Abstract
This thesis argues that the public should consider Robert A. “Bob” Hoover to be the greatest pilot in aviation history. While other museums such as the National Air and Space Museum have created exhibits about Mr. Hoover, none have demonstrated what this thesis will prove. This thesis details Mr. Hoover’s three complementary careers in aviation, first as a World War II pilot, then as a test pilot, and finally as an airshow aerobatic performer. This thesis also explains that while other pilots had more aerial victories in World War II, achieved greater records testing new planes, and performed great aerial stunts at airshows, no other pilot in aviation history equaled Mr. Hoover in all three of these areas combined.