It was a shock this morning to go to AvWeb and see this sad news. We talked a couple of times at events. Vicki will sure be missed in the IAC circles, she was an inspiration to my lady students and I wish I had sent in the articles that I told her about. I am awaiting the ruling to see the cause, it had to have been mechanical failure. To all her family and friends, we at the Barber Airport in Alliance, Oh offer our complete sympathy and hope they can recover from this sad event. John 14 may help . Farewell Vicki and we all hope to meet again when the Lord calls. bye from Forrest & Patty
Submitted by: Forrest Barber 6316
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8/24/2009 12:41:14 PM
It was an honor and a privilege to know and to serve on the IAC Board with Vicki. Her sense of purpose and commitment will remain an inspiration for young women, and pilots, for a long time to come.
I'll also remember her for her sense of fun, as will all of us who have been on the receiving end of one of her pranks.
For me, I'll remember her incessant teasing about my tshirt, and the last hug at AirVenture wishing her luck and gold in England. I gues I didn't wish hard enough.
You'll be sorely missed.
Submitted by: Graham Bird
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8/24/2009 2:46:02 PM
RIP Vicky. I will miss you.
Submitted by: Mark
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8/24/2009 5:08:10 PM
Our entire USAFA Cadet Aerobatic Team was devastated to hear about Vicki's accident. Our hearts and prayers go out to Vicki's family and friends. She was always a good friend and supporter of our program and she will be sorely missed.
Submitted by: USAF Academy Aerobatic Team 432581
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8/24/2009 5:13:25 PM
It was a pleasure to know Vicki and to see her develope her skills as a pilot. She was always composed and a lady who enjoyed her passion. We will miss her! She had a way of speaking without talking.
Submitted by: Tim Young Baker 0025576
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8/24/2009 5:45:21 PM
I was extremely saddened to learn of Vicki's death. She served IAC and EAA with utmost professionalism. She was a no-nonsense lady with great insight. Vicki was dedicated to being the best and bringing out the best in the organizations she served. Thank you Vicki for your leadership, inspiration to me as an accomplished woman, and your many hours of volunteer work. I'm glad we had some time to share together on the WAI bus!
With deep gratitude.
Love
Noel Marshall
Submitted by: Noel Marshall
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8/25/2009 6:23:52 AM
My sincerest condolences to Vicki's family and friends.
A sad loss too for all aviation and aerobatic enthusiasts alike.
Submitted by: Sharon Nicholson (UK) 860118
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8/25/2009 8:03:24 AM
What a great human being. We at EAA Chapter 90 will miss you!!
Submitted by: Kevin Benziger 735019
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8/25/2009 9:55:40 AM
Vicki
What a tragic loss for the aviation community. You will be sadly missed, may your soul fly free, eternally.
Submitted by: anthony pretorius 148742
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8/25/2009 1:23:06 PM
I lost a very close friend in Vicki. She was a great friend and mentor for me in the Unlimited category. She was smart, focused, highly skilled and had a wicked funny sense of humor. She will be missed. My thoughts to her family and closest friends.
Submitted by: Bob Freeman 173544
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8/25/2009 1:45:53 PM
I met Vicki Cruse at the Santa Paula Airport just after she won the 2007 U.S. Unlimited National Aerobatic Competition, she was humble and supportive of both myself and my husband as we were taking an aerobatic course with Rich Stowell at CP Aviation in Santa Paula. Later, as I became involved with the International Aerobatic Club( IAC), I admired Vicki not only as top level aerobatic pilot, but as a devoted leader of IAC. Vicki believed that the club should encourage and support the basic and recreational aerobatic pilot and work at the grass root level as well as the top level of aerobatic airmanship.
In deepest sympathy,
Jeanne MacPherson
Submitted by: Jeanne MacPherson IAC 27761
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8/25/2009 3:16:56 PM
I have some great Vicki Cruse stories from the early days when she was bopping around the midwest in her Eagle. My greatest memory of her will always be sharing the stage with her at the 2007 Nationals when she won the National championship and I won the Kathy Jaffe. I have been a member of this club since the early 70's and Vicki was one of it's greatest leaders. I will miss her.
Submitted by: Gary Mack 61000
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8/25/2009 5:49:17 PM
My condolences to all of you at the EAA and IAC on your loss. I have watched Ms. Cruse's flying career with great interest, having grown up in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, which was the home of the IAC championships for many years. She loved flying and we loved her.
RIP.
Submitted by: Mary Ahern
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8/25/2009 6:07:28 PM
I first met Vicki at Jackson MI in the mid to late 90's. She had a drive then that i had not seen in a while. It was great to see some one with her passion become the IAC president. Vicki you are an insperation to us all. You will be missed
Submitted by: Eric Andres 432991
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8/25/2009 6:13:23 PM
Every day is so precious, Vicki lived them all as such! Thank you for leaving a lasting impression in my life, blue sky's forever aviator!!!!
Submitted by: Kevin Eldredge 0794171
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8/26/2009 5:45:51 AM
Here in Silverstone, I have received many e-mails, messages, and personal condolences from people in the international aerobatic community from all over the world. We are going on with the WAC as a tribute to Vicki, as she most certainly would want us to do. All of the world aerobatic community expresses their grief and sorrow at this tragic loss.
The US Team has pulled together and the pilots, contest officials, and everyone involved here at Silverstone have shown compassion and thoughtfulness during this time. I have never been more impressed with our community than now.
Mike Heuer
Submitted by: Mike Heuer 4
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8/26/2009 10:07:24 AM
My heartfelt condolences to Vickie's family. Your work here on earth will not be forgotten and will live on in the hearts and minds of those who came to know you and experienced your God gifted talents. Forever you will fly the heavenly skies.
My deepest sympathy,
Bob Campbell
Submitted by: Bob Campbell 217428
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8/26/2009 10:22:44 AM
My deepest sympathy to Vicki's family, friends, aerobatic community, and the team. Vicki was a class act and will most certainly be missed deeply by all of us. Vicki, Marta and countless others are all soaring with feathered wings.
RIP, Vicki!
Submitted by: Sue Christensen 696712
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8/26/2009 12:28:24 PM
I met Vicki last year at the Tequila Cup in Tucson and was extremely impressed with her character and her flying ability. My thoughts and prayers for her family, friends and the aerobatic community. Blue skys! You will be sorely missed. Tim
Submitted by: Tim Swift 433789
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8/26/2009 9:57:43 PM
Vicki had many admirable qualities but the one that always made me smile was her spunk.
Submitted by: Susan Dusenbury EAA 55229
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8/27/2009 12:01:00 AM
Vicki Cruse is my niece, but more like a daughter. On behalf of myself and my family, I want to thank all of you for your kind words and sympathy. We are so grateful to all of you for your friendship and support of her. I don't think she knew the impact she had on so many lives. Our hearts are certainly broken, but she is soaring with the angels now.Our hearts go out to her team mates, friends and the aerobatic community.
Janet Noennig
Submitted by: Janet Noennig
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8/27/2009 7:27:49 AM
My heart was saddened to hear of Vicki’s Accident. My thoughts and prayers are sent out to her family and friends. She will be missed dearly.
Early in 2009, I was struggling with my flying and noticed an article that seemed to connect Vicki and me. I e-mailed her, explained my situation and she agreed to meet with me at Sun n Fun in April, 2009. It was a great visit and I left with so much respect for Vicki. I do not know of very many people that would have done what Vicki did for me.
I sent her an e-mail just before the Worlds. She responded with a nice note, plus thanking me for sending her the e-mail. I only new Vicki for a very short time, but I will never forget her kindness, smile and enthusiasm.
I will be looking up into the skies and thinking about my friend.
Submitted by: Ed Kirtley
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8/27/2009 10:45:57 AM
Vicki, it was great to get to know you better over the past few years. You did it well. Blessings to you. Enjoy your new wings as we mortals continue on with your memories.
Submitted by: Ron Horton IAC 0023454
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8/27/2009 12:40:04 PM
We first met Vicki on America Online in the mid-1990s in the Aviation Safety Forum. More recently, we met with her several times at Sun 'N Fun. Our condolences go out ot her family and friends. She will be sorely missed by many people, including Buz and me.
Submitted by: Mary Ann Massengale
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8/27/2009 6:56:02 PM
I spoke with Vicki Cruse in the EAA Wearhouse at Oshkosh this year, asking about her previous venture with the Berkut airplane. While I was a stranger to her, she was gracious and courteous to me. I am saddened to hear of the tragic loss of such a classy lady.
My sympathies to all who knew her.
Mark Dupont
Submitted by: Mark Dupont 371594
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8/27/2009 7:00:18 PM
Our prayers and sincerest condolences go out to Vicki and her family - we share your tears and great loss. She was a dedicated servant to the aerobatic community and an inspiration to many who were deeply touched by her devotion to the sport.
God Bless You!
Robert Sylar
Submitted by: Robert Sylar 433913
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8/27/2009 7:01:36 PM
Sorry to hear that Vicki passed on. She will be sadly missed. Chuck Easter
Submitted by: Charles Easter 878598
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8/27/2009 7:02:27 PM
Our prayers and sincerest condolences go out to Vicki and her family - we share your tears and great loss. She was a dedicated servant to the aerobatic community and an inspiration to many who were deeply touched by her devotion to the sport.
God Bless You!
Robert Sylar
Submitted by: Robert Sylar 433913
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8/27/2009 7:30:02 PM
My english is no good but my heart goes out to Vicki. When I see one woman in a presidence of IAC I think who walk for have a top of aerobatic organization. Vicki was a great woman and aerobatic pilot that we need to have a best consideration for her. Thank you Vicki for all that you did about aerobatics in world.
Submitted by: Rogerio Timoni - Brasil 549435
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8/27/2009 8:09:39 PM
Ms Cruse was a humble and beautiful lady. We will treasure her in our hearts. We will miss her dearly. May her angel wings continue to fly. Our prayers to her family and friends.
Submitted by: Rob and Susan Harrison
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8/27/2009 9:08:01 PM
God speed Vicki, IAC and EAA are better because of you.
Submitted by: Larry Rutt 0147415
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8/28/2009 8:11:54 AM
At Sun n Fun 2009, I made it a point to meet Vicki and tell her how much I appreciated everything she had done for our association. I am glad I did.
Submitted by: Rich Denman 789531
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8/28/2009 8:41:20 AM
It is vary sad we looes a real champion . It too bad she had use someons airplane Which is a NO NO NEVER USE someone aerobatics plane
Submitted by: EDWIN STEWART 00522194
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8/28/2009 9:48:58 AM
My deepest sympathies to all of Vicky's friends and family.
Submitted by: Fred Robbins
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8/28/2009 10:48:33 AM
I met vicki at Oshkosh this year. I liked her right away. I can only imagine the sorrow her family and friends are feeling having known her all her life.
In sympathy,
Jed Doggett
Submitted by: Jed Doggett 9577
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8/28/2009 12:05:43 PM
I'll sorely miss Vicki's visit each year to El Reno Regional Airport and wish to extend my condolences to her family and many many friends.
With much sympathy and sadness,
Rick Mullaney Airport Manager
El Reno Regional Airport OK
Submitted by: Rick Mullaney
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8/28/2009 1:24:20 PM
A great loss of a gracious lady, who has found
another set of wings.
Submitted by: Leslie Pace 05426684AOPA/761886 EAA
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8/28/2009 8:39:17 PM
Vicki was just like her mother, a very special lady growing up in Ozark High School in Missouri, a fabulous softball player along side both my girls. A sad happening for all of us. God's blessings of love and healing comfort to the family of Vicki.
Submitted by: Marcelene Casey
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8/28/2009 11:58:09 PM
Bless the soul of a fine human being that was leading the IAC through some very tough economic times with aplomb. Wew knew Her at the beginning here in the midwest, and that is a point of pride right now. My sympathy is directed to Her close friends and family.
Submitted by: Larry Coltrin 6429
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8/29/2009 11:20:45 AM
This is truly a sad day. I never met her but enjoyed reading her colume, She followed hear passion and enjoyed it to the fullest. What more can we wish from life.
Submitted by: John Lebbon 433261
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8/29/2009 7:46:29 PM
WE FROM BRAZIL ARE SHOCHED WITH THE LOSS OF A GREAT WHOMAN,MAY GOD STAY ALLWAYS WITH HER,AND HER FAMILY!!
Submitted by: SERGIO ARMELIN RAMOS 434898
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8/29/2009 9:12:12 PM
Fly on forever fearless Lady in the beautiful sky you so loved. Happly landings at your final waypoint!
Submitted by: Stephen Svanda 1002911
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8/31/2009 8:39:46 AM
God's Speed - Blue Skies
Submitted by: Dan E Tourgee 431805
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8/31/2009 8:56:36 AM
I've never met Vicki. My heart goes out to her friends and family. I have a short video on YouTube that was shot at the 2007 National Aerobatic Championship. It includes about a minute of Vicki getting into her airplane and starting it up. You can see her at 1 minute 38 seconds into the video. Here's the link if anyone is interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xxLZdXWWpo
Submitted by: John Mullins
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9/4/2009 8:48:17 AM
My heart is still heavy with sorrow at the loss of Vicki. She was a
wonderful friend and a great lady. I had the privilege to work with
Vicki for the last four years. She as the IAC President. I as the
IAC's Executive Director. It was a working relationship that turned
into a dear friendship. I told her not too long ago that she reminded me
of my daughter's favorite cartoon character - Uniqua - 'self-confident,
brave, strong, high-spirited, and always sweet and friendly to those
lucky enough to call her a friend, with brains and fortitude, and a
little tomboyish but girly when she wanted to be.' Vicki, you were
unique indeed and will never be forgotten. My time spent with you will
be forever embedded in my heart. RIP my friend. Fly with angel's wings.
Submitted by: Lisa Popp Hoffman 661376
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9/4/2009 7:15:08 PM
I only met Vicki briefly at 2009 Airventure, but her accomplishments speak for themselves. I am proud to have met her.
RIP
Submitted by: Paul McCracken 840244
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9/5/2009 10:42:51 AM
I will miss Vicki's perkey charm and her friendship. Another tragic loss for all of us. I wish that, in this country, a way could be found to get our World competition pilots to the meet with their own airplanes.
Bob (o-ring) Seals
Submitted by: Robert Seals EAA 50580
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9/7/2009 2:53:48 PM
Really sad for this tragedy, I'm not a pilot but a simple aerobatic enthusiast, R.I.P. Vicki..
Submitted by: Mauro Porru
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9/7/2009 2:54:41 PM
Really sad for this tragedy, I'm not a pilot but a simple aerobatic enthusiast, R.I.P. Vicki..
Submitted by: Mauro Porru
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9/8/2009 12:04:07 AM
My heartfelt condolences, from Asia.
Submitted by: Tonet Rivera 879229
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9/8/2009 12:05:25 AM
My heartfelt condolences, from Asia.
Submitted by: Tonet Rivera 879229
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9/8/2009 10:24:52 AM
I was a contest volunteer at Silverstone, together with my partner Fiona. We witnessed this tragic accident, and wish to pay tribute to all friends and pilots in the US who knew Vicki.Particularly to those who were also at Silverstone, and carried on with the competition in Vicki,s honour and memory
Submitted by: Philip Atley
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9/9/2009 6:37:37 AM
It was an honor to know her as a friend over 26 years. She was always a good friend who you can trust and very loyal.
I miss her a lot and she will always be in my heart
I want to share my warmest and deepest condolences to Vicki`s family,
Katri Kotsalainen from Finland
Submitted by: Katri Kotsalainen
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9/10/2009 8:48:56 PM
I will miss Vicky's writting in Sport Aerobatics.She had the magic of writting so natural,so humble and so actual, that once I wrote to her that what Lauran Payne in Sport Aviation magazine,she was in Sport Aerobatics.
My deep thoughts and feelings to her family and friends.
Cuso Ortiz IAC 9127 San Juan,Puerto Rico
Submitted by: Cuso Ortiz IAC 9127,EAA 202174
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9/11/2009 7:32:54 AM
Parayers have been sent from the Shaffer Family and the IMAC Community. I great loss to the aviation community worldwide.
Submitted by: Scott Shaffer
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9/17/2009 3:04:18 PM
Now you have wings to fly eternaly
Submitted by: Aldo Gambuzza Lovetofly
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9/17/2009 3:05:28 PM
Now you have wings to fly eternally. Will always remember you.
Submitted by: Aldo Gambuzza Lovetofly
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9/24/2009 8:08:47 PM
I became acquainted with Vicki while she was still in high school. She was mature beyond her years..smart, inquisitive, and very toughminded....I had the pleasure of watching her perform in Joplin, MO several years back, along with her parents &, aunt..she was a real dynamo....may she rest in peace.
Submitted by: mark stratton
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9/25/2009 10:25:56 AM
My family along with many others suffered a devastating loss when my cousin Vicki died. It is a peaceful feeling to know that she was so loved and respected by so many people. The out pouring of love from everyone has made our loss more bearable. Thank you to all for keeping her memory alive.
Submitted by: christy phillips
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9/30/2009 1:38:35 PM
Vicki was a great and long time friend. She was compassionate and helped me through some very hard times at a very low point in my life. I will forever miss her.
Submitted by: Vernon Barr
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10/2/2009 12:29:07 AM
Vicki -
About when I finally got the nerve to buy a sport biplane to follow my dream of acrobatic aviation, you left us.
I will always remember being inspired by your flying and your quiet competence and humility.
We miss you.
>,Colleen
Submitted by: Colleen Keller 759828
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10/2/2009 12:29:30 AM
Vicki -
About when I finally got the nerve to buy a sport biplane to follow my dream of acrobatic aviation, you left us.
I will always remember being inspired by your flying and your quiet competence and humility.
We miss you.
>,Colleen
Submitted by: Colleen Keller 759828
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10/2/2009 12:31:49 AM
Vicki -
About when I finally got the nerve to buy a sport biplane to follow my dream of acrobatic aviation, you left us.
I will always remember being inspired by your flying and your quiet competence and humility.
We miss you.
>,Colleen
Submitted by: Colleen Keller 759828
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10/2/2009 12:32:07 AM
Vicki -
About when I finally got the nerve to buy a sport biplane to follow my dream of acrobatic aviation, you left us.
I will always remember being inspired by your flying and your quiet competence and humility.
We miss you.
>,Colleen
Submitted by: Colleen Keller 759828
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10/8/2009 3:45:18 PM
We loved her and was very proud of her
Submitted by: Violet Flair
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10/21/2009 12:04:14 PM
I never met Vicki Cruse, but being a pilot myself I can surely understand why she loved to fly. Flying was a big part of Vicki's life and I'm sure there were days when she jumped in her plane and said to herself, thank you God, thank you for giving me this great love of flying. It brings me great peace and allows me to escape the noise and confusion of lifes busy days. While flying solo, the music of life becomes clear, and for just a brief moment, there's an inner peace found only while flying. May your sprit always fly and may you rest in the peace of Gods kingdom. Welcome home Vicki, welcome home.
Sincerely, Philip Wallace, EAA 139468
Submitted by: Philip J Wallace 139468
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