The legendary Robert A. “Bob” Hoover spent an evening with aviation fans at Wilson Air Center - William P. Hobby Airport’s newest fixed base operator.

Wilson Air Center’s Founder and President, Robert A. “Bob” Wilson was delighted to have his friend Bob Hoover speak for friends and customers. “I think he is one of the true aviators we will ever see in our lives,” said Wilson. “It’s a pleasure to host such a momentous event.”

Hoover, born in 1922, was a World War II combat fighter pilot. Captured and made a prisoner of war, he escaped from a German prison camp by “liberating” a Luftwaffe Focke-Wulf and flying it to safety in the Netherlands.

He is better known for being a test pilot and air show performer. He’s flown more than 300 types of aircraft and performed at more than 2,500 civilian and military air shows. His flying performances are legendary in the air show circuit.

Aviation enthusiast listened intently as the legend told stories of his time in WWII and flying with Chuck Yeager. Their eyes lit up with excitement as he told the story of pouring iced tea from a pitcher to a glass while performing a barrel roll during his air show routine in an Aero Commander.

His favorite memory throughout his entire career is meeting many wonderful people.

“I had people who were my heroes, Charles Lindbergh, Jimmy Doolittle, Roscoe Turner. I became life long friends with each of them; we had so much respect for each other,” says Hoover. “I’ve met a lot of great people and that’s the thing I cherish most about my career.”

Audience members waited eagerly to have a chance to speak one on one with Hoover after the event, in which pictures and copies of his book, Forever Flying, were autographed.

“An event like this helps us to remember the past and how far aviation has come,” said Matt Davis, General Manager of Houston’s Wilson Air Center. “It’s a chance to honor a hero who dedicated his life to pursuing their passion in aviation.”