R.A. Bob Hoover in Flight Gear - F-100 - Reno Air Races _ Aviation Art

A few years after starting the show he began carrying passengers during the show. (The Shrike Commander carries six passengers.) These passengers became known as "Hoover's Heavers" due to the number who became airsick during the maneuvers.

With the advent of camcorders Hoover added a flourish to the act by pouring a glass of iced tea from a pitcher, while performing a barrel roll, a 1G maneuver.

Hoover also served for many years as the official starter of the Unlimited-class races at the Reno Air Races. The race planes (mostly modified World War II fighter aircraft) joined up in line-abreast formation on Hoover's yellow P-51 Mustang, and when in satisfactory order the spectators would hear over the PA his famous radio call, "Gentlemen, you have a race". Hoover's plane would pull up sharply into a vertical climb as the racers dove toward the first turn. Hoover would circle overhead during the race, ready to assist any race pilots with problems. In several cases Hoover helped pilots with crippled race planes to a safe recovery by talking them down while flying in formation with them.

Bob is now retired from performing but still frequents major air shows and aviation events. Truly a gentlemen and one hell of a pilot!