Lito Sousa, aviation influencer and creator of Aviões e Músicas, dies at 59

Joselito Geraldo de Sousa, widely known as Lito Sousa, the aviation specialist and creator of the ‘Aviões e Músicas’ channel, has died at the age of 59 in São Paulo.

Sousa passed away on October 1st after battling Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and rapidly progressing neurodegenerative condition. His family had previously made the diagnosis public in August.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Sousa transitioned from an aircraft mechanic to a prominent pilot and digital communicator. He worked for major airlines including Varig, Transbrasil, and United Airlines, and gained international experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Through his YouTube channel, he used accessible language to explain aviation safety, maintenance, and technical curiosities, helping millions of followers understand flight procedures and overcome fears of flying.

He is survived by his wife, Mila Seidl, and their 7-year-old son, Malone.