North American Rockwell Shrike Commander 500S, Robert A. "Bob" Hoover

Flown by R. A. "Bob" Hoover for 20 years, N500RA is the most recognized Shrike Commander in the world. Hoover began flying in 1937, flew 58 missions in World War II, and was an outstanding military and civilian test pilot. He set altitude and speed records in several North American and Rockwell aircraft and performed at air shows in the Shrike, P-51 Mustang, T-39, Aero Commander, and Sabreliner.The Shrike Commander, a descendent of the 1948 Aero Commander L-3805, is a twin-engine, seven-place, unpressurized business aircraft. Hoover purchased his Shrike in 1979 and, with his extraordinary test pilot and fighter pilot skills, brought this simple business aircraft design to international acclaim. In it he performed his signature deadstick (no engine) routine of loop, roll, 180-degree turn, landing, and taxi to air show center.