Charles Strasser OBE 1927 - 2024

Charles Strasser OBE SBStJ MSc FCIM
1927 - 2024

AOPA are sad to hear of the passing of Charles Strasser, vice-president of AOPA UK on 10 June 2024.

Charles's aviation related activities included, being Chairman of the Channel Island region of AOPA UK, a member of and past Vice Chairman of the Jersey Aero Club, a Director of and past world President of IFFR (International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians), a member of the PPL/IR Network and a past St John Ambulance Air Wing volunteer pilot and Midland region coordinator for the transportation of human kidneys for transplant.

He personally initiated and progressed on behalf of AOPAbringing into being the CAA CAP 667 9.2(c) recommendation that, to reduce the incidence of fatal GA accidents, airports and aeroedromes should not charge any fees for emergency and precautionary diversion landings - the Strasser Scheme.

Charles was born in Czechoslavakia but moved to the U.K. with his parents in 1938, aged 11. By the age of 18, he was a dispatch rider with the Czech Independent Armoured Brigade and led a convoy of allied troops into Kasejovice. He was made an honorary Czech citizen in 2021.

He became a successful businessman on his return to the U.K. and was actively involved in many charities. Charles was the regional coordinator for the Midlands St John Ambulance Air Wing. He was awarded an O.B.E. for humanitarian services in 2000.

An active pilot for many years, his Piper Seneca was a well known visitor to many airports and airfield throughout Europe and beyond. He held an FAA CPL and IR.

Charles made a significant contribution to general aviation and pilots will benefit for many years to come from his efforts to get a better deal for GA pilots. Charles was a tough but fair negotiator, not easily accepting bureaucracy and red tape.

AOPA has lost a member and the aviation community in general has lost much more.