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It is difficult to come to terms with losing perhaps the best competitive aerobatic pilot the world has ever seen - and even more so knowing how loved that pilot was for who he was, not just for what he did with his airplane. Anyone who ever worked with Rob Holland has a story to tell of his relentless pursuit of perfection, his unwavering humility, his affinity for music, or his perpetual willingness to help in any way he could.
With a resume the size of his (as we saw on the rudder of his MXS-RH), it would be easy, even reasonable, to expect an egotistical pilot to match. Rob was anything but - the fierce, competitive nature that helped him win dozens of awards and championships gave way to a jovial, creative and caring person outside the aerboatic box.
Enough cannot be stated about the presence of Rob Holland, and how much he is missed. The Staff of Aviation Photojournal join the rest of the aviation community in mourning Rob's loss - and celebrating his life's work, aloft and aground. We encourage you to enjoy this collection of his work in front of our cameras, and always remember a motto of Rob's:
"Live Free and Fly"
Kelley Whitaker