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On July 4, 2021, our friend and Airplane Geeks reporter-at-large Launchpad Marzari was killed when his Focke-Wulf FWP-149D crashed while enroute from New Braunfels Regional Airport to Skylark Field in Killeen, Texas. We are deeply saddened by the loss of this kind and generous man.
In this episode, Max Flight, Micah, David Vanderhoof, Max Trescott, Hillel, Brian Coleman, and Isaac Alexander reflect on their experiences with Launchpad and share some stories about the man who was larger than life.
Donations in Memory of Brad “Launchpad” Marzari
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Brad’s involvement with EAA and the Young Eagles can be made out to EAA Aviation Foundation. Donations can be made by check or online:
Checks can be made out to EAA Aviation Foundation and in the memo section write “Young Eagles – Brad Marzari”. Please mail checks to P. O. Box 3816, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3816.
Donations can also be made online by going to eaa.org/give. Click on the blue Give Today button. Under the “Use my donation to support” dropdown, choose “Young Eagles.” In the comments section write “In memory of – Brad Marzari”
Mentioned
September – December 2019 issue of The Flyer [PDF], from the Commemorative Air Force, Page 21-22, Special Feature, Brad Marzari’s Focke-Wulf 149D, by Brad Marzari.
Updates
Friend of deceased pilot fondly remembers his life
Police identify deceased pilot in Killeen plane crash
Other Launchpad Marzari Doings
Flying Over the Swiss Alps in a PA-28, from the Adventure Flying podcast presented Icon Aircraft. Listen to Launchpad as he describes two of his most memorable experiences flying. The first was something of an unusual trip across the Swiss Alps in a PA-28. The second was flying into Zurich International Airport in a GA aircraft, when he had just received his pilot’s license.
I did meet Brad on occasion at our friend’s house in Germany as far back as about 1998 and the last time perhaps around 2002. I did know about his fondness for flying but was more aware of his military service.
My friend was badly shaken up by the news of his crash and called me last night. I remembered him as you do – larger than life. He left an impression on me and I have been very much preoccupied with my memories of and the short encounters with him since the call last night.
To me he was just “Brad” – him buying the “Pitschi” was just a side note to me, as I did not even know of his “Launchpad” alter ego. Go figure.
Only now I read and hear how he was so regarded by so many.
Thanks for your special podcast – I recognized him very well within your words and emotions.
RIP Brad.
Very sad news. I really enjoyed Launchpad’s presentations on Airplane Geeks.
RIP
My husband and I are so thankful to Brad for the time he spent mentoring our son, who is devastated at his loss. He was a real treasure of a man.
As only an occasional listener from Europe this his me pretty hard as well. I liked Launchpad’s contributions a lot and had not heard these bad news before I downloaded the episode! Thanks for replaying some of the material from him and about him from earlier episodes. And also for clearing up my confusion with his name.
Thoughts go out to all his friends and especially his wife and family!