ANN has learned that Ultralight Flying magazine Editor-In-Chief, Scott Wilcox, passed away late Wednesday due to a recent illness. Labeled by many as "one of the good guys," Wilcox's easy-going manner and undeniable expertise are going to be sorely missed in the sport aviation industry. Scott (pictured below) was but 45 years old.

Scott had been leading one of the industry's most prominent ultralight publications for over twenty years and was a visible and vocal proponent of personal flight and the freedoms they represented. A pilot, writer, and photographer, Wilcox works were some of the most read and viewed in all of sport aviation as he faithfully reported on the ultralight industry through two decades of formative, turbulent changes and evolution. In countless cases, Scott was a very effective and hard-working advocate for the lighter side of aviation... and the industry benefited greatly by the passion he brought to the craft.

In a May 2004 Outside magazine article, Scott made light of the ultralight industry's unconventional history by noting that, "They were renegades back then, and I guess we still are," while properly opining that, "Ultralight flying isn't about transportation; it's about the magic of pure, simple flight."

Flywriter Dan Johnson noted that, "For two decades Scott has been editor of Ultralight Flying! and a good personal friend of mine as we flew hundreds of photo missions over the central Florida pasture lands that surrounded our base of operations for one intensive week per year. I will miss him greatly as my aerial partner and the aviation community will no longer view a 'Photo By Scott Wilcox.'"

ANN Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, added, "We're floored by this awful news. Meeting with Scott was always a pleasant and low-key activity that couldn't help but be an enjoyable event... undeniably professional, Scott had amazing skills in working with people and maintaining a positive outlook no matter what he was working on. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Sharon, and the many fortunate folks who got to know Scott as a friend. He will be missed... greatly."

USUA has noted that it might be apropos to consider helping Scott's family during their time of need, by sending any donations or love offerings to: Sharon Wilcox And Family, 7432 Hydrus Drive, Harrison, TN 37341. (ANN thanks USUA and the Turlock Ultralight Flyers Association for the photos of Scott)

FMI: www.ultralightflying.com