Hello Rudy

EAA Air Venture "Oshkosh" was one of Rudy's favorite events. As his illness progressed and wasn't able to be there all week we started the "Hello Rudy" book where people wrote messages for him, even stories of events they had shared.

We wanted to give his friends the opportunity to continue this tradition so invite you to say Hello Rudy one more time.

17 Comments to “ Hello Rudy”

  1. Roger Simmons says :Reply

    Some of my fondest memories will forever be of the days that Rudy hired some of us Airforce Sheet metal tech’s from Chanute to be given the privilege of working on weekends and nights at the museum. Putting together a Mk 18 spitfire that was salvaged from the depths of a jungle will always be a highlight of my life’s experiences. Thank You “Frasca Family’ for making my life complete.

  2. Tom Huismann says :Reply

    Hello Rudy. Sorry you had to depart the pattern. That is a journey we all have to take at some point. I know that you are now in the company of many friends and family, who have gone before you. I hope you are doing well. Be sure to say hello to your son, Joe.

    Thank you for giving me my first job in aviation, after I graduated from the University of Wisconsin, in 1982. That summer, I worked with Terry Hodak, the manager of Frasca Air Services at the time. I returned in 1989, to work as a CFI at Frasca Field. Those were good times, and I taught many people how to fly at C16.

    I will always remember the time when you and I flew your T-34 to Kankakee, for an airshow, where Joe was going to perform. I was dressed as a CFI, in business casual, and leather A2 jacket. We parked the T-34, got out, and Joe asked me to help him move his aerobatic airplane, the Astrocraft. Joe was dressed very casual, as usual, in blue jeans and a T-shirt.

    As we were moving Joe’s airplane, with Joe on the left wing, and me on the right, someone from the press came up to me, and started asking me questions about the Astrocraft, the airshow, and the aerobatics that Joe was going to perform. Joe looked over, with a smile, and started to laugh. I said to the reporter, “I’m not the pilot.” Pointing to Joe, standing by the left wing tip, I said, “That’s Joe Frasca. He’s the pilot. Ask him those questions.”

    Joe later said to me, laughing, “I was hoping you were going to answer the reporter’s questions. You would have done a great job!”

    It was a funny moment I will never forget. Thanks, Rudy.

  3. Jerry Bresee says :Reply

    Rudy Frasca was a man with a dream who made the dream come true for so many people who learned to be better pilots thanks to the company that he built, and the innovations that just keep on coming. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and colleagues and my gratitude for the friendship shown to me. Wishing you all clear skies.

  4. Dirk Reinhardt says :Reply

    I met Rudy in 2006 at the factory acceptance test for our first FNPT of the German Federal Police. From the beginning I was very impressed with his passion for aviation and the family atmosphere in his company. Over the years, FRASCA has developed into a reliable partner for our simulator center. And Rudy laid the foundation for this. Thanks for that.
    Unfortunately, I only heard today that Rudy passed away in May. I am sad to hear that.
    In this way I would like to express my deep condolences to the Frasca family.

  5. Kent says :Reply

    I am so honored to be a part of this amazing company. You will never realize how many lives have been changed because of your dreams. I hope that we can preserve your passion for many years to come.

  6. Julie M. says :Reply

    Growing up, I was a friend and schoolmate of Mary Frasca. Whenever I went to their house, Rudy made me feel like I was part of the family. His deep love for his family was very clear. I had no idea how influential he was in the world of aviation until I grew up. To me, he was my friend’s gregarious, loving father. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing and want to extend my deepest condolences to the family.

    1. Mary (Frasca) Johnson says :Reply

      Hi Julie, thank you for your kind words about my father. Mary

  7. Larry Flesner says :Reply

    Rudy was kind enough and took the time at one of his fly-ins to autograph the seat back in my experimental. He is with me in spirit on every flight.

  8. Tim says :Reply

    Rudy took me for my very first airplane ride. I was a student at Chanute AFB in Jet engine school. I went down to the airport one Saturday morning and Rudy was there. He introduced himself and showed me around the airport. I had no idea of who he was at the time. He asked me if I wanted to go to breakfast with them, I said sure. If I remember right we took the Scout. I was hooked. 2 years later I got my pilots license. I will always remember that. He made a lasting impression on my life. Thank you Rudy for a wonderful life in aviation.

  9. Bob Lavery says :Reply

    A gentleman, a good man. He cared. He was
    very kind to my Dad and many years later to me.
    My prayers are offered for his swift flight to heaven
    and for the comfort of the great family, and people
    of the company he leaves.

    1. Budi & Ambar says :Reply

      Our Deep Condolence from Indonesia Agent….remembering Iam with Rudi drive a car be hind the factory on airstrike runway of Frasca very fast speed is my first experience from Him amazingly..RIP my teacher

  10. Joe Hopkins says :Reply

    Fond memories of meeting you for the first time when I went to your company for training to learn how to maintain your early model which had cables and a crawler, and not much electronics. Compared to your modern machines– Wow! We have come a long ways, baby! Thanks for your contributions to aviation and safety.

  11. peggy says :Reply

    You were an amazing dad and role model. Will miss you everyday, but I know you are flying high!

  12. Dausie says :Reply

    1. I am saddened by hearing of the passing of Rudy Frasca. He was truly one of the great innovators of the aviation industry.
    2. May, 1970, I am excited to start my “free” training for a multi-engine rating, using a new Frasca 102F, and a Baron model 58. The combination worked great! After completion, per our agreement, I wrote a letter to the FAA, explaining the usage / benefits of using the 102F. The FAA approved Tulsair Beechcraft School of Aviation, to change some airplane hours for 102F hours in their multi-engine course. Thank you Rudy!!

  13. Roger says :Reply

    Loved the taildragger fly-ins he hosted at Frasca Field! A generous and humble man who made every person feel both welcomed and valued.

  14. Roger says :Reply

    I always loved your tail dragger fly-ins at Frasca Field. Most, I loved how you made everyone feel welcome with your humble, generous spirit.

  15. Randy says :Reply

    Thank you Rudy, for all that you have done. Blue skies and tailwinds…

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