Mickens to head Hoover foundation
Longtime general aviation advocate and public relations professional Vincent Mickens has been named executive director of the Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation. The foundation, established in 2016, honors R.A. “Bob” Hoover—a legendary air show performer, World War II fighter pilot, and mentor to many in the aviation community. Hoover started the foundation to support “the educational development and mentoring to people of all ages who are pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace,” according to the foundation website.
“Vince will focus his efforts on increasing the foundation’s brand awareness, expanding our donor support base, as well as creating, developing, and overseeing the implementation of established and new initiatives,” said Tracy Forrest, foundation president. “Bob was a class act who was always focused on the potential of young folks, and their future as the next generation of leaders in aviation and aerospace.”
Mickens is a U.S. Navy veteran and avid GA pilot, and has worked with the National Business Aviation Association and for AOPA. He has his own marketing and consulting firm, Private Air Media Group LLC.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be offered a leading role in expanding awareness of Bob Hoover’s incredible aviation legacy,” said Mickens. “Not only has Bob Hoover, the ‘world’s greatest stick,’ been an inspiration to several generations of aviators, but to future aviation trailblazers as well.” —JSW
Two roaring engines, front and rear entry doors, unique high-wing looks, silky handling, and one of the world’s coolest names make Twin Commander’s 500S Shrike Commander a pilot’s dream. Oh, and don’t forget that aviation legend Bob Hoover used to barrel roll it while pouring a glass of iced tea.
Designed in 1946 by the legendary Ted Smith, the Aero Commander 520 was one of the first twin-engine civilian aircraft on the market. Although it never matched sales from Piper and Cessna, the Ted Smith design flourished over time as the fuselage was stretched, the gross weight increased, and more powerful engines were fitted. Later versions added turboprop engines, and a derivative was morphed into a business jet.
It was during Rockwell’s stewardship of Twin Commander, between 1958 and 1981, that Bob Hoover traveled the world as a sales ambassador and performed full airshow routines in the Shrike. Pilots who have been around for a few decades still rave about Hoover’s fantastic feats of skill and energy management, executing low-level aerobatic maneuvers with first one, then both propellers feathered.
The Shrike was built between 1968 and 1979. It featured two 290-horsepower Lycoming IO-540 engines, and with a gross weight of 6,750 pounds, power loading is a respectable 11.6. In the marketplace it fits between a late model Piper Seneca or Beechcraft Baron, and it also competes in the cabin-class category with the Piper Navajo and Cessna 402. It’s not a stretch to say it’s in a class of its own.
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Specs
Twin Commander 500S Shrike Commander
Engines (2) Lycoming IO-540-E1B5, rated at 290 horsepower each
Normal cruise speed 176 kt
VSO 59 kt
Gross weight 6,750 lb
Standard empty weight 4,635 lb
Max range 732 nm
SWIPE RIGHT
- You think you’re Bob Hoover’s protégé.
- Mid-century cool is your style.
- You desire something with more personality than a conformist Wichita- or Florida-built twin.
- Fuel is relatively cheap and now is the time to burn it.
- Did we mention Hoover used to barrel roll his Shrike while casually pouring iced tea?
SWIPE LEFT
- You’re inclined toward a more bargain-priced former multiengine trainer.
- You prefer low-wing airplanes. (What kind of monster are you?)
SECOND LOVES
Barons have similar panache for some but less space; Navajos also offer a big airplane feel but there’s that low wing.
Ian J. Twombly
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