Goodbye to Rick Stevens AAV-409

[Michael Blakely]

I'm sad to announce the passing of Rick Steven, AAV-409 on July 26.

Rick had been with AAVirtual for over 12 years, had achieved all ranks and endorsements, and continued to fly until just a few weeks ago. Rick served on our checkpilot team up till early 2012, grading hundreds of new and member pilot checkrides. Rick also supported Wayne Pierce at the launch of the KDFW training hub for new pilots in 2011. Rick was a major presence online at VATSIM and our AAV GFIs. He was also a member of the "Tour across the USA (and part of Canada)" GFI crew.

It would be a fitting tribute to share any memories you have of Rick in this thread.

I will "retire" Rick, his account, and his legacy to our KPSP hub shortly.

[Harold Henderson]

"Hotel Echo Victor November tower, American 409 on final runway 3-6."

"American 409, cleared to land runway 3-6."

"Beautiful landing, American 409. Take the first exit and taxi to the gate. Welcome to Heaven, Good Buddy."

I knew and flew with Rick Stevens since about 2005. He and I had a lot of time in GFIs struggling together with the original Coolsky MD80. We grew close trying to figure out the PMS (Performance Management System) and ONS (Omega/VLF Navigation System) and other peculiarities of that bird. Flying this steam gauge MD-80 was always guaranteed to be stressfully "exciting", but we got to where we could handle that plane pretty good. We had fun together.

Then, there were several years of Saturday morning's spent in GA flying with Rick, Wayne Pierce, Ted Martin, and Sergio Sanchez (sometimes). We explored the world but seemed to spend a lot of time in California and western national parks with Wayne's Guided Tours and Railroads. We all had fun together enjoying the company of one another. There was even a gathering of the whole bunch in Dallas, TX - http://aavirtual.com/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ck#p144251

Rick, Ted, and I sort of made up a little sub-club in AAV as we were all the same age. Rick's birthday came in January, followed quickly by mine in February. Ted eventually caught up with us later in the year. I would really rather follow Rick than be in the lead. Rick was a good leader - in our birthday club and in AAV. Rick gave back.

Rick and his wife stopped by my home once several years ago - before he lost her. We had a good meal together at Chili's. Friends - though we had never met in person. That's what AAV and a shared passion for flying does - it makes friends.

Rick was a gentleman. He was a good person. He was a friend. He will be sorely missed.

There's a story about Muhammad Ali flying commercially when the Captain came on the intercom and asked the passengers to be sure their seat belts were secure as they were expecting some moderate turbulence. The stewardess noticed Ali did not have his seat belt on and asked him to buckle up. Ali responded, "Superman don't need no seat belt." The stewardess without missing a beat responded, "Superman don't need no airplane either."

I'm a Christian. I believe there's a God who judges justly and mercifully. I believe there's a heaven and hell. That decision is way above my pay grade, but if it had been up to me, Rick would definitely have made that approach and landing into Heaven yesterday. And, what's more, he would have been the envy of the eagles as he didn't need no airplane either.

Till we meet again you will be remembered, "Good Buddy".

[Todd Meek]

Rick will be missed. I didn't make the GFI's as much as I would like to, but work schedule sometimes gets in the way. Rick was always a pleasure to fly with and did make it entertaining at times. When I first joined the check ride team before I became a Hub Manager, Rick is the one that sent me the software that we used at the time to grade the check rides. He also included his phone number so I could call him and he walked me through how to do it and what we were looking for. Great guy and very easy to get along with. I'm sure he will be missed by all of us here at AAV. He was a very big part of AAV. Rest well in Heaven Rick.

[Theodore Martin]

Rick was a great friend even before we met face to face. As Harold mentioned, AAV does that. I flew with Rick at least twice a week on the GFI's, then I joined the Saturday GA flights with him, Wayne, Harold, and Sergio. We had such a great time flying, enjoying the scenery (they all had Orbx FTX and I finally broke down and purchased as well), and listening to stories told by Rick and Wayne. Rick was great at geography and telling us what river or lake we were flying over.

I finally Met Rick when he came to Dallas and we all got together. He was such a nice guy and a friend to everyone he met. Sergio, Harold, Rick and myself sat there for hours enjoying snacks and laughing. I have missed having him on the GFI's and sorely missed hearing him coming though my headset.

Rick we will all meet again....

[Norberto Rivera]

Sad news indeed. I enjoyed many online flights with Rick and company, even though, like many of us, I can't seem to make them as often as I'd like. Rick always had a way of making you chuckle. We constantly pick on each other and our questionable virtual flying abilities, or lack thereof. Our cross-continental tour Mike mentioned will always be a treasured memory. We will miss you Rick. Clear skies and following winds my friend. American 409 resume own navigation.

P.S. I see the flight for tomorrow is to Rick's home airport of Tulsa, OK. I will do my best to make it.

[Arturo Carvajal]

Sad News!.
Rick help me with all check rides.
A gentelmen!

[Robert Shepherd]

This is sad news indeed... Even though this summertime, its' chores and activities, have taken me away from flying in our GFI's every Friday night... I will miss Rick greatly. I never met Rick in person but I can hear his calm, mellow voice over TeamSpeak as we bantered and glibly poked fun at each other; all of us... A few times Rick and I would show up at a GFI airport early (not too often for me) and we had a few casual conversations, just as if we were sitting on a porch somewhere while we waited for the rest of the company to make their appearance. ... It's truly wonderful how our hobby can bring people together who have never met and yet still develop such a camaraderie between us all.

Sometimes we can take things for granted; I took for granted that all of the company of great pilots that I flew with every Friday night would always be there. Now we are down a good man, a great pilot and a gentleman. You will be missed Rick Stevens...

Clear skies and tailwinds for you 'buddy'...

[Greg Gemelli]

I remember when Rick got started here at AAV and back in the days when I used to participate in the GFIs quite a bit more. He was a salt of the earth guy and loved aviation. Had more than a few nights just flying around, chatting about the nuances of the PMDG products or navigation. We are all passionate about flight here so that was usually the topic. Rick will be missed! Godspeed sir!!

[Rey Ramon]

Been away for a long time. I was installing liveries from our download section and came across a thank you to all who helped in the notes section. I had a flash back as soon as I read all the names from the "old crew". It makes me sad to hear of Rick's passing. I know this news is not new to you all, but it is to me. Makes me sad. It also amazes me that through all the wires and digital space, we're all connected through our passion for our hobby and aviation. Even if I'm not online very often, I do think of the AAV folks often. Can't imagine not ever being associated with y'all.