RIP Ron Bertram President of AOPA; Funeral and Wake details
 

Pilot feared killed in Bankstown crash
April 5, 2006 - 3:06PM

Sydney Morning Herald

One person is believed dead after a light plane crashed at Bankstown Airport in Sydney's south-west.

A Bankstown Airport spokeswoman says the aircraft crashed at 2.45pm (AEST).

The victim's believed to be the pilot of the aircraft.

It's not known whether the fixed-wing aircraft crashed during take-off or landing.

Emergency services are at the scene.



I hope it isn't too bad.....:uhoh:

Ac believed to be a Lancair, departing off 29, apparent loss of power after takeoff

Radio news at 15:00LT reports another aircraft involved, although I gather they meant a parked a/c on ground?
Best wishes for all involved.

The pilot of a light aircraft was killed when his aircraft was torn apart during a "touch and go'' landing exercise at Sydney's Bankstown Airport this afternoon.

Fire Brigades officers say the Lancair 360 crashed at 2.40pm AEDT after losing control on a landing approach to the airport.

A spokesman said: "Our first report said the aircraft had crashed beside a hangar at the aerodrome during a touch and go manoeuvre and was torn apart.

"We are on [the] scene laying a blanket of foam to prevent it from catching fire."

An airport worker, who phoned Radio 2GB and gave his name as Dave, said he saw the aircraft impact into the ground upside down.

The man said the pilot did not stand a chance - "absolutely none, he was going too fast and upside down".

"There were no wings left on it. I believe it was an experimental aircraft."

He said the wind was fine this morning but had picked up to 12-15 knots this afternoon.

Another caller to 2GB said the aircraft nosedived into the ground.

Another caller said he saw the plane take off and the undercarriage retract and it all looked fine and he turned away, then he heard the crash.

An ambulance spokesman said the pilot was a man in his late 40s. His aircraft clipped another on the ground in the crash, he said.

Bankstown Airport spokesman Meredith Laverty said: "Tragically a single-engine aircraft crashed after take-off at approximately 2.45pm.

"There was one person on board. Emergency services are attending and the airport remains open."

The crash happened in the north-west quadrant of the airfield near the helicopters. There was some wreckage on one of the three runways but it has been cleared and all runways are open.

GDay all,
I was on downwind RWY 29R on decent to 1000FT and witnessed the whole event...
Aircraft appeared to loose engine power at what looked about 100FT AGL after takeoff, from what i saw, the pilot turned to the right, and shortly after made contact with the ground, taking out a GFS seminole. I was told by on lookers the engine restarted just before impact. BK was closed and we had to circle before ATC got it undercontrol and allowed arriving aircraft to land. Pilot of the Lanceair died on impact...
Had to give a statement to police.
Dont TURN BACK <500FT AGL!!!!
Aussie

Lancair possibly VH-IVP crashed into Seminol possibly VH-MPC which was on ground parked.

Condolences to friends and family of Lancair pilot. RIP.

Di

Lancair actually VH-ZNZ crashed into Seminol actually VH-MPC which was on ground parked.

Condolences to friends and family of Lancair pilot. RIP.

Di

This is why we never TURN BACK!!! I often wonder though...... It's tempting though when it don't look good in front and you got the whole Airport behind!!!!

My feelings go out to his family.

Jet A1,

Easy said now...

I think its normal Human instinct when in danger to forget and just turn back to safety...

My condolence to the Family. RIP.

Aussie

if runway 18/36 wass till open could he mhave made that?

My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

I don't think it's relevant....

My thoughts and condolences go out to his family. RIP mate.

Let's leave out the critisism for the time being.
He was a good man and he leaves behind a loving family.
Thanks for all your help mate. RIP.

Chaps,

Let's find out a bit more detail before we go quarterbacking shall we, there will be plenty of time for that later......

RIP Mate. It was good to know you...:sad:

Mate,

May your happiness shine on.

RIP

A devastating day for his family, and the wider GA community.:(
He will always have my respect and admiration for the tireless work he undertook for the GA industry, often in very difficult circumstances! … an unwavering strength of conviction and purpose, carried though with good humour!
Rest in peace sir!

From the "Australian Newspaper"
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...5E1702,00.html

Crash pilot 'well known in industry'
By Warwick Stanley and Katherine Danks
April 05, 2006
THE pilot of a light plane killed during a take-off exercise in Sydney was one of the Australian aircraft industry's most widely known and popular identities.

Father of two Ron Bertram, who was aged in his early 40s, died on impact when the Lancair 360 kit-made aircraft he was flying crashed on impact in front of horrified onlookers at Bankstown Airport today.

The accident happened about 2.40pm (AEST) as Mr Bertram was practising "touch and gos" – where the pilot almost lands the plane before taking off again.

An Airservices Australia spokesman said he did a steep right-hand turn from a height of about 380m before hitting the ground upside down at high speed.

Friends and colleagues of Mr Bertram paid tribute to a man they said had been helping to bring Australia's "balkanised" aircraft industry together.


Mr Bertram was a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer and instructor pilot who was the serving president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

"He was a very, very experienced commercial, light and ultra-light pilot with thousands of flying hours," said AOPA vice president Bob Nash.

"He was also one of the good guys. He had remarkable achievements behind him for someone so young.

"He had been in the process of bringing together Australian aircraft interests across the board, and his reputation can be gauged on the calls we received after the accident.

"We've already had people like the chief of CASA Bruce Byron, federal minister Warren Truss and Airservices chief Greg Russell say what a tragic loss this is."

Rest in Peace Ron.

tipsy

I myself and a flying collegue witnessed the crash and later visited the crash site itself.

My deepest regards go to Ron's family, may he rest in peace

My condolences to his family.

RIP Ron. AFTS will miss you.


D6

I had only encounters with Ron: sharing the AOPA stand with him for the seven days of Avalon, the two days of the AOPA roadshow at Lilydale and a good meal with him on the first night.

It was enough for me to know he was a special bloke who - no matter what you thought of his politics - deserved every amount of respect he earned. AOPA took up so much of his time and he gave it willingly. Who would have thought he had so little left?

See you, mate, and thanks.

Walrus
AOPA Member

I met Ron about 5 years ago - although we very quickly became good friends.
We had a common background, both having been AAL cadets in our youth in western Sydney - although we never met during this time. I ran into him when we were both adult leaders with the AAL and immediately hit it off.

Ron encouraged me to get back into flying, I'd stopped after getting married and having kids - and for that I'll always be greatful.

Some of my fondest memories are the good times spent with Ron flying, taking our kids on joyflights, good times spinning yarns and drinking way too much.

His passing has left a hole in my life - it hasn't sunk in yet. I've lost one of my best friends.

My heart goes out to his wife, family and friends. To those who never met him, he was an absolutely great bloke. Let's not forget him.

God Bless
 

Knew Ron back at Basair where he did his Instructor Rating. Enjoyed his humerous anecdotes and engaging personality.


I think we should ALL be a little sensitive and hold the theorising till the report, it is their job after all.

This hits a little too close, been in the industry less than 5 yrs and already lost too many good souls...

Whatever your affiliation most of us choose this career because we enjoy it, lets cut the basckstabbing asnd acknowledge a fallen comrade.

God Bless and be safe out there folks.

Ive only done Cpl Theory with Ron, just last year. Only knew him for a short while. Great and fun guy to be with. Im sure everybody in the aviation industry will miss him nearly. God bless you Ron and thanks for your help. RIP mate. And deepest regrets to the family.

i knew Ron from the AAL and later he taught me heaps of stuff i thought id never learn i didnt know him for long but he was so much fun to be with ill miss you mate.

:(

He was a good man, on the square and lived his life such, that when he was summoned from this sublunary abode there was no doubt of his ultimate destination. ** *.

RIP Bro. Ron

RIP Mate
 

Ron was one of GA's best - always putting the politics behind him and giving his all to our cause.

I have never met anyone so generous with his time and his enthusiasm.

RIP Ron.

A sad day indeed, and almost certainly the memories and lessons ("this aircraft needs speed to fly") of last week's Lancair crash must have been in the forefront of his mind prior to making this flight.

Does anyone know what his PPRuNe handle was?

RIP, Ron Bertram.

Condolences to his family.

Condolences to the Bertram family. His heart was obviously in the right place.

Sunfish, you state:

I’m sure you don’t intend it, but this can read as a bit of a put down. I found Ron to be open, non-secretive and genuine. I saw no “politics” at all in his mission to bettering the aviation industry.

It amazed me that he had time not only to run his successful commercial business, but to put so much time into AOPA and other important aviation issues.

His death will definitely be a terrible loss to Australian aviation – especially general aviation.

Ron trained with my late husband Paul at Basair and the last time I saw him was at Paul's memorial.

I am so shocked and sorry to hear this news. My heart goes out to Ron's family during this terrible time.

To Ron's wife if I can offer you any assistance, comfort or just someone to talk to please contact me.

Fiona Norris

RIP buddy.

I'll never forget what you did for me all those years ago. It was a pleasure knowing you and flying with you.

:{ :{ :{

I knew Ron via AOPA. He was a thoroughly nice guy and always took an interest in what you had to say, and was a passionate advocate of flying. My heart goes out to his family.

RIP Ron, we'll miss you. :(

I saw the crash on the news last night and thought to myself....not another one:ugh: And then to find out today it is Ron. I am heartbroken. I met Ron for the first time at the AGM last year. I only know him from my contact with AOPA. I know that he suffered from the simple addiction of his career. He loved flying, no question about it. He gave everything to his position as president of the AOPA even to the point of using his honeymoon to visit some flying clubs and spread the word. Although I have never met his wife I am very saddened and send my deepest sympathy to her.

Politics was clearly never his intention with his presidency of AOPA. His ambition was to unite the group and turn it around, heal the bad blood that still festers even today and bring aviation back to a more positive outlook within the community in general. He was steadily achieving this goal. His position was never challenged.

For I have slipped the surely bonds of earth and touched the face of God

Farewell Mr President

Mark

RIP mate.

You will be missed.

TBT

I had only one involvement with Ron when he assisted me with my analysis of the three parallel runway operations and procedures at BK. I instantly liked and respected the man for his friendly, balanced and professional interest and energetic input. A shock and a very sad loss. My thoughts are with all of those people who were far closer to him than me.

I along with many others got started in aviation because of Ron,

Thank you

I knew Ron for when I worked with him at AFTS for a short period of time. Ron and the CFI gave me a chance for which I will be forever greatful. You were a top bloke mate always willing to lend a hand. You will be a character and good bloke well missed. RIP mate.

Like others, my knowledge of Ron has been through his work with AOPA. He appeared to be tireless in his efforts to make the organisation an effective voice for the GA community once again.

My deepest regrets to his family. May he soar with the angels forever.

My regrets to those left behind. Anybody know what sort of engine?

CASA Register indicated it was a LANCAIR 360.

I assume that indicates a Lycoming 360 class engine, possibly a 200 HP IO-360?