January 15, 2017 - Max Lichty

Max Lichty was one of the stalwarts of Essex Skypark.  He had been there forever, and as Instructor Pilot had taught almost every pilot there at some point.  Max taught me how to fly tailwheel in his Champ.  He taught me well as I haven't bent a plane yet (knock on wood).  My last BFR was with Max.

Unfortunately, Max was diagnosed with cancer in 2016.  He hung in there and attended the annual Christmas Party in December.  That's him in the lower middle of the picture.  Everyone else in the picture was instructed by Max.  He was one of those people who everybody liked and respected.  He was a good friend to all; one of those guys who would do anything for you.

We lost Max January 15, 2017.
   
The annual Essex Skypark pancake breakfast was dedicated to Max.
   
Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate and only this one Kitfox flew in.
 
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We still had a good turn-out though from drive in traffic.
   

Max's Champ which he owned and flew for 30+ years.  He restored it at least three times.

Max had over 10,000 flight hours  -- quite a bit for someone who was not a military or airline pilot.
   
The Essex Skypark Flying Club is now known as the Max Lichty Essex Skypark Flying Club.
   
We tried doing a Missing Man formation of RVs in honor of Max at his funeral and again at this pancake breakfast but both times the weather didn't cooperate.  We finally nailed it at the Essex Skypark Wings & Wheels event on September 17th.
   
Tailwinds, Max.
   
 
   
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