Attn: Institute of Aviation Alums U of I

[ilinipilot]

I am sorry to bring such tragic news to all of you in this format but I am sure there are people out there who want to know.
Our Chief Pilot Rick Weinberg passed away on Thursday night from a heart attack. He was in excellent shape and it came as a shock to all of us full-time CFIs and everyone in the Willard family.

Once again sorry to post this news here but I know there are many friends of Rick out there who would want to know.

To Rick:
"The flight west is a flight we must all take for one last check my friend"-- Anonymous

 

[ILLINI]

I am very sorry to hear this tragic news.

Rick Weinberg gave me my CFI checkride back in 1999. Back then we had a lottery system to determine who went to SPI to take the check ride with the FAA, and who took their check ride with Rick. I got Rick. I saw him as the "School Principal" of the Institute, so needless to say I was very nervous. As we strapped ourselves in, he jokingly said... "As long as you don't scare me, you will be just fine." He had a way of helping his students relax on his check rides. I passed my check ride and we ended up having a nice conversation during our post flight evaluation. I am glad that I had the opportunity and honor to fly with Mr. Weinberg.

He will definitely be missed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.

 

[1800 RVR]

We lost a great teacher...

What terrible news! Rick gave me my CFI/CFII/MEI checkrides back in 1994 when I was going thru the program. He was a fair examiner who would treat you with respect and would teach you something along the way. I never felt nervous around him. I agree with ILLINI in terms of how Rick treated his checkrides - he told me the same line when I did my checkride.

As for the flight program, they lost a dedicated professional who put all his energy into creating a better program for all of the students. When I left in 1995, things were just starting to change, but I knew that Rick would get things done. He will be missed!

My thoughts and prayers also go out to his family and friends.