Fly with AOPA Ep. 52: Richard McSpadden’s legacy lives on

Рет қаралды 57,103

8 ай бұрын

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AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden and former NFL player Russ Francis, a longtime pilot, were killed in an aircraft accident on October 1.
We pay tribute to Richard and the legacy he leaves: www.aopa.org/news-and-media/a...
Posted 10/6/23
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Пікірлер: 405

@petermolloy2598 8 ай бұрын

I've never been so saddened by the loss of someone I've never actually met. Through his videos and podcasts he was the mentor I had always yearned for. Thank you, Richard, for all your teachings. RIP

@mikeziemann1896 8 ай бұрын

Peter, you echo my sentiments exactly.

@francisalgoso4241 8 ай бұрын

Peter, same here. As I embarked towards my PPL, Richard's videos, particularly the early analysis is my go to resource for information and guidance on how to fly safe. Though I haven't met Richard personally, somehow I felt we're connected. I'm sure he touched millions of lives in the community, particularly in the GA community. RIP Richard, blue skies and tailwind always. We will all be joining him when that time comes. Keep flying.

@smsfrancis 8 ай бұрын

Ditto. Absolutely gutted.

@dancoffman5681 8 ай бұрын

So sad. Richard et al is one of the reasons I’ve remained an AOPA member since my late 20s(I’m now 90, still flying my trusty C-172M out of KHEG).

@richardseton7014 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for concisely encapsulating my (and I am sure may others) sincerest sentiments. Let us go and commit aviation with humility, expanding our competencies on an ever expanding horizon learnings,.

@michaelcouch75 8 ай бұрын

So impressed with the professionalism in which AOPA put out this video, what a great way to honor his memory. I don’t think anyone in aviation exemplifies professionalism more than Richard McSpadden

@Thunderbird-2 8 ай бұрын

Richard will be missed. The way I look at this type of loss is to focus on his life as inspiration. We are all going to die, but we must do bold things to make our life worth living. Richard did that. I'm sad he's gone, but I'm more thankful that he lived.

@mikecournoyer 8 ай бұрын

I cant remember a more shocking and devastating loss than this one. He had helped so many people. I loved the way he approached every accident and the way he delivered his content. We have lost the best of the best.

@stevehollington3328 8 ай бұрын

I didn't realize how much the passing of someone we all knew well from videos and articles but had never met could be so painful. To Richard's family: our most sincere thanks for so graciously sharing your amazing husband, dad, brother and son with the rest of us, and I hope it provides some solace to you at this difficult time to know how grateful we are for his untiring contributions to helping the rest of us get better at the avocation we all love. Godspeed, Richard.

@RedwingBB 8 ай бұрын

Beautifully said.

@renataavgeri1132 8 ай бұрын

Its so wierd to even think aviation without him... he will be missed. Fly high, fly safe, Richard McSpadden. I never met him in person but his videos were enough to make huge impact on an aviation enthusiast

@joehietpas4323 8 ай бұрын

Boss McSpadden was my Commander on the Thunderbirds team. He was a gracious, humble and kind man. Nothing gave me more joy than when he slapped that Thunderbird patch on my chest and gave me that famous McSpadden smile. I recently became a Instrument rated pilot myself and I would be kidding myself if Boss McSpadden didn't have something to do with it. I believe we are all better people for having known him. Blue Skies Boss....

@smithnyiu 8 ай бұрын

Although I was patched by a different boss, he was the one that I remember the most. He was one of the rare high-time fighter pilots that just loved to fly anything with wings. I'm still in shock.

@gainesvilleregionalairport2028 8 ай бұрын

Spad was a great friend to our Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day, and we were so looking forward to having him at our event coming up in March. He was kind, energetic and enigmatic. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to all who loved him.

@user-up6xp5eo6o 8 ай бұрын

In my 44 years as an aviator I have never been so engaged with such a thoughtful and instructional analysis of accidents as Richard presented. A learning experience with every episode. My home field is KBTV, a short flight to Lake Placid KLKP. I am planning an IFR cross country flight today that will, by coincident, take me over Lake Placid. Richard's final flight had me questioning "Should I fly today? How could this accident happen to the best of the best pilots out there?" After watching this AOPA tribute video....we are wheels up at 1500Z...as Richard would have wanted. Thank you AOPA for all you do for the GA community. Let's all "slip the surly bonds of Earth" and go "touch the face of God" one more time.......

@mwp1088 8 ай бұрын

Couldn’t agree more, still so shocking to me.

@N2GJ 8 ай бұрын

Peace, Richard, and thank you for your Life. 😢

@reyesben 8 ай бұрын

I loved his podcast talking to regular pilots about “there I was” situations. Gracious, humble, supportive. RIP my friend

@_Joy_Unleashed 8 ай бұрын

Teary eyed at the cruel irony of life from start to finish 😢 Thank you, Richard. Thank you, AOPA ❤

@BlingtingSam 4 күн бұрын

Be more specific. Cruel irony of general aviation.

@dmitryandrianov5689 8 ай бұрын

Richard taught me to become a safer pilot. Although I have never met him in person, his loss is very personal to me. I felt like he was a friend who I deeply respect and trust. Terrible tragedy. A one of a kind man. Thank you, Richard for all you've done for us. We will always remember it

@vintageflyboy4052 8 ай бұрын

Richard and I flew a "loose" formation back from "Seaplane Camp" in Minnesota a couple of years back. He was flying Mark Baker's Cub on floats (after just winning the accuracy landing contest in it), and I was in my Skimmer. We talked all along the way about our great fortune in our freedom to fly and all the great little strips we flew over. I promised him the next time he came to "Camp" that I would show him how much more fun "hull flying" was than floats. I was sad when he messaged me on Facebook that he would not be able to make it this year. I did not know him well but have been thinking of little else since this tragedy. I keep reminding myself that if Richard could go this way, I really need to heed his lessons of aviation safety. I am sorry we did not get to share that hull flying experience and am truly sorry for all those who lost such an important man. Godspeed to you and your beloved family.

@hhout9242 8 ай бұрын

33 years of flying, heavy jet captain to tailwheel, I looked for his videos and analysis constantly to make me better. Years of simulators and grounds schools never came close to knowledge gained from lessons presented by the AOPA staff. Thank you. AOPA has big shoes to fill.

@tomkcaudle4133 8 ай бұрын

To all, I am so saddened by our loss of a gentle voice who enlightened all who listened to him. May God Bless his family and his beautiful soul. Tom Caudle, San Diego

@rangermarshall4534 8 ай бұрын

I have been flying for 63 years now, with over 36,000 hrs of military, airline and GA experience. Every flight I think; what could go wrong today? I so enjoyed Richard's calm and humble debriefs of mishaps. I always learned something and appreciated his non judgmental style in reviewing an accident. He always showed such great respect for others. I had so hoped to meet him one day and thank him personally for his thoughtful and prescient observations. When he talks about the beauty and passion of flying, I am so reminded of my own thoughts and being grateful for the wonder of flying. What a wonderful human being! May he rest in Peace! w

@markvultaggio8657 8 ай бұрын

I met Richard under a wing of a beautiful waco. We had a great conversation over the next few minutes and I left inspired. He made me feel like a friend even though we just met. I invited him up to our area of PA to do some grass strip flying. Sorry that never happened. Thank you for your service, your kind demeanor and contagious smile. I hope my next flight allows me to capture a little piece of your flying enthusiasm. RIP Richard. You are missed.

@josephsener420 8 ай бұрын

We are all saddened by the loss of Richard McSpadden. He brought so much to our whole community. He will be missed.

@dougringler 8 ай бұрын

I'm very affected by the loss of Richard. Through his videos and AOPA, i learned a ton from him. But most importantly, i learned to be a better pilot from him. I've never met him, but i feel i did and wish i did. And now there is a hole in my heart. RIP my friend.

@leekessler3995 8 ай бұрын

This is a beautiful tribute. Thank you, AOPA. Thank you, Richard.

@erniekelly2479 8 ай бұрын

Richard’s fact-based, objective delivery of “Early Analysis” set a high bar in today’s opinion-driven media. I learned so much. He will be missed.

@VictoryAviation 8 ай бұрын

Richard didn’t love flying more than anything else. He loved sharing it. This video is a fantastic way to pay respects to him and his family. Let’s all continue to share aviation with as many as possible in his honor.

@user-mq8xs2kf1w 8 ай бұрын

As stated by everyone who was influenced by Richard McSpadden, we are truly saddened by this tragic loss. We struggle to balance our love of flying with such sadness from a tragedy for a beloved mentor. I shed tears numerous times this week while searching for any details about Richard and the accident. While I never met him in person, I felt his presence during every preflight decision. I consumed every safety video he produced with the intent of learning as much as possible. My weekly appointment with his safety videos has made me a better pilot. I am grateful for his dedication to safety. May we all use this tragedy as a wakeup call and launching point to rededicate ourselves toward improved safety. May we encourage fellow aviators with the example of the correct decision processes when flying safely. Thank you, Richard for your contribution. Thank you to Richard's family for allowing all of us to be inspired by him.

@thefamilythatfliestogether 8 ай бұрын

I just realized that many of my favorite AOPA episodes had Richard in them. His passion for flying was inspirational and his focus on safety has probably saved lives. Clear blue skies and favorable tail winds. RIP.

@8878mjs 8 ай бұрын

Richard has saved so many lives by his educational videos. I have learned so much from him as a private pilot. My wife and I flew into Lake Placid last month and had the pleasure of meeting Russ Francis at that time. What a passionate aviation enthusiast as well. Both are a huge loss. Condolences to both families. To the McSpaddens - Thank you for supporting your father and husband so he could take time to teach all of us how to stay safe up there. You may know the poem by John Gillespie McGee that President Reagan quoted after the Space Shuttle Challenger accident, High Flight. Richard “put out his hand and touched the face of God.” God Bless you all.

@davidwarner1686 8 ай бұрын

I was honored to have met and spoken with Richard at an AOPA fly in and to have been in several workshops he led. He always seemed to have all the time in the world for me, and to give his undivided attention and focus to help me become a safer pilot. Although my total time with him was just minutes, I always felt like he was a personal friend as well as an inspiration. To share the sky and some backcountry airfields with him was a great opportunity. I was so saddened by the news that I couldn’t sleep that night and his loss is still hard for me to accept. I will take up his oft spoken challenge, and Go Fly!

@Top10VideosOnTheWeb 8 ай бұрын

It was an honor to meet him and talk with him briefly at Airventure 2023. I shared with him how much I appreciated his work on Air Safety. He was a gift to us all in the service of civil aviation. Rest In Peace Richard McSpadden.

@SR71_Blackbird 8 ай бұрын

I wasn't expecting to tear up on a Friday morning, but here we are. Blue skies and tailwinds Richard.

@billgideon3778 8 ай бұрын

I admire how you held it together and delivered a very beautiful tribute to a true aviation leader.

@larryweitzman5163 8 ай бұрын

I met Richard for the first time at the AOPA tent at OSH this year to discuss an accident he produced a video on. He spent several minutes with me specifically talking about it. What a great guy. What a shame! And Russ Francis, too. We really lost a pair of aviation leaders. And from the initial description of the accident, only by perhaps, a few feet. Your video brought tears to my eyes while writing this, watching Richard enjoying one of his passions so much and showing us how 80 kts. is just as fun as Mach 1 or 2.

@nonDescriptAviation 8 ай бұрын

I'm a student pilot in the early phase of ground school. My wife and I would listen to "There I was.." podcast on our weekly 3 hr commute moving between houses. It was a shocking moment when i read the headline of his accident - hard to describe having such a reaction to someone we've never met. We give our thanks to him and his team for the great work they have done - and our condolences to his family and friends. Blue skies and tailwinds....

@03olo020 8 ай бұрын

I've got something stuck in my throat.... great tribute AOPA. Fly free Richard.

@nathanhardin6992 8 ай бұрын

Richard has impacted the way I teach as a CFI and I am sure his work will have a lasting impact on generations of aviators. His presence, and wisdom will be sorely missed.

@jeffkersey1 8 ай бұрын

Gone West too soon. Thank you for your service to our country, your kind and heartfelt guidance and wisdom, and your genuine enthusiasm for the thing that we all love so much. RIP Sir...

@bichus007 8 ай бұрын

I have listened religiously to all of his podcasts and i am confident to say he probably made me a better safer pilot ! RIP 🙏

@leilanirocks 8 ай бұрын

I was so shocked and hurt when I received this notification on my phone. I have spent countless hours listening to Richard’s analysis videos, sometimes for no other reason than I just couldn’t sleep. He was a great pilot that had taken the steps to become a great educator, too. He could teach in a way that would open you up and make you enjoy learning, make the information flow in and hit home effortlessly. I never knew or met “Spad” but I sure spent a lot of quality time with him through his videos. He also seemed like the sweetest sort of person to be around, his passion for flight always right there in his smile. Clearly there was never a person that appreciated air flight more than Richard McSpadden. He kindled a fascination in me for it’s study and I am thankful for it. My condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.

@sibtainbukhari5447 8 ай бұрын

Never imagined I would be so upset by passing of someone who I had never met or spoken to but just liked to watch their videos on KZfaq. Just listening to him at 11 mins in the video shows what a beautiful person he was and the reason why he was so much more than just a pilot. Fly high Richard

@cgsturm 8 ай бұрын

In the past couple years, I became familiar with Richard via the AOPA KZfaq video series. I was immediately impressed and knew he was a man of integrity and worth his salt. The news of Richard's loss was difficult to take. It seemed he had so much more to contribute in this life. This tribute video shows how much he did accomplish and even Richard knew he was living a blessed life, like so many pilots think every time they take flight. Richard also knew which plane was the best plane :) "And He will raise you up on eagle's wings..." Richard and Russ. My prayers for comfort and the promise of our Lord are with the family of both pilots.

@charlesbremner8792 8 ай бұрын

With his gentleness, wisdom and deep experience, Richard McSpadden was a big influence on aviators here in France -- and in Europe -- as well as in the English-speaking flying world. He was an exceptional human being as well as a true flying mentor for many of us. As many people are pointing out, this shocking accident makes us raise questions about our hobby as private pilots.

@bunnystuff2005 8 ай бұрын

Heartbreakingly sad loss. Though I did not know Richard personally I enjoyed and learned through his videos on KZfaq. Richard was who I thought he was...an absolutely stellar individual loved by many. God bless you Richard, your family and friends.

@elaynehumphrey8258 8 ай бұрын

I had the pleasure of meeting Richard this past sping in Alaska when he gave a class on the brain under stress. That class was so helpful as I had experienced a student overpowering me on a flight and for years I wondered why he wouldn't let go when I kept yelling at him to do so. The student told me he had heard but he couldn't let go. Richard's class made it clear why that was so and really helped me to process what had happened and to understand what happens when someone is in a stressful situation. I have also watched many of his videos and learned so much from him over the past few years. He will be greatly missed and I'm praying for the pain and loss that his family is dealing with.

@dandlac 8 ай бұрын

I met McSpadden at the AOPA Buckeye fly-in this year. Really enjoyed talking to him, listening to his aviation safety seminar - he was a complete class act. He will be missed.

@steppie6422 8 ай бұрын

So sad about the loss of this great, accomplished aviator. I have been flying airliners for many years and I still eagerly looked forward to his insights, podcasts and analysis all the time for inspiration and safety tips. This accident just goes to show how all of us as aviators, no matter how experienced or inexperienced, must remain vigilant about safety and respect the profession or hobby we love so much. Rest in peace Richard, you will be sorely missed.

@hallambert379 8 ай бұрын

I have been a faithful follower of Richard’s articles, podcasts, and videos for years. His vast experience, knowledge, and insights about flying and aviation safety was coupled with his respectful demeanor when analyzing a situation or interviewing someone. In addition, it was clear he loved flying, like so many of us who are moved and deeply saddened by his tragic passing. I am grateful to have known Richard through his works. He will always be an inspiration. Prayers go out to his family.

@user-ie8jb4nx9c 8 ай бұрын

Richard McSpadden was a great guy, Pilot and educator. His deviation to Aviation was not matched by many other people. He taught me that Aviation Safety is not an event on a day or a flight but a mindset to be applied to the planning and competition of every flight. My he always be remembered for his contribution to Aviation and Aviation Safety.

@jonword5359 8 ай бұрын

A tremendous loss. His First Take on accidents was so informative. Aways gave me a sense of comfort to so quickly dissect these unsettling occurrences. You felt like you knew him personally just watching his videos. I wish I had. I will be thinking about those who did…… this must be so hard for you.

@user-mv1qu5kh1q 8 ай бұрын

My sincerest condolences to the McSpadden family, we are praying for comfort and peace only god can give! As a business owner I get a very large volume of email and news article. No matter how busy I was if I saw a training video or correcponce about Richard McSpadden I always took time to watch or read it. That is how much I respected his knowledge of aviation.! Thank you for sharing you knowledge!

@FlyingShotsman 8 ай бұрын

What an incredible man, and what an incredible loss. Richard is one of the few people I've observed in my life who thoroughly impressed me. His skills, his intellect, his curiosity and his thoughtfulness combined into a gigantic aviation talent. We were all very fortunate that he devoted so much of himself to improving aviation safety and to spreading the pure joy of flight to all of us. I'm in tears over the death of a man I never met and never even spoke to. Thank you, Richard, and Godspeed...

@jeffbeson3070 8 ай бұрын

What an amazing tribute to Richard and also for his family. Never have I been so shocked at the loss of a fellow aviator. We never had met but I felt like Richard was my neighbor next door as he shared stories with us all. Every one he told, every video he was involved in spoke great measures to my heart, he helped me become a much better pilot. I feel like I have as many hours armchair flying as in the sky. That is because Richard challenged me to think….a lot! Prayers and peace be with His beautiful family.

@frankreinmiller848 8 ай бұрын

He explained things so well,When ever there was an aviation accident I looked forward to Richards analysis.This is heartbreaking and unbelievable.Condolences to his Family.

@tomwitkin9167 8 ай бұрын

Richard's columns and videos were a constant reference for my weekly Safety Corner posts in our soaring club's newsletter. As the club's safety officer, his approach to safety was a beacon. Many of our club members were deeply shaken by his loss. The words, "Say it ain't so" keep echoing.

@dekky111 8 ай бұрын

A well done tribute to a real gentleman pilot. I met Richard in Naples, FL last year. Heartbreaking loss for family, friends, and the entire aviation community.

@edl7655 8 ай бұрын

Aviation safety is a dreary topic not high on anyone’s list they look forward to. Richard actually turned that around. Many of us now seek to hear a safety topic by Richard. He has made a great and lasting contribution to the aviation community that continues to improve and live on in all of us that have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to gain knowledge and wisdom from him. RIP Richard! FLY HIGH!

@liliaflyingmomMD 8 ай бұрын

Thank you Spad. Never met you, but listened to your voice almost daily over the last few months. And thank you AOPA I needed this to go back flying.

@rrtuckwell 8 ай бұрын

I've been watching Richard's videos for years - he was AOPA. His clear, calm communication style was exemplary and I was always to understand the details, even though I'm no pilot. RIP Richard and condolences to your family.

@helleren1 8 ай бұрын

This was horrible news, I had just flown back from the 99's SW sectional in Ventura the same day :(. We briefly met Barry Schiff & I asked him for a picture, letting him know I read AOPA pilot magazine cover to cover. I also reviewed Richard's accident reports, especially the airports where I fly into. My brother lives by French Valley, and there was a Carlsbad accident as well. Honestly, if I would have heard the news before we took off I might not have flown that day. I've had two CFI friends with tons of hours die in plane crashes, I know how safe they were & had flown with them many times. It took me 6 mos to fly again when the 1st one died, and when I did, my first thought was "I can't believe I get to do this!!" The 2nd one, I got in the air the next day as a tribute. I tell my family that I know the risks, and chances are 100% I'm going to die at some point. It's really tragic to be young and leave kids behind (I'm 61). It's also tragic to not live to the fullest. My deepest condolences to the family & AOPA team, who were probably just like family. Hugs to you all!!

@thedrewh10 8 ай бұрын

When I saw of the passing of Richard McSpadden it was like a punch to the gut. This one really hit home. Even though I never got the opportunity to meet him in person, it felt like I knew him like a friend. Richard was a remarkable individual, whose professionalism we should all continually strive for. I give my deep, heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We lost a great one.

@moonman50 8 ай бұрын

I am shocked and saddened by the loss of Richard McSpadden. Though we never met, his personable, empathetic and humble approach to mentoring and teaching all of us to be better pilots makes me feel as though I've lost a trusted friend. I've learned so much from Richard's writing in AOPA Pilot, his Air Safety videos, and his approach to safe flying which he so generously shared with us all. Thank you, Richard McSpadden, for sharing your knowledge and love of flying with us all, and helping me be a better, safer pilot -- you are an inspiration. RIP.

@tammymakesthings 8 ай бұрын

I’ve been a lifelong aviation enthusiast, though for medical reasons I can’t fly anything other than my UAS drone, and I was an avid follower of Richard’s aviation safety videos. The lesson I took away from all of them was, I think, a good life lesson: Don’t let fear keep you from doing the things you love, but be honest and unflinching in looking at the risks, and use that knowledge to make better decisions. May his memory be a comfort, a blessing, and an inspiration to all who knew him.

@57Jimmy 8 ай бұрын

This is the absolute most beautiful heartfelt tribute I have ever seen! The compassion everyone from AOPA have shown here goes above and beyond any tribute to anyone else! I say that this tribute is equal to the tribute for loss of Lady Diana. The clips at the end were just what the aviation community needed to see Richard doing what he loved, and hopes everyone else can have the same passion as he did. 🫡🥲

@bobdobalina838 8 ай бұрын

I'll always remember him as a consummate professional with that calming and rational voice, explaining everything perfectly so that we could learn from others Mistakes. Resti in peace Richard, you will be missed.

@jolielucas 8 ай бұрын

Richard was a gem. I am honored to call him my friend. We had so many great discussions about the psychology of life and flight. He will be missed. Spad1, clear for take off, runway 27, climb unrestricted.

@user-jy6pj7md2r 8 ай бұрын

I learned a lot from Richard's analyses of accidents. He had a way of making them understandable and providing clear lessons to be learned. I will really miss his insights.

@jodyjonsson8492 8 ай бұрын

What a lovely tribute and what a beautiful example of a life well-lived. Although I never knew him, I felt as if I did. I devoured his videos and articles and am a better pilot for doing so. His calm, humble, deliberate and unhurried delivery communicated the seriousness of his subject. He has contributed immensely to the aviation community and he will be greatly missed. To his family- my prayers and deepest condolences for your loss. Thank you Richard and may you rest in peace.

@billreyer 8 ай бұрын

Like many others I knew Richard McSpadden through his writing but on one occasion we emailed back and forth when I as a SuperCub owner had some questions about a possible panel addition. He responded and expressed interest in what I was proposing for my plane. The interchange was like two hangar rats talking about their planes. A real person he was.

@donjones1203 8 ай бұрын

I was always impressed by Richard, his stories, experience and his ability to share so much about flying. I still can't believe this happened. And if it can happen to Richard, it can happen to all of us. I will ensure that I will fly each sortie as Richard would have wanted, focused, safe, and having fun. Blue Skies.

@keithirtenkauf5563 8 ай бұрын

I’m so sorry for all of Richard’s family, colleagues and friends. I will miss his fantastic air safety videos. I’m not even a pilot, but I found his content, delivery and clear expertise, fascinating. Godspeed Richard.

@jlodo4747 8 ай бұрын

Same here @keithirtenkauf5563. I have no interest in piloting but looked forward to every new video Richard shared. He was a true professional whose passion engaged every viewer.

@ErcoupePilot 8 ай бұрын

Richard was one of the very best, a genuine gift to all the rest of us in aviation. His videos were always favorites of mine for the materials but mostly for the obvious thought and care Richard put into his work to help advance all of us in aviation. A very sad loss for the entire aviation community, he will be greatly missed.

@tayfundemiroz2738 8 ай бұрын

I’m not a pilot but I feel so saddened by this loss of a great pilot and educator. I would watch his videos and share them with my son so that he can be as diligent as Richard as a GA pilot flying in the vast expanses of the Australian outback. Young emerging pilots like my son stand on the shoulders of such noble men.

@hillcrestannie 8 ай бұрын

I meet Richard at Airventure 2022. He was so pleasant and humble to talk to. I went by the AOPA tent a couple of times this year to re-connect with him but never got the opportunity to see him again. I’ve been contemplating about my future of flying since this tragedy happened but I will honor him but continuing to fly.

@JorgeGonzalez-mz8ro 8 ай бұрын

I am sadden to have heard of this huge loss to the aviation community. I had the honor of meeting Richard at our pilots association meeting earlier this year. Richard’s videos and insights made me a better pilot. Thank you Richard for everything you taught me. Condolences to the entire Mc Spadden family.

@DocT476 8 ай бұрын

Richard not only inspired my activities as an aviator but he was one of my biggest influences analyzing medical incidents in anesthesia and intensive care medicine based on facts and without casting blame. Thank you Sir. May you forever fly in those blue skies.

@BlueFinn320 8 ай бұрын

Richard taught me so much, and made me love flying even more than I already did. He had an incredible way of teaching and communicating information, and I am truly grateful for everything I have ever learned from him. He will not be forgotten, and his legacy will live on every time I go flying for the rest of my life. Thank you Richard.

@mohammadkeshoofy5053 8 ай бұрын

Couldn’t believe my eyes seeing the news of your crash. What a loss. Your kind smile, your amazing lessons on Safety, will never be forgotten. My family’s thoughts and prayers for your family, friends, and all fellow pilots.

@robertspitaleri9790 8 ай бұрын

I always looked forward to safety videos and articles by Richard. Wow, he was a great communicator and his humility made the message beautiful. We are in prayer for his family and ask God to take care of them.

@TakingOff 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for the report and talking about Richard's legacy. He was the best. Big hole in my heart.

@Aviation101 8 ай бұрын

I held it together pretty nicely until that closing montage. 🙁 He was an inspiration to so many aviators, and he's inspired my safety mindset more and more with each video he spoke to us through. He'll be so dearly missed. This was a wonderful tribute.

@chasingtornado 8 ай бұрын

I've just recently begun to become interested in aviation and have started my journey towards my ppl. In absorbing as much information as possible I have spent hours upon hours watching videos and listening to Richard's podcasts. With as much knowledge that I have learned from him he has and will always be the mentor I never met. RIP

@brucehomstad5256 8 ай бұрын

Great tribute, AOPA. Cried again. Saw him speak in 2017 at AOPA event in Norman, just after I earned my ticket

@user-zb4tn4bh4y 8 ай бұрын

I listened to his podcast during my commutes. I looked forward to new episodes with great anticipation. A genuine legend.

@GentleResponseLLC 8 ай бұрын

Well done video, y'all, good tribute. His lost really hit my gut. I had recently discovered Richard and the early analysis videos, earlier this year I believe, and I looked forward to his commentary on anything aviation. I continue to work on being a safe and consciencious pilot. RIP sir, I salute you, thank you for your service, rest easy now, we'll take it from here.

@francescodebartolo6842 8 ай бұрын

Thanks to all people at AOPA for what they do to make flying safe, enjoyable and popular as it should be. Thanks to Richard McSpadden for gifting his life and experience to all of us, for motivating us to become better and safer pilots, for showing us every flight is different and requires humility, and for helping me better understand aviation. I’ll definitely go flying.

@iesikhaty 8 ай бұрын

What a befitting tribute to a man that shared what he lived and loved! I love the Cub flight with his monologue - He is a legend that has set a great trail for us to follow. Rest in the arms of the Lord, Spud! May your family know a peace that passes all understanding. Flight is freedom in its purest form, To dance with the clouds which follow a storm; To roll and glide, to wheel and spin, To feel the joy that swells within; To leave the earth with its troubles and fly, And know the warmth of a clear spring sky; Then back to earth at the end of a day, Released from the tensions which melted away. Should my end come while I am in flight, Whether brightest day or darkest night; Spare me your pity and shrug off the pain, Secure in the knowledge that I'd do it again; For each of us is created to die, And within me I know, I was born to fly. - Gary Claud Stokor

@eloisebrynlee 8 ай бұрын

😢 What a beautiful tribute here. Richard led a full life and helped so many people through everything he did. I will personally miss his ‘Early Analysis’ videos on KZfaq which is how I discovered his work back in 2022 - please accept my deepest condolences. ✈️

@John777H 8 ай бұрын

I discovered the "There I Was" podcast during the pandemic, just after I retired and was getting back into flying after a 10 year hiatus. I learned from every episode, and appreciated the voices of Richard and his guests accompanying me on morning walks. I am still stunned at his loss. My condolences to his wife, children, and AOPA family. Please take some comfort from knowing he helped more people than anyone will ever know.

@shleppa 8 ай бұрын

Richard, is not gone, he is simply flying higher than the rest of us. Thankful for his teachings, and hope he continues to keep us safe from above.

@FlyWithAlexMora 8 ай бұрын

I’m lucky I got to meet Richard at Oshkosh in 2022. Such an approachable person, smart, articulate, and just so talented over all. I’ll miss his contribution to GA. He got me through this previous and very difficult deployment by listening to his Safety podcast on frequent walks. RIP Richard and thoughts and prayers to his family and AOPA. This weekend I’m celebrating his life by flying my family to a bucket list airport - KSEZ. Fly on Richard!

@PilotDoug61 8 ай бұрын

It was truly an honor to get to know Richard. His passion for both humanitarian and backcountry flying brought us together, and I was grateful to work with him on both of these subjects. My heart goes out to both his family, as well as everyone who feels his loss. Doug Jackson

@gabrielfernandez1352 8 ай бұрын

Deeply saddened by the loss. Extremely grateful for his dedication, care, competence and style. Thank you Richard, god speed.

@06teeth 8 ай бұрын

After years of following Richard via video and print, I finally got to meet him at an AOPA event at Oshkosh this year. Of all the accidents reports I’ve read over the years, this one hits home deeply. He was the very best of the best. We sometimes read reports and think “ how could this person be so stupid to run out of gas, or fly VFR into IMC conditions, or use NEXRAD to barely fly around a T-Storm” but this defies all logic. If this can happen to Richard, then it can happen to anyone. I know he would say for us to keep flying but this surely casts doubts into all of our abilities. We lost a great one!

@eduardoletti5537 8 ай бұрын

I used to watch his Early Analysis videos. His non condemning and factual delivery was the best. I will miss those.

@rickewart5089 8 ай бұрын

The Aviation community lost a great man. Over my more than 50 years in Aviation, I have lost several close friends in Aviation accidents. Each loss takes a toll on your heart and soul. I didn’t know Richard personally, but I did benefit from his efforts at the AOPA Air Safety Institute. I am saddened by his loss and pray that God will comfort his friends and family during this most difficult time.

@mickcollins1921 8 ай бұрын

I'm not a particularly sentimental person, and I never met Richard, but I sit here with tears in my eyes over the loss of this wonderful person. It's rare to get a sense that a stranger on a screen actually cares about you, but Richard's love for aviation and the aviation community gave you exactly that impression. He became a friend and mentor, sharing stories and dedicating himself to your safety. You just knew that he cared about YOU, and he wanted you to have all the tools and information possible to make it back home to your loved ones every time you danced in the skies. I still can't believe that he won't be coming back from his last dance. Godspeed sir. Till Valhalla.

@thomasellis1516 7 ай бұрын

Richard's loss hit the entire aviation community hard. This video was a wonderful tribute to who he was as a father, a husband, a friend and a pilot.I'm proud to have known Richard and to have learned so much from him. I felt the best way I could deal with the grief and honor his memory was to go out the following Saturday and volunteer for an aviation event for young men and women taking orientation flights. I thought of Richard several times that day, and I thought about how he must be looking down from heaven and smiling on how we are carrying on without him, but while still carrying on the lessons we learned from him. Thank you Richard and AOPA for all you've done.

@bbellepapups9163 8 ай бұрын

Heartsick….I read the initial accident report in the news-several times, this couldn’t be! A true hero and professional who will be forever, sorely missed. Godspeed, RIP.

@katrinaangelina80 8 ай бұрын

Such a tragic loss to the aviation community. His articles and videos have helped me immensely in my training. His family are in my prayers.

@chipdavis9283 8 ай бұрын

I've been flying for sixty years, and I lost my father to a departure stall/spin when I was 26. It left a hole in my life, as flying and music were two of the things we shared. I didn't feel like I had much to contribute to all the responses to this wonderfully touching tribute to a truly great individual. Then, as if on cue, Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" came on the radio. The poet is telling us that life (and death) are as unfathomable as they are inescapable, so we may as well just say "Hallelujah!" and keep on living it as best we can. By all accounts Richard did just that, and he left us all an example that will be difficult to follow. But I will try.

@jetdoctn 8 ай бұрын

Had the honor of sitting through a couple of Richard's safety talks at AOPA fly ins and all his videos and podcasts were so enjoyable and shared so much great knowledge. Gonna take awhile for the shock to wear off of this but Richard for myself and thousands of lives you have touched you will never be forgotten.

@ngc60 8 ай бұрын

What a wonderful, talented, sincere, humble man I've come to know through the AOPA videos with Richard. Thanks so much Alyssa , Mark and all the AOPA staff for such a touching tribute.

@callsignhecto 7 ай бұрын

Been watching Richard’s Early Analysis segment all the way from Perth, Australia. As a student pilot his advice and strategies on how to enhance safety while following our passion were second to none. Condolences to his family. I’ll cherish his videos which I’m sure will keep giving back to the aviation community even though he’s gone. Blue skies Richard 🙏

@franktino6676 8 ай бұрын

A very insightful and respectful memorialization of Colonel R. McSpadden. I saw him twice at various AOPA sponsored events, speaking with the pilot population attendees regarding safety initiatives of the ASI. As with all others- my takeaway aside from the highly beneficial applications to safer flight was his humbleness and ability to make others respond rather than he, himself just preaching. He had a gift for teaching; but also making the lessons interactive. My prayers go out to his family and friends in this time of loss and for him, that his safety messages will endure and be absorbed by others as we aviate. " One… person at a time.… as you educate.." is the eternal mission...