In Memory of Rich.

[jetvison]

I worked with Rich closely for years. He was my Captain on many occasions. We worked together, flew together, laughed, argued, agreeded on many things and disagreed on a few. I read his emails, slung his gear, and got several free meals on overnights. He was funloving, always had a bright smile and a passion for what he believed in. He had a deep love for Airtran, its pilots, and their welfare. Above all that, he loved his wonderful wife. This is how I knew him, and will honor and remember him. I loved him, he is my Airtran brother.
Matt Helms.

 

[Mach 80]

If he loved his wife, he shouldn't have done this to her. Selfish.

 

[Cubs in '05]

Look at the title of this topic Mach. Matt was delivering a heartfelt eulogy. Your post is beyond inappropriate and his reasons and demons are not for you to judge. Thank you Matt for your post for those of us who didn't know him. Even after his passing people are still posting garbage. He should be remembered in higher regard.

 

[bleagle]

What happened to Rich B?

 

[Fly-By-Cable]

.

Rip...

 

[Mach 80]

I stand by my post. He created great pain and suffering for his wife and kids. He didn't consider them at all. Very selfish. You guys talk about him like he's some sort of hero.

 

[Wesb737fo]

Mach. You sir are idiot of the year. Please go away, the man is dead and no one needs to hear what you have to say about him. You have no class.

 

[OldManPilot]

Which Rich, and what happened?

 

[Capn Butthead]

As I said in another forum God bless him and his family. It is truly sad and I pray for his family to somehow recover from this. My prayers go out to them

I think it also opens up a huge flaw with the FAA medical standards. I've lost 2 fellow airline friends to suicide. We all love our jobs but it can be a strain on our families and our health. Yet, we all live in fear of seeking help at the cost of losing our medicals. I have been at rock bottom before. I got to the point I hated my job and was miserable. I talked to people yet I was faced with the hard decision of going on anti depressants and losing my medical or deal with and keep flying. What to do...make myself better or support my family...tough choices. I think all of us will just deal with it and work without getting help. It's a horrible position to be put in. Something has to change.

God bless you Rich and your family. I will pray for and do whatever I can to help your family. When the day is done, through everything, we are a small group and family of aviators. We have to be there for each other. God bless...

 

[saab fixr]

really showing your a$$ mach!!! I knew Rich have worked on many of his problems with planes and i personally think you should find another place to write your crap RIP Rich your passing is a sad and its my hope they find those respondsible for it As a Shuttle mech is was always respectful and pleasant to work with He was a good man and good Pilot