Tribute to Pete Lehmann

[Flying Lobster]

It is with some sadness that I read the latest, and last, account of the region 9 regionals under the long-time guidance of Pete Lehmann.

Pete has selflessly served as an inspiration and mentor to beginning and experienced cross country pilots alike for more than twenty years. I am just one of many dozens of hang glider pilots who were profoundly motivated and inspired by Pete’s examples of cross country prowess, and Pete’s readiness and eager willingness to share his knowledge and experience was at a level seldom matched by any other pilot I’ve encountered in my 22 years of free-flight.

Pete also had a “behind-the scenes” role in the guidance of the national organization and helped maintain some semblance of stability. Jim Zeiset, Paul Voight and Dennis Pagen are others who readily come to mind who, like Pete, that have taken it upon themselves to provide long-term backbone to free-flight aviation in this country.

Pete is a great conversationalist and it’s nice to talk to someone well-traveled and cultured (Dennis is another) as this adds yet another dimension to his views.

Thanks very much, Pete!

marc

[RedBaron]

Pete is a great guy who always had time to explain stuff to me, or send me articles.
I don't get the mag anymore, so, what's going on? Did Pete quit being the XC ambassador or region 9?

[brianvh]

Pete headed an absolutely incredible XC clinic at Ridgely, and even though I'm not much of an XC pilot this was one of the supreme learning experiences of my flying career.

The fact that he was a booster of the falconeros and even headed our team at several Pulpit fly-ins means so much to both new pilots and die-hard falcon pilots.

Why is this sounding like an obituary? Pete, we love ya, man!

[CraginS]

...I don't get the mag anymore, so, what's going on? ...

What's going on, Janni? Did you let your USHGA membership lapse? (Surely not, for that would eliminate your ratings!)
Or did you forget to give them a new address?

[Flying Lobster]

Knowing Pete he's probably embarassed or maybe even slightly miffed at my drawing attention to him--but there are very few pilots in region 9 who do not owe him a debt of gratitude--and I'm not letting the regionals sunset without paying tribute to the man who gave so much for so many years.

marc

[mcelrah]

I guess it's buried in the string about Larry's incredible 200-miler, but I proposed that Pete's divestiture not mean we let this excellent contest die. Won't *someone* take up the baton, make an announcement using Pete's rules, remind people to send in their qualifying flights, and then write up the results? Larry's not the only one going XC - Gardiner had a long flight a month or two ago and even we tyros are cranking out some mileage. If we added a paraglider section, we would discover quite a bit of activity there. Even if the current level of XC activity isn't up to that of the halcyon years, the contest is a great way to build interest in this superb aspect of our sport. It's also good for putting s**t on the sailplane drivers who mostly seem to just hang around the airport! - Hugh

[Danny Brotto]

Hugh

You need to start hanging out at a differnt airport then.

Danny Brotto