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Uploaded: Monday, November 23, 2009, 5:58 AM

Atherton resident dies in homebuilt-plane crash
Gary Lampert, 58, radioed that his engine was on fire just before the Saturday crash

Posted by Pilot, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on Nov 23, 2009 at 11:15 am

Pilots do not have to file flight plans if they're flying under visual flight rules (VFR). Not having a flight plan on file does not signify that there is anything unsafe about the flight.

To fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), or above 18,000 feet, the FAA requires that a flight plan be filed. However, if the weather is clear and the flight will be conducted at lower altitudes than 18,000 feet, no flight plan is required.

I get tired of reporting that makes it sound as though pilots did something illegal by flying without a flight plan. You can be certain that the pilot had a route planned out to get him from his origin to his destination.

Pilots without flight plans can request "flight following," which is a service that air traffic control can offer if they have the resources, to VFR flights. Flight following just means that air traffic control will inform you of other flights in your vicinity. I use it when I'm on a long VFR flight.

My condolences to the Lampert family. Lancair kit planes are usually very reliable.

Posted by musical, a resident of the Palo Verde neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 1:39 pm

Thank you Pilot. The article appears to stick to the facts, but the general reader often needs that clarification regarding absence of flight plan. Imagine if automobile drivers had the option of filing a driving plan? Might help some of those people we hear about each winter who get bogged down in the snow on some remote mountain road. Then everyone could tsk tsk if the victim chose not to file. Don't know where people would expect the funding to come from though.

My condolences to the Lampart family as well.

Posted by WHS_Alum, a resident of Woodside, on Nov 23, 2009 at 6:48 pm

I remember Gary from Woodside High School. He was funny, cute, and everybody liked him. I am saddened to hear about this tragic accident.

My condolences to the Lampert family.

Posted by Steve & Annie Kellenberger, a resident of Los Altos Hills, on Nov 24, 2009 at 1:45 pm

Our condolences to the Lampert Family.... and to Julie, whom we all know well. Such a tragedy, and at a very young age. Our best.

Posted by Linda & Chad Schneller, a resident of Menlo Park, on Nov 24, 2009 at 2:01 pm

Gary was a special person whom we loved very much. As close family friends, like cousins, it has hit our family hard. We are deeply saddened for all Gary's family and friends.

Posted by Jon, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on Nov 24, 2009 at 3:03 pm

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung

...

Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

— John Gillespie Magee, Jr

Posted by Simone Cox, a resident of another community, on Nov 25, 2009 at 7:34 am

My condolences to the Lampert family. I was friends with Gary back in "the day" and I remember his love of flying. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially his son.

Posted by Richard Delescale, a resident of another community, on Nov 26, 2009 at 12:42 am

Talk about a shock when I heard that gary stuffed his lancair into the orchard..I was the one that was in the robinson R44 when we crashed at palo alto airport in 2000 and he saved our lives from an autorotation that went wrong...Because of his quick actions,we survived the crash which left the helicopter totaled..

I`ve known gary since the Trans Air days 15 years ago and we`ve been tight friends ever since...I`ll miss you my good friend and think of your humor throughout the rest of my life and will see you again soon in the next life..your buddy,,Rich,{that crazy hovercraft guy} and god bless the lampert family and all who knew gary................

Posted by Karl Geng, a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on Nov 26, 2009 at 8:49 am

My condolences to the entire Lampert family.

I remember Gary fondly from building a helicopter with him. He was funny, energetic and very helpful. I shall miss him.