Question about Bob Hoover

[Jafar]

I've read online that he escaped from Stalag Luft 1 and stole a FW-190. Is there any further information about this out there? A few sources alluded to the stolen fighter as a "legend." Is there any verification of this out there? Does Bob ever mention it himself? Sounds like an amazing story. Any good books about Hoover you'd suggest? Thanks.

 

[81Horse]

I found this link, which seems to back up the legend:

http://nationalaviation.blade6.donet.com/components/content_manager_v02/view_nahf/htdocs/menu_ps.asp?NodeID=728800213&group_ID=1134656385&Parent_ID=-1

His autobiography: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/067153761X/qid=1142993075/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-4764227-4118360?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

And this out-of-print bio called, Bob Hoover: The Pilots' Pilot (Dick Morley).

Also, interesting interview (in which he mentions the time he had actual double engine failures in his Shrike): http://www.centercomp.com/cgi-bin/dc3/hoover?12

 

[jr51xx]

Bob Hoover

Bob did steal an FW 190 after escaping from POW camp. He landed in Holland and the roll out was a little long so he ground looped it and walked away. The local Dutch people came after him, thinking he was a German, but he managed to talk his way out of being pitchforked.

His book "Forever Flying" is still available and if you buy it at the Reno Air Races he will gladly sign it for you. Other friends and I have sat with him and laughed about how lucky some bold young pilots can be. He is a gentleman and a legend.

 

[81Horse]

He is a gentleman and a legend -- and a god.

 

[FL420]

Also, interesting interview (in which he mentions the time he had actual double engine failures in his Shrike): http://www.centercomp.com/cgi-bin/dc3/hoover?12

I had my Swift on static display at that Brown Field airshow and took off for home right after Hoover took off. I was the first one overhead and observed them climbing out of the Shrike. It looked like it was on top of a mesa at the very edge of a ravine. Real close call.

 

[John2375]

"Forever Flying" is one of the most inspiring books you can ever read.. I wish I knew if he were still flying at all these days..
anyone know?

 

[81Horse]

I had my Swift on static display at that Brown Field airshow and took off for home right after Hoover took off. I was the first one overhead and observed them climbing out of the Shrike. It looked like it was on top of a mesa at the very edge of a ravine. Real close call.

I was at that show, too. Small world.

 

[Ill Mitch]

"Forever Flying" is one of the most inspiring books you can ever read.. I wish I knew if he were still flying at all these days..
anyone know?

I'm pretty sure he hung it up. The guy is awesome. I have met him and hung out with him on several occasions. He is real down to earth and just an all around good guy. A real class act.

 

[Publishers]

He has always had a few problems with the FAA. One was their insistance on a co-pilot in the Sabreliner during shows ahd later with medical issues. I think these prevent him doing shows anymore.
One of the absolute legends and a real delight to have a few drinks with. His Shrike act was the best air show performance I have ever seen, and, the only comparable performer is Sean Tucker.