Richard McSpadden

Richard Gibson McSpadden (1960 – October 1, 2023) was an American educator and pilot. He became the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Institute (ASI) senior vice-president in 2020, having previously been its executive director from 2017.

Early life
Richard Gibson McSpadden was born in Panama City, Florida, to Ann and Richard McSpadden, one of their four children.

McSpadden began flying in his teenage years, inspired by his pilot father, and was based out of Air Harbor Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina. The pursuit turned into a career of over 5,000 flying hours. He taught his son to fly and instructed his daughter to fly solo in the family's Piper Super Cub.

He graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Georgia and from Troy University with a master's degree in Public Administration. He also graduated from the U.S. Air Force Air War College.

Career
McSpadden served in the United States Air Force for twenty years, achieving the role of commander and flight leader of its Thunderbirds demonstration team.

He became a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor, with multi-engine land, single-engine seaplane and multi-engine seaplane ratings while also working in information technology.

In 2017, he became executive director of the AOPA's ASI. He was promoted to senior vice-president three years later. He also served as the chairman of the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee. He produced aviation safety material for ASI's YouTube channel and website.

Personal life
McSpadden was married for 31 years to Judy, with whom he had two children.

Death
On October 1, 2023, McSpadden was killed in an aircraft accident in Lake Placid, New York. He was 63. He and former American football tight end Russ Francis were flying a Cessna 177 out of Lake Placid Airport when the aircraft experienced an engine failure. They attempted to return to the airport but crashed into a ravine near it. Both McSpadden and Francis were killed.