Debrief /

Who: Bob Hoover, airshow performer and test pilot

Hours: “Not as many as you’d think—I was testing most of them.”

Aircraft: Flown 300 different types of aircraft worldwide

Extra: The documentary Perfecting Flight: Bob Hoover raised a lot of money that Hoover and others are using to offer scholarships through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Former airshow pilot Bob Hoover once took passengers with him when he performed aerobatics in his Shrike Commander. Those brave souls earned the name “Hoover’s Heavers,” as many lost their lunches during the wild ride. That’s ironic because the iconic pilot—known to many as “the pilot’s pilot”—had to overcome airsickness to realize his dream of flying. “My first flight I was so sick I could hardly wait to get on the ground,” he recalls. He taught himself aerobatics to get over his airsickness. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Started in aviation… I loved the idea of flying since I was 6 or 7 years old. I thought, Wouldn’t it be wonderful to fly. I dreamed about it. I soloed at 16 after eight hours (15 minutes each weekend). I was so worried about getting sick. But I just had to overcome it.

Challenges… When I enlisted, the physician said I hate to tell you this, but you need to read the bottom of the eye chart. I’m going to leave the room for 20 minutes. When I come back, let’s see if you can read the chart. I memorized that chart. Later he told me he’d made the best decision passing me. He was proud of my accomplishments.

Daring adventures… I was shot down and captured February 9, 1944. I made several attempts at escape and spent time in solitary confinement. After 16 months at the end of the war I escaped and flew to the Netherlands in a [Focke-Wulf] Fw190.

Favorite aircraft… I enjoyed every one I flew, but the F–86 is the most honest and forgiving of the military aircraft I flew.

Advice for students… Learn to think quickly. Be accurate from the beginning. I had some mishaps that I don’t mind saying were terrifying, but I made it back and pressed on.

Bob Hoover’s Jet Center at Van Nuys Airport held an open house May 31. Hoover is donating an office at the facility to Sean D. Tucker, the national spokesperson for EAA’s Young Eagles.

Plus: Watch Hoover pour a glass of tea while flying inverted.

Hoover flew a P-51 Mustang from Los Angeles to Daytona Beach, Florida, in five hours, 20 minutes.

Photography by Chris Holloman