonthaveanywheretogo
Wait are you Harrison ford
Frostveins
Harrison ford counts as being part of the aviation community.
ZeHerderofSheep
literally the only thing that stuck with me through this post... had to re read it +1
QueenAmy
I had that thought, and "Stan Lee could play him". just those two
Vorden
Read it in Harrison Ford's voices
ModelTMsDollie
I read it in Henry Ford's voice.
HateMailHero
I read it Sean Connery's voysh
ModelTMsDollie
I reread it in Elvis' voice then I left the building.
TheTacticalSpoon
I knew this comment would arrive... but to answer your question no unfortunately lol
Gear1solidx
Liar
elmoswrold
That's what Harrison Ford would say I'm watching you not Harrison Ford
YoureTheBIGmarriageExpertOhIMsorryiForgotYourWifeIsDead
But are you Liam Neesons?
SSBMO
They got them Lliam neesons and that bruce Willy
ivegottwolegs
Not only that but I knew it would be the top comment.
aralleraill
That's just what he'd say though
iLoveItWhenMyFingersSmellLikePussy
Nah.. OP doesn't sound grumpy enough