Wed, Nov 12, 2025
ANN is pleased to offer you yet another snippet from the public conversations that took place with Bob Hoover at Airventure 2011... where he was honored for a lifetime of aviation excellence. In this program, Bob continues his discussion about his life in aviation, in a segment entitled, 'Flight Test and Military Service.'
Ask any pilot who he (or she) thinks is the best he ever saw and depending on how long they've been in the business, the answers might surprise you... BUT, for anyone who had the grand opportunity to see much of the Golden Age of GA, its hard to forget the grace and professionalism exhibited by Robert A. "Bob" Hoover -- a man whom many have no hesitation calling the best they ever saw.
Bob did it all... he was a fighter pilot, test pilot, airshow pilot and all-around nice guy... and virtually any conversation that involves this gentleman mentions two thing... the seemingly effortless skill he displayed in the air and the kind, good manner he displayed wit all he has met. Bob not only proved himself to be a living legend, he is certainly one of the nicest guys we have ever met.
Later this month, January 24, 2012, to be exact, Bob will celebrate his 90th birthday. As one of our dearest friends, we can only wish him many more happy years amongst us... and celebrate an amazing life that serves a lesson to us all... that truly great men have taken on the role of pilots... but few of them have done so with the good grace and manners of Bob Hoover.
Of all the wonderful honors I have had in this life, few could equal the words I heard again and again over the last few decades... and most recently at the 2011 AirVenture event that celebrated his life so well and visibly... "Jim Campbell, my old friend!" Yeah... that has quite a nice ring to it... eh?
Herewith, let's spend a few moments with Bob at AirVenture 2011... where he was clearly having a ball telling the tales of a life well-lived.
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