Vicki Cruse

[F104A]

I received the news that Vicki Cruse died while practicing her aerobatic routine before
a competition in the UK. Vicki was the 2007 world aerobatic champion and No.2 in the points
for 2009. Some of you might know that Vicki was on the short list to drive the Fawcett
car until the project ended. Vicki was introduced to me by a fellow pilot who thought she
might be interested in the NAE. Vicki came to our home base in May to meet the team then
came out to the Black Rock Desert in July for our test session. We put her in the cockpit
for an engine startup and familiarization with the NAE. We were going to have special
seat cushions made for her so she could take it down the track in October for more
"seat time".  Vicki really took a liking to the team and visa versa. She fit in so well with
everyone and was excited to be a part of the NAE team. We are going to miss her so
very much. God Speed....................Ed

[Malcolm UK]

Ed

Whilst many British papers showed the plane wreckage on the ground at Silverstone, one did use the photo of Vicki smilling from the cockpit of the NAE car.

Condolences to tha various 'families' who worked with her.

Malcolm.