Robert R. Ropelewski

Bob Ropelewski was unique. Not just because he was a skilled pilot licensed and experienced in many types of aircraft; not because he was one of the industry’s best-known and most experienced aerospace journalists, with an unequaled history as a reporter, editor and publisher; not because he was a big man with a big grin, a big heart and more friends than anyone can count. He was unique because he was all of those and more.
“Rope” was known throughout the aviation industry for his years in journalism, primarily with Aviation Week & Space Technology and Jane’s Information Group. During these years, Rope flew such aircraft as the SR-71, Concorde, and the Cobra, Apache, and Blackhawk helicopters.
Rope was a truly remarkable man who inspired many to become involved with aviation, both through their careers as well as recreationally. Above all, he taught the wonder and amazement of flight.
“Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities crept in; forget them as surely as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” Ralph Waldo Emerson