Andrea Perugini, son of former Italian F3A pilot Sergiu Perugini, contacted me a few days ago and sadly informed me that his father had passed away on 16 November 2025 at the ripe old age of 91.
Born on 23 December 1934, he was already enthusiastic about air sports as a young boy. Not yet six years old, little Sergiu already had his own glider.
In the seventies, he became enthusiastic about model aerobatics; it was the era of Bertolani, Pasqualini, Pagni, D’apporto, etc.
He competed in national and international F3A competitions.
In 1978, he himself took part in the international Igo Etrich Cup flying competition in Salzburg.
Skilled with his hands, he was an all-round talent and very popular among his fellow villagers. Repairing heating and lighting systems was his speciality, as he was always on hand to offer advice and assistance whenever people had problems.
After building model aeroplanes, he began designing and building his own five ultralight aeroplanes between 1988 and 1994.
Ten years ago, in 2015, at the age of 80, he also gave up ultralight flying and began taking long walks all day long.
He was always busy, always had something to do, even in his old age. He is survived by two sons, one daughter, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Until his death, he told his children about his old friends from his aerobatics days.
He will be greatly missed by all his friends and family.
Text and photos: Andrea Perugini
