One of aviation’s true legends passed away recently, Robert Anderson “Bob” Hoover. Considered to be one of the best pilots ever, his storied career has been the inspiration for countless aviators. I’m bringing him up because my husband and I were fortunate enough to meet Mr. Hoover at the 2001 Reno Air Races.
The day before we left for Reno, the 9/11 attacks occurred. It was unknown at that point if the air races would still take place, so we hit the road anyway, anxious to show our support for America and the need to keep life going as normal as possible. If you recall, all air traffic was grounded for several days after the attack, and ultimately the organizers of the Reno Air Races decided to cancel the event. But many race participants and spectators were already in Reno, including us, and that’s when we had the great fortune to meet the legendary Bob Hoover, a true “pilot’s pilot.” My husband, also a pilot, had long admired and respected Mr. Hoover’s service during World War II and his subsequent career as a United States Air Force test pilot, a USAF fighter pilot, and air show and aerobatic stunt pilot. When we saw him standing in the lobby area of our hotel, my husband took the opportunity to introduce us and to express how honored we both were to be able to shake his hand. Mr. Hoover, a true gentleman, was gracious to a fault. Although we didn’t get to attend the air races that year, meeting Bob Hoover was the highlight of our trip and continues to be one of our fondest air race memories.
To pay tribute to the late, great R.A. “Bob” Hoover, as well as all pilots and any and all who share an enthusiasm for airborne adventures, I invite interested readers to peruse the following list of aviation-related titles. Civilian, military, space — there’s something for everyone who yearns to experience the beauty and wonder of the wild blue yonder. I would be remiss if I didn’t include a couple of books about local aviation history, so keep an eye out for Pearson Field and Valery Chkalov as you scan the titles. You’re cleared for takeoff.
• “Breaking the Chains of Gravity: The Story of Spaceflight Before NASA” by Amy Shira Teitel.
