It is with a great deal of sadness that we report on the untimely death of Rob Holland, champion aerobatics pilot, in a crash a Langley Air Force Base in Virginia on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Rob was 51 years old.
With his Granite State roots, Rob was a long-time friend of the Aviation Museum of N.H. Even as his flying career took him to all corners of the globe, he always found time to support our mission of preserving aviation history and encouraging young people to enter the field.
Rob was gracious enough to be our special guest at the Aviation Museum’s 2018 Gala, where he was interviewed on stage by Erin Fehlau of WMUR-TV.
In 2019, the Aviation Museum debuted ‘The Rob Holland Experience,’ a traveling exhibit that used virtual reality goggles to give visitors the experience of being on board as Rob performed aerobatic maneuvers.
We are grateful for all that Rob did for the Aviation Museum of N.H., and also for aviation in general. One could not ask for a more impressive ambassador for the field.
We extend our condolences to Rob’s family and loved ones.
Many detailed accounts of Holland’s considerable achievements are found online. Below is an excerpt from the Wikipedia entry on his career, which is found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Holland_(pilot)
Holland was always deeply passionate about aviation. He pursued his interest by enrolling at Daniel Webster College where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degrees in Aviation Flight Operations and Aviation Management. He also earned his Pilots Ratings from the same institution. Soon after obtaining his pilot’s license, he began actively learning aerobatics.
Throughout his career, Holland gained extensive experience in various aviation roles, such as corporate pilot, commuter pilot, banner tower, flight instructor, and ferry pilot. He even founded his own aerobatic flight school.
Holland gained over 15000 flight hours in more than 180 different types of aircraft.
Beginning in 2002, Holland was an active participant in airshows. Rob’s unique approach to aerobatics, which includes introducing innovative maneuvers that had never been seen before, earned him a reputation as one of the most creative and skilled aerobatic pilots in the world.
Holland’s formation aerobatic skills have been showcased through his performances with both the Firebirds Xtreme team and The 4CE (Force) aerobatic team.
In 2012, Holland was awarded the International Council of Air Shows prestigious Art Scholl Award for Showmanship recipient.
Holland was also an active member of the Competition Aerobatic community from 2001. He represented the USA as a member of the US Advanced Aerobatic team and the US Unlimited Aerobatic Team.
Holland’s championship titles include Six-time World 4-minute Freestyle Aerobatic Champion, Thirteen-time consecutive U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, and Fourteen-time U.S. 4-minute Freestyle Aerobatic Champion. In addition, he won the 2015 World Air Games Freestyle Gold Medal, and was the 2008 World Advanced Aerobatic Champion. He was also the recipient of the Charlie Hillard Trophy five times (in 2013, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2024) and the Eric Müller Trophy in 2019. He also won 38 medals in international competition, including 14 gold medals. In 2024 he achieved a bronze medal podium finish at the World Aerobatic Championships in Poland.
Holland is the only pilot in history to win: Six World 4-minute Freestyle titles, Thirteen consecutive U.S. National titles, and Fourteen total U.S. 4-minute Freestyle titles.
Below are photos of Rob Holland and the many ways his presence was felt at the Aviation Museum of N.H. We wish you Godspeed in your journey West, Rob.
