In memoriam Gerd Luxbauer!

In my capacity as head of the Heliteam-Austria of the Austrian Aeroclub and as long-standing officer colleague it is my sad duty to inform the FAI/CIG as well as all members of the Austrian Heliteam that Gerd Luxbauer, who was for many years a member of the most successful Austrian helicopter crew, died today on 01 August 2013.

On 24 July, during a family holiday with friends, for reasons unknown, Gerd Luxbauer drowned in a lake near Vienna. He was rescued by his friend and reanimated, then shortly thereafter flown by a rescue helicopter to the Wilhelminen hospital in Vienna, where the doctors did everything they could to save his life. Gerd’s condition deteriorated rapidly, so that – with the consent of his family – the life support machines were turned off, to put an end to the hopeless fight and to ensure that his suffering was as short as possible.

Yesterday afternoon I had the opportunity to visit Gerd in the intensive care unit to pay my last respects and to express my deepest condolences to his family.

For me „Luxi“ was always a good-tempered and straight-forward colleague, a good friend and exceptional pilot. He was a shining example for Heliteam Austria as well as being a motivator who, by his outstanding achievements (together with his long-standing team colleague Günther Kremlicka), raised Austrian helicopter sport as well as the image of Austrian military pilots to a high international level.

On behalf of all team members I would like to express our deepest sympathy to his wife Regina and his two children as well as to all his family.

Our participation at the end of August in the helicopter championships in Belgium will be dedicated to him, we will be flying for him – just like he did for us for so many years with so much enthusiasm!

Goodbye Luxi, we will always remember and cherish you!