RIP Lt. Cmdr Che Barnes

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Tld

Waffles Brah.
I was going to add to the "USCG C-130 / USMC AH-1 midair near KNUC" thread but He deserves his own thread...

Just learned that the CA on the C130 crew was a very very close friend of mine. When I saw his picture on the today show this morning, I couldn't believe it, and can't believe that I didn't put it together sooner that it may have been him.

Lt. Cmdr Che Barnes, from the Sacramento area, was one of the finest pilots I ever had the honor of knowing. Che soloed on his 16th birthday, flew fixed wing and helicopters, and loved flying for the coast guard. He recently bought a beautful Pitts S1 and brought it by for a look see (see below). Buying this pitts was a dream of Che's. He told me so many stories of his adventures in the Coast Guard and I know he died doing what he loved, serving his country and community. Che was quiet and down to earth and truly loved flying more than anyone I've ever met. Che was also an organic farmer, spending much of his life contributing to his family's farm in Davis, CA between his military work and community involvement. Che was very supportive in my aerobatic flying, and was just a really amazing man. Blue Skies Che, I can't believe you're gone, and the world is a lesser place without you.

http://www.sacbee.com/yolo/story/2297263.html

Che's Pitts, a few months ago:

chespitts.jpg


chespitts2.jpg
 
I was shocked and saddened as well to hear of his passing last night on the news. I flew with him once when I checked him out a club 152 he wanted to get checked out in just for fun. Didn't even know at the time he had a Pitts and was an accomplished aerobatic pilot as well. Very down to earth, great guy. Rest in peace, Che.
 
This has been an awful week. My thoughts and prayers for the crews and their families. Rest in Peace.
 
I know how you're hurting right now, Talia.

RIP to your good friend and the others who perished.

RIP....:(
 
Thanks for the support everyone. Che was everything I could ever hope to be, and strive to be, in a pilot and a person. My life was much richer knowing him and heaven will be a better place with him there. Sometimes pain reminds you that you're still alive, still here, and grateful for all that life has to offer... I'm going to go flying first thing in the morning.
 
OMG, I cant believe it! Che was an IAC 38 member and contributed to our news letter. This is awful . Blue skies Che :(
 
My condolences and may he RIP. Unfortunetly to add to this, as a fellow Naval Aviator and moderator at www.airwarriors.com one of our own, a Marine aviator and a moderator, was also lost in that mishap. He was in the Cobra and was Major "Skidkid" Leigh. RIP Marine and fair winds... :(
 
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