I have a memory of Klaus Lehnart, exactly on his plane. It was few years ago, Mattarello (Tn) airport, when Leki invited some italian ski racers (Leki's testimonials) and few journalists to take part in an acrobatic flight session with Mr. Lehnart in person. Excitement was in the air and curiosity about what we're going to live, but when Klaus toke off and demonstrated freestyle maneuvers over our heads, we all guessed if it was'nt the case to quit.
But the attraction is stronger. The Leki Extra 300 Spezial, a small, compact but seriously powerful aircraft, looks like a toy at a close sight. Flaming red, shining, it has a magnetic effect and does not matter if our stomach, we were alerted, will be violently stressed. Desire to be on board grows. It' my turn, intentionally I don't look at the freshly landed Manfred Moelgg pale face, as I prefer to focus myself on recording every detail of this unique experience Mr. Leki is offering me.
I seat in the front part of the cockpit, a narrow but comfortable space. A wide sight is in front and while taking off, Klaus starts to introduce the 15 minutes flight plan that will bring us in the aerial space over Caldonazzo lake where acrobatics will take place. "We start with a Cuba 8"- he informs me through the headset and, without any further warning I find myself upside down and back, eight times in less than two seconds. Breathtaking! I have no words. He asks how am I feeling. I say I don't know but it's amazing! Vertical nosedive towards the silver mirror of the lake. "Let's see when he's going to decide to get back horizontal" I say to myself. It happens only at the very last moment. I give a deep relief sigh but I have no time to relax as the nose of the plane points high in the sky and then back in a huge back looping. I see the sun, then water, sky, mountains in an illogical sequence. I am inebriated, I tell Klaus and he asks if I want to go on. I shout YES.
Each maneuver is anticipated by a technical explanation but, sincerely, I do a great effort to remember names and characteristics, as I'm so involved to live the moment and trying to record with my camera. I lose time perception and suddenly flight get calm and we are heading to the airport. I get off the aircraft with weak legs and a slightly protesting stomach, but with the real belief to comprehend Klaus passion, the drug of flying that push him competing in european skies, inventing each time new acrobatics, adding difficulties, speed, almost violence to maneuvers he use to impose to his plane.
Those of Klaus was an enormous love, for the flight in its most dynamic shape. I can imagine he could have thought about crash and death many times but I'm sure in his mind and heart passion always prevailed on fear. A rational behavior of risk acceptance as part of life, and sport of course. Outdoor Industry has lost a tireless entrepreneur, modern, motivated. He definitely was an engine of ideas that, especially in these difficult economic scenarios, could have helped in tracing new paths, stimulating and giving some hopes. Pointless to say we all miss him. R.I.P. Klaus
