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 Naval aviator, airline pilot, world record holder, five time NASA space shuttle pilot and commander and AMA lifetime member…
In this volunteer role, Hoot will represent the AMA in marketing, media, appearances, fundraising and education to promote model flying as a fun, educational activity for the family and everyone of all ages.
Hoot’s exposure to aviation started at an early age. Both his parents were pilots. In 1943, Hoot’s mother, then a college student, purchased a J-2 Taylor Cub with two girlfriends. His father was a test pilot for the Civil Aeronautics Administration. Hoot’s exposure to model building and flying started early too. As a long time AMA member, Hoot competed in Nats and flying competition. While he was a Navy test pilot, Hoot build and flew the F-16A he is holding. It was one early turbine powered jets which he flew at the scale Nats. Today, Hoot enjoys flying the electric-powered jets. Just like his growing list more than 120 full scale aircraft that he has piloted, Hoot’s collection of flying models is increasing too. At the AMA Expo 2010, he brought home numerous models including a F-14, 3-D aerobatic plane and a VFO vertical flying object modeled after one of his favorite aircraft, the Convair XFY-1 Pogo. Hoot scratch-build a scale Pogo which he hopes to convert to electric power. You can see a picture of it by clicking here.
Hoot is married to Dr. Rhea Seddon who is also an astronaut having been selected in the first group of astronauts to include women. She flew on three Space Shuttle flights as mission specialist and payload commander. The Gibson’s have four children.
Get to know our AMA Ambassador, Hoot Gibson, by visiting the links below to read Hoot’s NASA bio and recent article that appeared in Air & Space.
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