Sunset Flight at Fort Funston - Chris Carrillo

We lost a good friend and fellow pilot this past Sunday - Chris Carrillo.

Like many, I've had a difficult time accepting Chris' death - today I could talk about it at work without getting choked up - time does heal.

But, we're going to need more time for this one.

I've flown with Chris numerous times, and he was a regular fixture in our group of flying friends.  His flying style was slow and patient - maximizing any and all lift he could out of a flight, which often time resulted in he being the last to land at many of our flying trips. But, he could tear is up, too, if he wanted.

He was a naturally gifted pilot with a great smile and a great sense of humor - he was fun to be around and a wonderful human being.

Chris died April 21st while flying from Fort Funston south toward Half Moon Bay.  For whatever reason, he ended up in the surf by Devil's Slide and drowned.

My last visual of Chris was he and Dave Keisling flying south toward Pacifica while I navigated the Skyine Blvd and Hwy 1 interchange on that Easter Sunday. I was happy for both pilots. In less than two hours, we'd learn that Chris was missing - the next day, his death would be confirmed via the numerous articles that appeared on the internet.

There will be a giant hole at Fort Funston, but it will slowly get filled as we continue to fly hang gliders with the people we love.

The video above is from September 6, 2014, and can be found on Chris' YouTube channel.  It captures one of the most beautiful sunset flights that any human has ever experienced at Fort Funston.  And that human was Chris Carrillo.

We'll miss you Chris, and you will always be remembered.

Your friend,

CRV