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Paying It Forward

The Bob Hoover Academy catalyzes Sean Tucker's second act.

[Credit: Jeff Berlin]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Aerobatic legend Sean Tucker concluded his performing career, donating his Oracle Challenger III biplane to the Smithsonian, to dedicate himself to giving back through aviation education.
  • He co-founded the Bob Hoover Academy (BHA), named in honor of his mentor, which is an approved high school graduation path for underserved students in Salinas, California.
  • The BHA provides students with flight training toward a private pilot certificate and ground school, aiming to instill positive character traits and transform young lives through the inspiration and discipline of aviation.
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Aerobatic star Sean Tucker knew that he wanted to give back what he had learned from decades of flying. That’s one reason the performer launched Every Kid Can Fly, an after-school program, in 2014 with his son Eric. And starting in January 2016, the Tuckers began the transformation of that program into the Bob Hoover Academy—in honor of Sean’s mentor and aviation legend Robert A. “Bob” Hoover.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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