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Glider pilot and ME 163 Komet Pilot Rudy Opitz Has Died
Sad news,
I just learned from avweb.com that glider pilot and ME 163 rocket test pilot Rudy Opitz has died. He was a remarkable man. He also flew a Horton flying wing glider to victory in a U.S. soaring contest many years ago. I had the pleasure of meeting him after a talk he gave at an SSA Convention many (15?) years ago. He was also a part of the team of glider pilots that flew the very successful attack on the Fort Eban-Emael castle during WW II. I believe it was the first time gliders were used for a military attack. He describes the attack in the interesting "Silent Wings" video: http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/videos.htm#SilentWings. He certainly lived a full and interesting life! http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#202518 http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ctp...&pid=142633817 A life well lived Rudy! Paul Remde |
#2
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Glider pilot and ME 163 Komet Pilot Rudy Opitz Has Died
On May 10, 6:53*am, "Paul Remde" wrote:
Sad news, I just learned from avweb.com that glider pilot and ME 163 rocket test pilot Rudy Opitz has died. *He was a remarkable man. He also flew a Horton flying wing glider to victory in a U.S. soaring contest many years ago. *I had the pleasure of meeting him after a talk he gave at an SSA Convention many (15?) years ago. He was also a part of the team of glider pilots that flew the very successful attack on the Fort Eban-Emael castle during WW II. *I believe it was the first time gliders were used for a military attack. *He describes the attack in the interesting "Silent Wings" video:http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/videos.htm#SilentWings. He certainly lived a full and interesting life! http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#202518 http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ctp...=paul-rudolf-o.... A life well lived Rudy! Paul Remde Sad news indeed. I used to own a K-6CR that Rudy imported into this country in 1967. Sweet flying glider. And, the man that signed me off for my glider rating was himself signed off by Rudy Opitz. Well, that's the extent of my 6 degrees of separation from a real legend and a true pioneer of aviation. |
#3
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Glider pilot and ME 163 Komet Pilot Rudy Opitz Has Died
On May 10, 6:53*am, "Paul Remde" wrote:
Sad news, I just learned from avweb.com that glider pilot and ME 163 rocket test pilot Rudy Opitz has died. *He was a remarkable man. He also flew a Horton flying wing glider to victory in a U.S. soaring contest many years ago. *I had the pleasure of meeting him after a talk he gave at an SSA Convention many (15?) years ago. He was also a part of the team of glider pilots that flew the very successful attack on the Fort Eban-Emael castle during WW II. *I believe it was the first time gliders were used for a military attack. *He describes the attack in the interesting "Silent Wings" video:http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/videos.htm#SilentWings. He certainly lived a full and interesting life! http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#202518 http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ctp...=paul-rudolf-o.... A life well lived Rudy! Paul Remde Rudy was an extremely talented aviator and a truly wonderful gentleman. Over his 99 years he lived a very full life and was a great contributor to our sport. Condolences |
#4
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Glider pilot and ME 163 Komet Pilot Rudy Opitz Has Died
I considered it a HUGE honor to shake the hand of a man who'd flown
the Komet. I will never forget the moment or reading about all the incredible pioneering flying Mr Opitz participated in. Our tribe has lost another great one. Matt Michael |
#5
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Glider pilot and ME 163 Komet Pilot Rudy Opitz Has Died
Sorry to hear that. I enjoyed talking with Mr.Opitz at a soaring
convention (Chicago, I think) and was impressed by his contributions but most of all by his humility. Mike Finegan |
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