The Loss of an Aviation Legend: Remembering Rob Holland

Good morning! It’s been a tough year for aviation. Between accidents, losses and close calls, it’s felt like the hits just keep coming. And now, losing Rob Holland — one of the greatest pilots to ever take to the sky — is just devastating. His impact on the aviation world was profound, inspiring countless pilots with his talent, humility and relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, we honor his incredible life and enduring legacy. 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• The Aviation World Mourns a True Airshow Legend

• Around the Skies: DOT rethinks ATC retirement, Grumman warbirds storm AirVenture, China Certifies Massive Flying Boat, Trouble on the tarmac for Delta, Airbus hydrogen hopes delayed, Living Legends celebrate aviation’s best

• PilotTube: Remembering Rob Holland’s Unmatched Talent

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Aviation Great Rob Holland Leaves an Enduring Legacy

Rob Holland, one of the most celebrated figures in aerobatics and airshow performance, was tragically killed in a landing accident near Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. He was just 50 years old. Holland had been scheduled to perform at the Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow, flying his sleek, carbon-fiber MXS-RH. Known for dominating the Unlimited Power category and inspiring pilots around the world, Rob combined raw talent with relentless self-discipline, setting a standard few could ever match.

Over the course of his remarkable career, Holland became a 13-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, a six-time world freestyle champion and earned more than 30 international medals, including 14 gold. But for all his accolades, those who knew him personally remember him first for his humility, focus and absolute dedication to being better every single day. When the canopy closed, he created pure magic in the sky. And when it opened, he was just Rob — gracious, patient and laser-focused on his craft.

Years ago, during an interview at the Abbotsford Airshow, he summed it up best: “This is all I ever wanted to do. No Plan B. This is it.” That quote has stuck with so many who crossed paths with him — a reminder that Holland didn’t just fly airplanes. He lived, breathed and became aviation.

The circumstances surrounding his accident have remained remarkably quiet. In an era where even minor incidents are picked apart online for clicks, there’s been almost no speculation. Some of that is out of respect. Some of it, undoubtedly, is because of where it happened. Langley is one of the most sensitive military installations in the country and while there’s almost certainly video and data capturing every second of the crash, none of it has been released. The FAA, NTSB and Department of Defense are handling the investigation, but until their findings come out, the aviation world is left to mourn in silence.

In the meantime, one thing is certain: Rob Holland’s legacy isn’t measured by the medals, the trophies or the championships. It’s measured in the countless pilots he inspired to dream bigger, work harder and fly smarter. His loss leaves a void that can’t be filled and the skies feel a little emptier without the artistry and heart he brought to every single flight.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire aviation community that loved and admired him. Blue skies and tailwinds, Rob—you’ll never be forgotten. 🤙🏼

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ DOT Secretary Sean Duffy is considering raising the retirement age for air traffic controllers to help ease staffing shortages. With most controllers retiring at 56 and new hires barely keeping pace with departures, Duffy says the system needs a boost. He maintains that despite the challenges, air travel remains the safest way to fly, and the DOT is working hard to keep it that way.

🛩️ The Air Legends Foundation is bringing the "Flight of the Cats" to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, showcasing a rare formation of four legendary Grumman fighters. The F4F Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, and F8F Bearcat will be on display and flying together in daily air shows. This tribute to Naval Aviation history promises roaring engines, vintage steel and plenty of nostalgia in the skies over Oshkosh—and as a former Navy Pilot myself, I couldn’t be more excited to witness this firsthand!

🛩️ China has certified its massive new AG600 amphibious aircraft, a four-engine turboprop with a 130-foot wingspan designed for firefighting and emergency response. While officially classified as a water bomber, the AG600 is widely believed to have a second life delivering cargo and personnel to disputed islands in the South China Sea. The aircraft's debut has even prompted the U.S. Air Force to revisit floatplane concepts for the C-130.

🛩️ The FAA is investigating two separate Delta Air Lines incidents that unfolded last week at Orlando International Airport. First, an Airbus A330 caught fire while pushing back from the gate, prompting a swift but injury-free evacuation down emergency slides. Just a few hours later, a Boeing 757 had to return to Orlando after the crew reported a possible depressurization issue en route to Atlanta. Fortunately, no one was hurt, although it made for a far more eventful week than Delta had planned.

🛩️ Airbus has spent more than $1.7 billion chasing its hydrogen-powered dream, but the reality check has arrived. The company recently scaled back its ambitious ZeroE project, admitting that the hydrogen economy is moving a lot slower than hoped and that a commercial hydrogen plane might not be ready until well after 2035. Although Airbus remains committed to the idea, it has shifted focus to a smaller 100-passenger design while it waits for technology—and regulations—to catch up.

🛩️ The 22nd annual Living Legends of Aviation ceremony lit up Beverly Hills on April 25, with John Travolta hosting the celebration of aviation excellence. Honorees included astronaut Christopher Cassidy, pilot Robert “Hoot” Gibson, and NBC correspondent Tom Costello, along with a special tribute to the aerial firefighting crews who battled the Los Angeles wildfires. Innovators such as Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck and aerospace pioneer Burt Rutan were also recognized. The night honored those who pushed the boundaries of flight and left a lasting mark on the skies.

PilotTube

Following his tragic passing last week, the aviation world is honoring the incredible legacy of aerobatic champion Rob Holland. At EAA AirVenture 2024 in Oshkosh, Holland thrilled crowds with a stunning performance in his MXS-RH, flying with trademark precision and energy. This video captures that unforgettable routine and serves as a tribute to one of the greatest pilots in the sport.

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