By Jessica Schaefer
For many AirVenture visitors, watching David Martin fly the Aero Commander this year was a chance to see something few pilots would ever attempt: portions of Bob Hoover’s legendary routine, complete with the engine-out rolls that made Bob one of aviation’s most admired performers.
It wasn’t the full act (Bob’s complete demonstration remains one of the most extraordinary displays of precision ever flown), but it was enough to remind longtime aviation enthusiasts why Bob became an icon, while introducing a new generation to the pilot many consider the greatest stick-and-rudder aviator who ever lived.
For David, flying even a small part of that routine represents the culmination of a lifelong dream.
He first came to Oshkosh in 1979 as a 19-year-old. Growing up surrounded by some of aerobatics’ most accomplished pilots, he spent his early years soaking up knowledge anywhere he could find it, listening to experienced aviators and spending evenings enjoying AirVenture grounds with friends and mentors who were already aviation legends. His fascination with aviation had started even earlier after seeing the Spirit of St. Louis tour in 1977. He joined EAA that year, making next year his 50th year as an EAA member.
“I always wanted an Aero Commander,” he said. While he says he’s not done flying, he considers this performance a capstone in his own journey.
Bob Hoover’s acts in the Shrike Commander became legendary, not simply because of the breathtaking and graceful engine-out aerobatics, but because they showcased an unmatched understanding of energy management and control. David describes Bob without hesitation as “the greatest stick-and-rudder pilot ever,” adding that after flying the Commander himself, he is even more impressed by what Bob accomplished.
This particular Aero Commander carries its own connection to that history. The airplane was a commercial aircraft like most, bought by Bruce Byerly of Byerly Aviation, whose company sponsored Bob for many years. David had been searching for a Commander when he stumbled across the airplane in an online owners group. It wasn’t even for sale. He called anyway, explained what he hoped to do, and Bruce agreed.
The routine may look graceful from the ground, but David said it demands constant attention from the cockpit. Unlike most aerobatic performances, where the pilot can focus almost entirely on the sequence of maneuvers, the Commander requires constant monitoring. Every engine restart, each part of the hydraulic system, every indication matters. If an engine doesn’t restart, you have to already be in position to land. On the ground, you wait for confirmation the brakes and hydraulics are working before committing to a turn.
During one practice flight, David waited anxiously for the landing gear indication light to illuminate. The gear was down, but until that confirmation appeared, there was uncertainty. “You have to pay attention to the plane,” he said.
Bob himself admitted that even after countless performances, the routine still made him nervous. David understands exactly why.
Respect for both the airplane and the routine is part of what fellow performers appreciate. After seeing David fly the demonstration, aerobatic legend Sean D. Tucker offered simple praise that carried enormous weight: “Hoover would have been proud,” Sean told him. “You did a good job.”
David hopes the routine resonates whether spectators remember watching Bob in person or are discovering him for the first time. This year, a young visitor told him he watches Bob Hoover videos before bed each night. David was delighted with this, finding it unexpectedly fabulous to hear from a young visitor.
To him, Bob’s story transcends generations. A World War II fighter pilot, prisoner of war, accomplished test pilot, and one of aviation’s most celebrated air show performers, Bob’s influence reaches far beyond those fortunate enough to have seen him fly.
And David hopes that inspiration continues with today’s young pilots. “If you’re flying a 172 and you’re watching this thinking, I’d like to fly something else, why not?” he said. “It’s not that hard to fly something else. If you want to fly something, go ask.”
Looking back, David wishes he had been less intimidated as a young pilot and taken advantage of more opportunities, even with Bob himself.
“Find someone and ask,” he said. “Don’t be too shy. Pilots are very supportive people.”
In many ways, that may be the greatest tribute to Bob Hoover — not simply preserving one of aviation’s most famous performances, but inspiring the next generation to chase opportunities they never imagined possible.