The Helicopter Museum, which houses more than 100 aircraft, was born out of ap Rees’ lifelong passion and his private collection of aviation documents and artifacts.
In a tribute, the museum confirmed his passing on 24 July “with great sadness”.
“For more than 70 years, helicopters were not simply Elfan’s passion. They were his life’s work,” they said.
“Through his vision, determination and perseverance, countless historic aircraft were rescued from the scrapyard and preserved for future generations.
“His legacy lives on in every aircraft preserved within the museum, every visitor inspired by its collection, and in the generations who will continue to discover the history of rotary-wing flight because of his life’s work.”
His daughter, Claire ap Rees, said the number of tributes flooding in from around the world “has been overwhelming”.
“Reading the messages from people who say he inspired their interest in helicopters has been a real comfort at such a difficult time,” she added.
