1981 I had the very distinct honor off meeting "BOB." It was in a bar in Stead Nevada during the Reno Air Races. The man did not fail to impress.

I was very fortunate to meet Bob in 1993. He was a true gentleman and I will never forget.

...at the age of 12 years old my Dad paid Mr. Hoover $40.00 to take me for a ride in his Yellow P-51. An expereience that changed my life. Throughout the years I often crossed paths with Mr. Hoover on many, many occaions, and he never forgot my name and always asked about my Dad. Mr. Hoover was no dummy. And was a FINE human being......R.I.P. Bob Hoover............

There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots. Well, maybe there was one, lol....

As a kid in Tucson AZ., I had the privilege of watching him fly both the 51 and the shrike. More than 55 years later I still remember the shows and it was a help as I also wanted to fly. I got my pilot license years later. A fantastic pilot, they don't make them like that any more.

Chuck Yeager was from WV. CRW was named Yeager International Airport a while back. He once flew his jet along the Kanawha River and UNDERNEATH the I-64 bridge here in Charleston after being told specifically not to do that. F’n Legend

We lived in Seattle and took our young girls to the air shows at Paine field and remembered Bob’s amazing demonstrations fondly. What a showman.

I’ve read his book and met him. He actually shook my hand when I was just a young 22 yr old Cessna pilot. That’s the quality of man he was. Just a flat out good person

The incredible Mr. Hoover! I saw him perform numerous times and as the safety pilot at Reno. He was The Best!

Years ago when I attended The Rancho Murietta airshow in California - around 1986. My dad and I saw this amazing stunt, as described in this video. The pilot tuned off both engines made several loops and ended up making a perfect landing all with no power. I was amazed and my dad, a pilot, was very impressed. Now after watching this video I think I saw Bob Hoover fly. The SR 71 did a low altitude fly by at this same airshow!

An interesting addition to his escape story was he wanted to wedge one of the other guys he escaped with in the plane with him, but the guy said no way and bob left him behind, never to know what happened to him. Years later after an air show the man walks up to him wile he's signing autographs. would have liked to seen that.

Bob is a true legend. He could do things with his planes that others could only dream of doing. I doubt if there is one pilot who doesn't know who he is.

I watched video coverage of the 50th anniversary of breaking the sound barrier. As I recall, Yeager was flying an F-15 on that October day in 1997 and Bob Hoover was, once again, his wingman in a chase plane. Classic.

Met him some years ago at Oshkosh. One of the few old bold pilots to actually retire after a huge career!

Bob Hoover came to the Abbottsford International Airshow for years ( probably the best airshow in the world because Russians and Americans were there together ). His display in the twin engine with both engines shut down was amazing. Great pilot, I did speak to him briefly, Cool guy.

I recall hearing Bob Hoover tell this story, along with many others, at the Theater in the Woods during Oshkosh. I'm very surprised that his life story has never been made into a feature film.

I was interested in this article not knowing who “The Dumbest Pilot” was being referred to. When the name Bob Hoover was mentioned, my ears perked up and thought “no way”. Bob Hoover is a legend if you know anything about test pilots. Such a great article!

They should make a film about him.

Remarkable man. Dont think there are any flying aces alive today. End of an era.

R.A. Bob Hoover? He's a legend, and I'd never heard of the FW-190 incident. Yesterday, I was flying in the Philippines. Everyone I flew with would have at least heard his name.

I'm a private pilot, and I have trouble pouring an iced tea on my kitchen counter!

Like many others here, I had the pleasure of seeing him at an air show in the mid-70’s as a kid in SoCal flying a Rockwell International stunt plane. Extraordinary pilot!

Oh my god. This story is amazing. What an incredible man. What else can I say? I once went Parasailing while on vacation and I survived. That’s pretty much my aviation crowning achievement.

Bob Hoover was a great pilot. I saw him at an air show as a kid preforming acrobatics.

I met Mr. Hoover when in the 60's. I didn't know anything about his accomplishments until later, but he was a really nice person who took time to tell some things about some planes that were there.

I got to see Bob Hoover fly at the Reading Airshow as a young boy. An amazing aviator.

His catch phrase of "Gentlemen, you have a race!" came from his time flying as the Unlimited Air Racing Pace Plane pilot. Hoover flew as the starter plane for many many years at Unlimited Air Races in Reno, Miami, Mojave and other races.

Research into the riot reveals. Wikipedia and especially the National WW2 Museum website have details on Stalag Luft 1 that was liberated by the Soviets who in turn kept the aircrews captive as possible post war pawns. Two weeks after the Soviets arrived and locked down the camp to hold the aircrews captive an American Colonel appeared and threatened to shoot the Soviet Commander unless he opened the gates to let them march to a nearby air field. They where quickly evacuated in aspecial aircraft set up for "Operation Revival" before the Soviets could react to hamper the rescue. A great read.

As a retired pilot, I thank you for this episode.

Now Bob is flying with real wings.

I never met Bob Hoover, but I saw him fly his Aero Commander at Oshkosh in 1980. He amazingly parked at the same spot he departed from with the engines shut down way before landing. An expertly executed exercise in energy management. The aerobatics were of course also quite nice. 🙂 So my answer to the question "Who's the best pilot you ever saw?" is not "You're lookin' at him". My answer is Bob Hoover.

Bravo! Excellent show! That definitely was our greatest generation. My mom was a riveter on P-38 Lightening fighter bombers for Avco.

I had no knowledge of this. Thank you. What a legend 🫡

Great video - thanks for putting this one together.

Many Thanks for this background story on Bob Hoover. He was an Inspirational Legend... I remember seeing him at Oshkosh along with Duane Cole... That inspired me to get my pilots license.....

Thanks for sharing Hoover's incredible story! I also want to commend you for using a lot of new footage in this video... well, new old footage, actually. Two minor foibles... it was a little irriitating several times when discussing him flying the FW190 he stole, that you were showing images of ME109s. One other thing... the USAAF didn't transition to the newly formed USAF until late in the 1940s (you said "mid-1940s"). I know this because my Dad was a USAAF pilot during WWII, flying B29s. He mustered out and returned to civilian life in Pennsylvania within weeks after Japan surrendered. (Longest ride home ever, he said... by ship from Saipan to San Francisco, then by rail from the West to the East Coast.) He went to college and worked for IBM briefly, but then was invited to join the USAF, newly formed in September 1947, as a pilot/instructor... later as a radar officer. He served another 20 years in the USAF. His retirement was precipitated by conflicts with a commanding officer who re-assigned him from an office in the US (NORAD) to a rader site in Viet Nam... which was widely known to be one of the riskiest assignments of the time... close to a suicide mission! Those top secret radar sites were embedded deeply in the jungle with minimal defenses, relying largely on stealth and keeping a low profile for survival... which often was rather brief. Look up Lima Site 85, for example, built in Laos by USAF and CIA personnel in 1967. Although he never knew exactly where he would have ended up, that the same year Dad was going to be sent to yet another war. He opted to take his 20 year retirement instead! Overrin and destroyed by the NVA in 1968, most of the details of Lima 85 were kept secret until 1998. There were American service member remains still being recovered there as late as 2012.

I saw Bob Hoover at three airshows over the years. He would do an aerobatic routine in his P-51, cut the engine, land dead stick and roll into a parking space and swing the Mustang around. THEN he would go up in a commercial twin-engine aircraft and do the same routine including the dead-stick landing and swinging into a parking space. I'll bet he sold a lot of cool turboprops. Amazing! God bless him, I never knew about him and the stolen German aircraft but I'm not surprised. Orémus Y'all.

Saw him at Pt Mugu, Chino, El Toro and Browns field. Had a Cox o49 yellow mustang too. What a hero.

Thank you for your service and enjoyment of flying

Truly a great audacious pilot. One who was tasked with flying many experimental new planes. A fighter pilot other pilots deemed the best. Courageous and one who truly loved to fly. 💪🏻🙏🏻✨

00:01 Hoover’s escape from captivity Shot down over France in 1944 Held at Stalag Luft I for 16 months Fled during a riot and found an airfield Flew a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 to the Netherlands 02:37 Hoover’s test pilot career Flew the chase plane for Yeager’s X-1 flight Tested many jet models and set records Became friends with Yuri Gagarin Flew a P-51 Mustang and a Shrike Commander 08:35 Hoover’s airshow flying career Performed aerobatics in a business suit Shut down both engines and did a loop Poured iced tea while doing a barrel roll Won international competitions and awards 10:18 Hoover’s retirement and legacy Fought the FAA for his license in 1994 Retired from airshows in 1999 Flew his last flight in 2003 Died in 2016 at age 94 This video tells the story of Bob Hoover, an American pilot who escaped from a German POW camp by stealing a Luftwaffe plane, became a test pilot and a friend of Chuck Yeager, and performed amazing stunts at air shows for decades.

This guy is an Aviation God! I didn't know about him until watching this . Hope there's a book about his escapades. Thanks for the video. Subscribed

Thank you for sharing this. It was a great story and a tribute.

Bob Hoover sounds like a good future Mad Lads episode!

I grew up watching his air shows many times. His Shrike routine was called “energy management”. Not only did he perform aerobatics with both engines caged, he would then land & taxi up to the announcers stand and stop without touching the brakes!

Like many other great men of that era, what an absolute legend and mad man. 🇺🇸🤘

If anyone ever wonders who was the inspiration for Maverick in the Top Gun movie character I would say look no further than “Bob” for sure. 👍

I met Bob at the Wasilla air show, he signed his book forever flying, I can’t recommend it highly enough.

I got to meet Bob Hoover once. The greatest honor of my life. RIP Bob. God bless you sir. 🫡 🇺🇸

I”m curious what he thought of the FW 190 as an aircraft. Glad to hear he made it regardless.

Excellent stuff bro

I read he was lucky to have selected a FW-190 which had harmonized controls to reduce the flight burden. Also, he did simply jump in and fly away. He spent time figuring out the controls and barely escaped capture from some suspicious German guards.

I got to shake hands with Hoover at Oshkosh, he was quite old. Never knew any of this history. Thank you.

I'd love to go back in history to meet the pitchfork people, and show them the current situation of Urop. Like the most popular name is muhhamad, and stuff. I'd like to see if their opinion change.

Met him and pappy !! Excellent!!!!

What the hell man, the end gave me the feels and wet stuff dropped out of my eyes what the f bro...

I think is just wild. Bob Hoover the greatest stick and rudder guy. Risked death. His entire life and career long. And yet. He lived to, 94 years of age. Absolutely amazing! What a life! Talk about living it with Gusto! He was Beyond Gusto! He was Bob Hoover! Pilot Extraordinaire! WOW! I always wanted to do what he was doing. And I almost did. But I didn't qualified to become a jet fighter pilot. So I didn't enlist. The qualification was? A, Masters Degree. Hopefully in one of the Sciences. Preferably, Electrical Engineering. I was told. I was a bona fide high school dropout with nothing more than a GED. But I knew how to fly. I learned when I was 13 and flew until I was 15. They didn't care. I was unwanted. So I didn't enlist. But then one day something funny happened to me. I had only flown a Piper Cherokee 140/180. With 10 hours on my logbook. And lots of time in the backseat. With the Flight Charts. And a Motorcyclist for over 20 years. Never crashing and burning. I was as good a motorcyclist. As Bob Hoover was a pilot. I cheated death many times. But then…… As a Professional Broadcaster. I had gotten hired on. As a Freelance Video Camera Operator. For the Air Force Association Convention. In Washington DC. For a few years running. And on this occasion. I'm watching guys. Trying out the Simulator. For the new Boeing All Glass Cockpit. For the just entering service, Lockheed Martin, F-22 Raptor. And it looks fairly difficult, to fly. Watching these US Military Fighter Pilots, have at it. In this non-motion simulator. With wraparound viewscreen. At the end of the convention day. With everybody off the floor. Except for the vendors and media crews like myself. I wandered up to the Boeing guy. I asked the Boeing guy. If I could try out that F-22 Raptor? He said sure. And asked me if I had flown, F-14's, 15s or 16s? I said nope. Never. Just a Piper Cherokee with my dad. Between the ages of 13 and 15. Almost 35 years ago. And he said okay. Get in. So he starts to point things out to me. And I'm one step ahead. As he's pointing things out. I'm just calling them out before he does. And he stops me again. And asks me about the other fighters? I said no never. Ever. And he continues. He started the simulation. It was already airborne. I'm picking it up from the last person. And I'm using the heads up display. And I'm taking out the targets. When the computer glitches. And I overfly one of the targets. The Boeing guy was concerned. It hadn't done that. The entire convention long. And we apparently found a glitch. And he tells me. That computer is down. Down? What's it do? The plane is still flying. He informed me. That was part of the preprogrammed flight plan. It is now nonfunctional. And he asks me. What I want to do? What I want to do? I said I overflow that last target. I want to double back and get it. He said okay. You can put it into a bank. So I was able to double back. Swing around. Line up that target. And take it out. I went to the last target and got that one. And the simulation came to an end. Well the Boeing guy was impressed. He told me I did real good. I said it was Awesome. I had never experienced anything like that before in my life! And as I turned around to walk away and leave. I was met. By five, US Military Fighter Pilots. As they asked me. If I had flown, 14, 15's or 60s? I said no, never ever. Just a Piper Cherokee with my dad. Nearly 35 years ago. Never since. They all asked me why I had not joined the Air Force? I told them I tried I didn't qualify. They said to me. That I had missed my calling. I said no. No I didn't. But the US Air Force, missed a great pilot. They agreed with me wholeheartedly. Shook my hand. And we all went off in opposite directions. I was absolutely stunned. I concentrated so heavily. While flying this contraption. I hardly remember what I did. I was like in Auto Pilot, myself. It was the most amazing experience. And I took to it like a duck takes to water. I don't know how? I have no experience with these things? Never! But I am a bona fide Engineer. And with that comes something else. I don't fully understand myself. But I know I have this gift, this talent. For what I do. But I'm just a dummy. I am not like these guys. I don't think I would've ever made the grade? But perhaps I would have? I'm real good at what I do. And if that was any indicator? Just getting into a F-22. And flying it. Without any training. That's nuts! How did I do that? It was complicated. And he was giving me some directions. As I was flying the contraption. Because I had no idea what I was doing? None whatsoever? It was completely foreign to me. But I understand engineering. I guess I got it? I don't know how? But these guys are like no other. They are truly unique individuals. Beyond human. RemyRAD

This was amazing.... FANTASTIC CONTENT

Saw Bob Hoover fly his P38 during an Airshow in Halengen Texas. That was when the C in CAF stood for confederate…. Different man from different times.

thank you. it's great to have such an uplifting story.

The strangest thing of all is the aero commander just never looked the part. Like not a stunt plane but a passenger airplane. When I had first learned of this I could not believe it, that this is the airplane he used? It still seems odd that that pot bellied airplane could perform like that

I met Bob while he was flying his shriek at a few different air shows great guy.

The FAA is too powerful.

Go with God Bob ..... You're still flying. 💪🏻 🇺🇸

Great story, thank you.

A wonderful introduction biography video of a great pilot from the US...thanks for sharing

Having seen his energy management display, everyone's mouths were agape. I know mine was.

The story is, that the soviets had a new plane that was showcased at the aerobatic competition..they had just flown their routine and as a gesture of friendship (and overconfidence) asked Bob ( respectfully, Mr. Hoover) if he would like to fly the aircraft....he accepted,...then flew the WHOLE soviet routine.....INVERTED. Came back and critiqued the aircraft and was immediately arrested "for your own safety because nobody could ever be luck enough to do it again". I was fortunate to see him fly many times. RIP sir.

Wow, just wow

What a gifted legend

Ah….The famous Bob Hoover. Immortalized at EAA in Oshkosh.

Wow,what a pilot! 👍👍👍🦘🦘🦘🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

Excellent detail. Appreciate this story!

Such an amazing and purposeful life.

Spentzos, a former Greek airforce pilot, stole a Stuka from Tatoi airbase near Athens and went to north Africa. His problem was, the sign of surrender. Stuka had fixed front wheels.

Great info!

This guy was a TOTAL STUD!

Stealing a foreign plane, sounds like the plot from Top Gun 2

i didn't know bob worked with chuck i met chuck as a meet and greet in the early 2000s in brooking OR i would have loved to have meet bob to

11:54 I believe this man Mr Hoover was the greatest of all flyers

what did they do to the p51 mustang to use it to fly shows with and races with?

I take offense at Bob Hoover being called a dummy. The man was no dummy.

You could drop wheels and flaps, as a sign of surrender.

I always described Bob as a Pilot's pilot!

Bob was no dummy. Bob could have believed all the ego inflating praises. I sense that he never let it go to his head. It really says something about Bob as a person.

Bob was my childhood hero.

As a kid. I was in the aviation. And I loved those, World War II Hollywood movies. Depicting our flying aces. Then one day. Thanks to my, Audio Engineering work. I was invited to a Washington DC, social gathering. By a prominent individual. Whose television show, I engineered the audio for. I was not a person. That would be invited to these, hoity-toity, elitist of Washington's Who's Who. I would not normally be one of the people invited to such events, as this. I'm enjoying my, Top Shelf, Scotch. Sipping it lightly. Trying to look droll. Like everyone else. But then…… There he was! Oh my God! I have to go up and introduce myself to this guy. He could be a good contact. He could get me further than I have ever been before? So I walked up to him. Put out my right hand shake his. And said…… I've always wanted to meet you Buzz Aldrin. How was the moon? Could we sit over here and talk? And he said sure. He was also sipping his Scotch. I sat there and spoke with him for the next, 20 minutes? While we ignored everybody else at this, private elitist Washington DC social gathering. And oh my God! I don't know how to say it? These guys are certainly, American. They can't possibly be 100% human? Superman, is, and inadequate descriptor. These guys go beyond that. And he's got 4 PhD's. When does a test pilot have the time to get 4 PhD's? I had the most amazing conversation with him. These guys go beyond the realm. Of anything any normal human being could ever possibly think to do. Look into the face of certain death for sheer science. Because we had to learn about that stuff.. They elected themselves. To risk life and limb for science and the USA. They are truly beyond the realm of comprehension. Of anything any normal person could do. Without certainly, dying in the process. But they do it. They do it every day. They don't want to die. But they absolutely know the risks. And I confronted him. About not testing everything before he and Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. Which he was flummoxed over. Asking me. What did I think they didn't test? I told him. Apollo, 8, 9 and 10. All had the lunar module with them. Not intending to land humans on the moon. You guys never landed one of those by remote control. And then lifted it off the moon by remote control. To make certain this would work? He proceeded to tell me. That they had the simulator here on earth. I said yeah, I know. It's famous footage. It looks like a flying spider. And then it Cox over 45 degrees. And smashes into the ground and a ball of flames. Yes I know I've seen that footage. And that was Neil Armstrong that nearly got killed in that famous footage. But he told me. In that respect I was correct. He told me they could not land nor lift off a lunar module by remote control. That they didn't have those capabilities. But they were, Highly Confident. It would work fine, when they got there. And he said obviously it did. Otherwise would not be sitting here talking right now. But then he paused. And he said actually. You are right. We almost didn't make it back, alive. We had an incident. What? He went on to tell me. What happened. The brokers switch. The launch switch. It got fully broken. He said he and Neil discussed the fact. They only had a few hours of oxygen left. And they may likely become, freeze-dried monuments on the moon for all eternity. And they won't be making it back. When he then told me. A Pencil. Saved their lives. At that point. My Scotch, had kicked in. And I left and said… Ha ha. What did you do? Write out some mathematical equations? He said no. What he went on to say was. There was a hole in the panel. Where the switch mechanism was once mounted. Now parts on the floor. And told me it was a brand-new, Yellow No. 2, pencil. Like the kind I used in school. And then he went on to tell me. He said it looked like it could fit in the hole, of the panel. Then he proceeded to ask me. What's at the end of the pencil that holds, the eraser? I said that little metal band. He said right. And I thought. If I can pull the eraser out. With my gloves on. And stick the pencil in the hole. Maybe it will connect with the wires inside? And ignite the lift off return engine? But they couldn't test it until, they were ready to launch. When they would find out. If they would live or die? And 3-2-1. And he stuck the pencil in the hole. And the rocket engine ignited. Though? Neil landed the craft. It was supposed to be Buzz Aldrin to pilot it back. To the Command Module or, CM. But now he wouldn't be able to. Because he has to hold the pencil in place. To keep the rocket motor running. Otherwise it would turn off. And they would fall back to the moon, crash and die. So Neil had to pilot it back to the CM. While, Buzz held onto the pencil in the hole. Of the panel. And he said we survived, obviously. Oh my God! They almost died on the moon. And this is not really covered. In any documentary. Though a mention of it is in one. Where they said a ball point pen, saved their lives. That is inaccurate. I got it from the Horses Mouth it happened to! Oh my God! It was one of the most incredible conversations. I have ever had in my life. And Neil wanted to get back. As he had a new baby boy. Since his daughter died from brain cancer. And he needed to survive. I'm not rightly sure? Whether Buzz Aldrin ever had any kids of his own? He didn't mention anything about a family of his to me. Nor did he say anything about Neil's kids. It was all about the Mission and the Science. And Buzz Aldrin, saved their lives. Oh my God. The hair stands up on the back of my neck. Whenever I think about or mention this. These guys were the ultimate, Risk Takers. They are beyond human. Most of us humans would never live through what they have done. The rigorous testing is mind-boggling. Who would put themselves through such stuff? It was beyond brutal. It was near death experiences each time! All for the Science! They really weren't just test pilots ever! These guys were SCIENTISTS of the Highest Order! And we all thought they were just test pilots! No. They are Super Human Beings. They are not like us. We are not like them. They Transcend the rest of us! All of those guys! And the ones who gave their lives. For the Science. It was beyond an honor for this dummy. To have spoken with this, World History Maker. Oh my God. Who am I? I was just the dweeb, high school dropout with a GED, Audio Engineer. For the John McGlaughlin Shows. I loved working with the guy. I became his friend. He trusted me and hired me directly to work for him. We became lifelong friends and colleagues. And who was I? To be bestowed this kind of honor? I was just a union broadcast engineer. I'm a dummy. I was only, 13 years old on January 20, 1969. And I was glued. To my shortwave receiver tuned to the VOK. And Walter Cronkite on CBS-TV. Both piped into my, vacuum tube, AKAI, reel to reel recorder. To record the whole event. When I was 13. And here I was. In my late 20s. Now sipping scotch with Buzz Aldrin! Oh my God! It felt like I had just listened to him Yesterday walking on the moon! As a kid. And I am now sitting here. Sipping Scotch. Speaking with this man. Oh my God. I'm not even religious. I am mostly an atheist like him! I mean that profoundly changes a person. What he did. He got to see the earth. As God did! How much closer can a human get? It's beyond our comprehension. And it was beyond my wildest dream. To ever speak with such a person. Oh my God. RemyRAD

Bob Hoover is no dumb pilot.

I really don't understand why they worry about not having a pilot license. I've been flying my neighbors airplane for almost fifteen years now. Noone has ever pulled me over and asked for my license.

I am offended by the title "The Dumbest Hero" which implies Bob Hoover was dumb.... He was, as stated by Gen. James Doolittle himself, the "Greatest stick and rudder man he'd ever seen", which is high praise from one of the greatest pilots who ever lived. Please retitle this, as it gives a bad impression...

Thank you

I wonder if he performed at any air shows at wright Patterson Air Force base in the 1960’s ? I remember seeing an aero commander like that when I was a kid.

11:40; the Soldier’s Medal is for Heroism at the risk of one’s life NOT affiliated with combat or engagement with hostile/enemy forces.

Just Wow!

Wow! What a story!

Zuider Zee is NOT a Village. It was a inland sea. Now poldered in and called IJsselmeer.😊

Excellent Dark....

so he fly until his full fuel tanks were almost empty? That's a LONG way to go without encountering another aircraft or AAA.

Like a BOSS!

Pisses me off that you would call this man stupid, one of the best pilots this country ever produced