April 7, 2000

Legendary aerobatic pilot Bob Hoover visits Garmin®, sees the birthpace of his avionics stack

OLATHE, Kan.-- It's not every day that a legend walks through your front door. So when Bob Hoover decided he wanted to visit the headquarters of Garmin International, the staff rolled out the red carpet for this acclaimed pilot.

Hoover visited with many friends and admirers on staff and toured the manufacturing plant April 5 to witness the birthplace of his avionics stack. He and his associates walked along assembly lines, viewed testing areas, and visited the construction site for Garmin's 140,000 square-foot expansion.

Garmin International has enjoyed a rewarding relationship with Hoover over the years, serving as his primary avionics sponsor. And considering recent events, his visit was even more memorable.

"Like the rest of the aviation world, we were saddened to learn that Bob Hoover has suspended his airshows this year," said Gary Kelley, director of marketing, Garmin International. "His decision to visit us before he prepares to retire his Shrike Commander at this year's Sun 'N Fun Fly-In was truly an honor."

Hoover will navigate his final approach into Lakeland, Fla., this Sunday, using dual Garmin GNS 430s and a GTX™ 320 transponder. Hoover's aircraft and Garmin's avionics will be on display at Sun 'n Fun for the next two years, pending acceptance into the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum.