Vale Chris Randall,
It was with great sadness that the members of the Jindabyne Aero Club received the news of the passing of their President, Chris Randall in a tragic accident at the Jindabyne Airfield on Sunday afternoon 24/1/2010.
Chris lost his life indulging his passion for aviation while flying his favourite aircraft, a red single seat Gyrocopter, on a sunny Sunday afternoon at his beloved Jindabyne Community Airfield.
The reasons for the crash are unknown at this time. However, it must be said that Chris was passionate about aviation safety, and would never commence a flight if there was any doubt at all about the condition of his aircraft, the weather or his own physical condition. Chris also cared very much for the safety of others and had been known to talk very sternly to other club members about flying in less than ideal conditions. Chris was always willing to help other pilots by sharing his considerable knowledge of practical aviation to any that would listen. Those that listened would always learn something of value. I have seen and admired Chris captivating Senior Commercial Pilots far his senior in aviation terms, with his wisdom and stories of flying in the Snowy Mountains and further afield.
Chris also owned a Piper Cherokee 180, that he owned and loved for many years. He would fly it around the countryside and mountains at every opportunity. Chris enjoyed nothing more than taking some friends for a fly in the Cherokee, enjoying the scenery and sharing the thrill of aviation with his friends and anyone that was interested.
Chris was one of the founding members of the Jindabyne Aero Club and had been its President since the founding of the club in the early 1980’s. Chris’s leadership was instrumental in the opening of Jindabyne Community Airfield to the public. This followed a long battle that lasted many years through the late eighties and into the nineties. The constant and repetitious meetings with various “authorities” would have tested the metal of any volunteer in any organisation. However, Chris stayed the course and never wavered in his resolve to open the Jindabyne Airfield to the community that owns it. With the help of his friends in the club, he achieved a valuable asset for the community of which he was justifiably proud. We hope that the Jindabyne Community Airfield will stand as a monument to his courage and integrity for many years to come.
The Jindabyne Aero Club members would like to express their heartfelt condolences to his wife Helen, his family and friends. Needless to say the Club is going to miss his leadership and mateship very much.
