Had Between 500 - 600 Hours In Aircraft Of His Design

Aero-News is saddened to report Ken Rehler (right), an award-winning architect and aircraft designer, died Friday afternoon while piloting one of his creations near San Antonio, TX.

Rehler, 62, was flying his creation at New Braufels Municipal Airport when his aircraft went down on a landing attempt. Witness statements indicate the tiny gyroplane may have been a victim of wind shear.

"Whatever happened was a total, total surprise," said Rehler's brother Jan E. Rehler to the San Antonio News-Express. "There was a lot of wind activity, a storm front of some kind right there in the immediate area, and the speculation is a wind shear caught him by surprise."

Jan Rehler also owns and flies gyroplanes, according to media reports.

According to the designer's website, Rehler was the recipient of several awards for gyroplane design, including last year's Grand Champion at the Popular Rotorcraft Association. He was also honored with the Best Workmanship Award at the Bensen Days Fly-In.

As an architect, Rehler designed the New Braunfels public library, as well as the new Municipal Airport terminal -- just yards from where he died.

Rehler built his first gyroplane, from a kit, about 25 years ago, said his brother. He liked it so much he started designing and flying his own.

"He's going to be sorely, sorely missed," said New Braunfels airport director Andy Spinks. "If Ken was around and came in a room, it brightened up." Spinks also stated he believes windshear may have played a factor.

"It's almost trite, but everyone agrees that at least he was doing something that he thoroughly enjoyed," said Jan Rehler.

FMI: www.rvk-architects.com/ken/gyro/