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In
Memory
Dave Robicaux,
1955-2001
by Jeff Goin
Dec 6, 2001
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Few people loved life or colored it quite as bright as Dave. My first meeting
was out on the Parastars Parrish field near Tampa, FL. He had two things on his
mind: flying and how to improve his flying gear.
Francesco DeSantis (Check) introduced me to Dave's creative genius at the
2000 Sun-N-Fun. Already having marveled at the Miniplane in Albuquerque, this
improved and slick-looking version whetted my appetite further. It was the
prototype "Sky Cruiser" and for someone who travels a lot it was the
answer to my frequent question regarding light weight and portability.
Later
that year I finally met him...unassuming and enthusiastic...I liked him
instantly. He was far more interested in showing his latest creations than
selling his existing ones. He never once "recommended" the machine but
he was obviously very proud of it. I also don't remember him ever offering
negative comments about other machines.
He loved to fly and, from my perspective, did it well. He certainly handled
that wing well...his ground handling skills were exemplary.
At the 2001 Parastars convention in April I spent time with Dave again...he
was using a minimal harness solely for ground handling which I thought was a
great idea. When asked about it, he enthused on it's effectiveness and low cost
and offered me a try. Wow...what a great thing!
I've been using one (as have many others) ever since. And boy did he know how
to use it. Few people tamed the angry snake of a winded paraglider wing as David
could. It was fun just to watch.
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The
mountain climbing harness is now one of my standard recommendations for those
getting into the sport. Every time it comes out I think of Dave and his
inventiveness.
Before Check introduced him to powered paragliding he rode...apparently
anything with two wheels. Mostly though he enjoyed riding hard. Ian Panton, a
friend explained that he enjoyed riding so as to "get air" and did so
frequently.
He had the distinction of being one of few folks who would get to the flying
field on a motorcycle (behind him in the picture). He strapped the 'cruiser on
his back, put the wing on the tank and headed out.
An accomplished triathlete, Dave was the motor for another passion, downhill
mountain biking. This was the sport that enjoyed the first fruits of his
creative genius and welding prowess. He built parts for high-end mountain bikes
and came up with innovative designs.
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The bike business It was
what eventually led to his entrance in the PPG frame arena since an important
element in that sport was also a lightweight and strong frame.
Dave quickly took to powered paragliding and almost right away started
exploring the limits of the craft. He knew the edge was near but liked courting
it's fringes. The picture above, by Ian Panton, is the view from a steeply
spinning paraglider.
Check, who trained Dave, related the story about one of his first flights.
After pulling aggressively on a control the wing did some unplanned maneuvers.
Check was able to help him through it on the radio and he landed ok. After a
good tongue lashing he did realize the seriousness of the activity. But this
early indication showed that the wild side of mountain biking made the leap
airborne.
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My last time with Dave was also his last and the first day of a fly-in. And
as always, he was willing to share. It was a Sky Cruiser convention
near Tampa and, when asked, he let my try his wing with no hesitation. He was
like that. No agenda, no motivations, he just loved sharing the sport that gave
him so much pleasure.
Always wanting to improve the sport and his enjoyment of it, he was trying
out a new communications helmet (above left). That device, designed for
motorcyclists, would allow hands-free communication by pilots. The picture to
the right shows what he would have done with the motor if weight weren't such a
concern.
Thanks to those who contributed pictures and information: Ian Panton, Check,
Jeff Thompson, Wally Hines, Rob Reynolds and others.
Thank you Dave for enrichening our lives.
This picture represented Dave for several years on the
Parastars list maintained by Jeff Thompson. He will be missed by them as
well as the many whose life he touched through his enthusiasm and
incredible love for life. Dave, we will miss you!
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