Bob Violett started modeling at a very young age and his love of the hobby and aviation led him into the cockpit of a US Navy A4 Skyhawk during the height of the Viet Nam war. After surviving 76 combat missions and 387 carrier landings, he was awarded the “Distinguished Flying Cross” and numerous other military honors. Bob completed his military service and joined Eastern Airlines as a Pilot. Along the way he met fellow Eastern Pilot Cliff Telford, a talented engine man, and thus one of the most successful racing teams (T-V) in the history of our sport was formed. Eric Meyers, Bob’s longtime Formula 1 team mate said this.

“In the 60's, Bob Violett teamed up with buddy and engine guru Cliff Telford to become a major force in the control line speed circles. As RC developed, they switched their sights toward RC pylon racing where they'd leave an indelible mark, winning the FAI pylon World Championship three consecutive times, 1971-73, a feat, I believe to this day to be unequalled. In between FAI races, Bob was always a force in Formula 1 winning more than his fair share.

Innovation was the mark of the team, on both sides of the equation. Cliff provided reliable high horsepower, while Bob focused on designing and building airframes. The Cosmic Wind, FAI BobCat and Loki/Polecat were all equally beautiful and functional. " Always a rule bender, Bob's idea with the FAI BobCat was audacious: instead of encumbering the plane with messy, heavy retracts, he put two wheels a few millimeters apart in the center of the fuselage, with tiny whiskers coming off the firewall for ground stability. There weren't any rules against it, and his design was the cleanest, fastest of the day”

While Bob contributed to pylon racing in many ways, he devoted plenty of time and energy towards young men's development, both personally and technically. As one of those lucky people who Bob helped, I can attest that instead of "feeding a fish", he helped me "learn to fish" in many ways.” Eric Meyers.

Here is a recent quote from Bob on his approach to design. “Aerodynamics for Model Airplanes is a much belabored subject but without a wind tunnel, who knows what’s really going on. My design work is empirical and reflective of an engineering education and full scale aviation experience”. Many veteran competitors still consider the FAI BobCat to be one of the most innovative and beautiful pylon racers of all time. It was really something to see it in action! His Formula 1 Polecat was a best seller for over a decade winning countless local and National titles.

Bob was a safety advocate and was instrumental in leading the charge to remove workers from the course. After retiring from racing and Eastern, Bob applied his talent, energy and empirical design skills to his family owned business. With the help of his wife Pat and one of their three daughters Patty, they built BVM Models into a world renowned company synonymous with high quality and product support. BVM Jets and EDF’s are flown today in every corner of our country and throughout the world. Bob was always a gentleman on the race course, he took the time to encourage the younger crowd and was an inspiration to us all. Undoubtedly, Bob Violett was one of the all time greats to ever compete on the U.S. and International pylon racing stage.

Brian Richmond

Cliff Telford And Bob Violett With Control Line Speed Models

Bob Violett And Cliff Telford With FAI & F1 Models In 1971

Bob Violett And Cliff Telford FAI World Champions 1971

Bob Violett And Cliff Telford FAI World Champions 1972

Bob Violett And Cliff Telford FAI World Champions 1973

Congratulatory Letter From Sir Thomas Sopwith CBE

NMPRA Hall Of Famers Bob Smith & Bob Violett Two Of The Best Formula 1 Pilots Of The 70s

Bob Violett With Polecat Formula 1

Best Friends - The Late Bruce Richmond, Eric Meyers And Bob Violett At The Flying Field