Union Remembers Exceptional, Gifted Pilot Volunteer
F/O Costas Sivyllis (United), the Association’s Education Committee chair and an active ALPA volunteer, and his wife of four days, Lindsey Vogelaar, died in a general aviation airplane accident near Telluride, Colo., on October 5 while on their honeymoon.
Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA’s president, eulogized Sivyllis in a moving tribute during ALPA’s 48th regular Board of Directors meeting just two weeks later.
In DePete’s words . . .
“In 2009–2010 as a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., he was instrumental in developing ALPA’s first Aviation Collegiate Education Club. Better known as ACE Clubs, these provide industry mentorship and leadership opportunities to aspiring aviators.”
“Costas was extremely active with the Education Committee since joining ALPA in 2012 as a pilot for PSA Airlines. That’s right—he went from establishing the ACE Club while a student and then selected an ALPA carrier as his employer so that he could continue to mentor the next generation of pilots.”
“His smile was infectious, his enthusiasm was contagious, his optimism was appreciated, his dedication was obvious.”
“We saw him as the future of aviation. We saw him as a part of the future of ALPA.”
“My thoughts are with his family and his colleagues. Many of those are with us today.”
