Hoover learned to fly before WWII. Legend is that he taught himself aerobatics in a J2 Cub.
At primary training his instructor went to his supervisor about a problem with Hoover. The supervisor said “wash him out” The instructor’s response “Sir its not that kind of problem, he is a better pilot than anyone on this base”.
Hoover was doing an initial test on a modified F86 with fly by wire pitch control. Takeoff at LA, when he raised the gear the airplane pitched up out of control. The next excursion was recovered below some buildings. He got the airplane under control and went to Edwards, losing control and recovering in turbulence over the mountains. Perfect landing at Edwards. Company people at LA had been telling him to eject. The ejection seat had never been armed.
I first saw Hoover fly shows in the P51 and F86 at Rockford EAA in the 60’s. Very few airshow pilots had a career that lasted as long as Hoover. “Fly the airplane until it stops moving”.
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