Ladislao Pazmany

PAZMANY, LADISLAO Ladislao Pazmany, a pioneer in small aircraft design, born November 25, 1923, died August 21, 2006. Known affectionately as "Paz" to his friends and business associates for more than a half century, Mr. Pazmany was an aeronautical engineer of great vision whose work and reputation stretched across continents and touched people in every level of aviation from government officials to young amateur pilots. Born in Hungary and raised in Argentina, Mr. Pazmany began a lifelong dedication to aviation with his first model plane at age five, and following his arrival in America in 1956, embarked on a brilliant career as an engineer, designer, teacher and pilot, working for such illustrious San Diego aviation giants as Convair, and McDonnell Douglas. Later for Claude T. Ryan he created the famous "Cloudster." As a leader in the Experimental Aircraft Association he developed the PL series of planes including the PL-9, a three-fourths scale version of the classic German warbird, the Fieseler Storch. His books on landing gear and light aircraft design are aeronautical bibles used throughout the world and forge a legacy that stretches into the future. He retired from the EAA as a member of the Hall Of Fame. A man of remarkable strength of will and perseverance, he was never more himself than in his last years of failing health when he remained active despite the ordeal of Parkinson's disease. Shortly before passing, he remarked, ignoring his adversity, "Life has many good things." Mr. Pazmany is survived by his wife Margarita Byro Pazmany, his two daughters Adriana Pazmany Thomas, Margarita Rosa Pazmany, brother Zoltan and family, and four grandchildren, Brandon Paul Thomas, Derek Pazmany Thomas, Margarita Mulero and Manuel Mulero. No public services will be held.Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com