The Memory of 'Aviation's Elder Statesman' Lives On...
An expanded Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation (BHLF) Board Of Directors has formally met for the first time after expanding its leadership team, and prepping for a much upgraded mission.
Up until recently, the Foundation has been led by Board Members Michael Herman, Brian Cochran, Joan Cochran, James G. Kidrick, and Executive Director, Jim Campbell, though, we have regretfully accepted the resignation of Rich Pickett who has a thriving aviation business to attend to… and we wish him the very best.
Recently added to the board of the BHLF, by a unanimous vote, former AOPA President, Phil Boyer; Cirrus Design Founder Alan Klapmeier; and retired SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo President & CEO John ‘Lites’ Leenhouts have agreed to provide their exceptional expertise and industry insight to the expanding mission of the foundation.
The Foundation recently resumed its scholarship program, in cooperation with the Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE). These two awards provided $10,000 to two flight students who are currently pursuing their Commercial Pilot Certificate. Both students received scholarships for Private Pilot training through the James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarship, which is also administered by ACE.
Jerrilynn Rodriquez (pictured), one of the awardees, recently completed her Instrument Rating Practical Test and has already begun Commercial Pilot training – with an eye on a future in aviation.
Aidan Hughes (pictured below), the second awardee, is getting ready to begin Commercial Pilot training following his recent successful completion of the Instrument Rating Practical Test. The Foundation could not be more pleased with the resumption of this program and with our first two awardees… and wish them all the best in their future flying endeavors and are here to assist them.
During the course of the late August Board meeting, the Foundation voiced its support for the new Association of Professional Warbird Operators, also led by former SnF Boss ‘Lites’ Leenhouts… seeing this effort as a necessary step to safely preserving and operating historic military aircraft that were so treasured and appreciated by Mr. Hoover throughout his incredible career.
The BHLF is engaged in a number of new programs… one with the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) to build a program for new Flight Instructors emphasizing teaching principles and how to recognize potential training hazards. The BHLF is also in the initial stages of creating a membership adjunct called, ‘The Hoover Society’ to create a movement dedicated to enhancing aviation professionalism and building the type of standards that were so evident in the way that Bob conducted himself throughout his career.
Established by Bob prior to his passing in the fall of 2016, the Foundation’s purpose is to perpetuate Bob’s dedication to excellence, integrity, learning and mentorship that drove his fabled aviation career by financially supporting educational institutions and to inspire the next generation of American aviation leadership. The Foundation is a 501C3 tax deductible organization.
The Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation supports educational development and mentoring to people of all ages who are pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. The foundation will provide scholarships to deserving people who exhibit qualities representing the intellect, drive and generosity representative of future leaders.
In addition to financial scholarships, Bob’s wish was that the Foundation provide enhanced safety training, mentoring and networking opportunities and remains dedicated to partnering with other aviation/aerospace organizations adhering to the same basic precepts.
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (05.06.25)
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