Ieva Liekytė was a young Lithuanian woman who loved flying. She came from a family of aviators—her grandfather was one of the first Lithuanian light aircraft designers, and her father founded the “Alfa” pilot club. Ieva and her brother followed the same path, becoming the third generation of pilots in their family.
Though she also studied opera singing and earned a degree from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, her heart was always in the sky. She often said that flying brought her peace, while singing brought her warmth.
From Passion to Profession
Ieva started flying at a young age. In 2012, she got her ultra-light aircraft license, and by 2015 she had earned a full private pilot license. Later, she became a flight instructor. She loved sharing her passion with others—offering scenic flights, teaching newcomers, and encouraging people (especially young women) to try flying.
She believed that flying wasn’t just for professionals or the wealthy. She made it clear that with the right motivation, anyone in Lithuania could learn to fly.
Her Dream Was to Inspire
Ieva wanted to make aviation more accessible. She hoped to organize flying camps for children and show them how exciting aviation could be. She often gave free or low-cost flights to people who had never flown in small aircraft before.
She was warm, kind, and very dedicated. People who met her remember how easy she made flying feel—even if they were nervous.
A Tragic Loss
Ieva passed away recently in a tragic incident. She was still very young, with many dreams ahead of her. Her death is a great loss to the Lithuanian aviation community and to everyone who knew her.
It’s difficult to understand why such things happen, especially to someone so full of life and purpose. Ieva was doing what she loved—but it doesn’t make the pain of her loss any easier.
Honoring Her Memory
Ieva Liekytė will be remembered as more than just a pilot. She was a role model, a mentor, and a kind person who brought people closer to the skies. Her legacy will live on in the students she taught, the people she inspired, and the family who shared her passion.
