Kevin Lacey, the popular star of the Discovery reality series Airplane Repo died Feb. 14 according to social media posts from his family. "Kevin left us on February 14, 2025 after a brave fight [against] incurable cancer," a Facebook post said. "We ask that you share your stories and your pictures as we celebrate his life and the huge contribution he made to the world of aviation."
I always liked watching them repo aircraft. Especially when the smug arrogant people couldn’t find their wallets, and had no way home. Better carry a nice pair of comfortable shoes with you if one cannot or will not pay the bills. )
The show was generally good entertainment, although I suspect much (if not all) of the drama was staged… just my opinion. I enjoyed the aircraft and the flying and overlooked the drama.
RIP Mr. Lacey and condolences to the family and friends.
Kevin’s lasting legacy will be the influence and guidance to the young people he introduced to aviation. Several are now in careers flying and maintaining aircraft. He had a heart of gold & will be sorely missed.
I had the pleasure to meet Kevin a few years back at the Alliance Air Show in Fort Worth, TX. While we were talking the Breitling Jets demonstration team was performing. He was a very pleasant and approachable person. Blue Skies Kevin. You were one of a kind.
I met Kevin several years ago during an extended stay at Aero Country Airport near McKinney, TX. His academy for young aviators was very impressive!
Mostly high school aged students were rebuilding training aircraft under his watchful eye, and were learning to fly in them. Keven had a wonderful charisma with the students - they seemed excited and very engaged in the entire process. I’m certain that the aviators that emerged from this experience stand out among their peers.
My understanding from various credible sources is that it’s the other way around, Bruce. There was so much material that couldn’t be aired for various reasons, legal, logistical (e.g. camera didn’t catch it), and simply the time constraints of the show, that some of his most bizarre escapades never made it to air. I wish he’d written a book, unencumbered by the constraints of TV production.