Aviation News

The NTSB says the uncommanded pitch-up that occurred in July 2008 aboard an MD-81 carrying then-Senator Barack Obama was the result of an inadvertent partial inflation of the evacuation slide and subsequent binding of the elevator control cables… Thieves in Sweden used a helicopter as their getaway vehicle after robbing a cash depot in Stockholm. […]

The NTSB on Wednesday released its docket of documents related to the fatal crash of a firefighting helicopter in California in August 2008… A story in Air & Space Smithsonian laments the impending loss of Langley wind tunnel, as advocates rally to prevent its destruction… Friends of aerobatic pilot Vicki Cruse, who died recently in […]

Mark Woods Mark Woods has joined Great Lakes Diamond Aircraft Sales in charge of sales for Illinois, northern Indiana and Michigan. He previously worked for another Diamond dealer.

Barry Knutilla Barry Knuttila is now Senior Vice President of Marketing and Technology for King Schools. He’s been with King for seven years, where he’s been responsible the technology organization and development of software, technical support and other IT-related functions to support the self-study, computer and online curricula.

Ken Smoll Ken Smoll is the new director of training at Spokane Turbine Center. He was formerly with Cessna, where he ran the Garmin G1000 customer training program.

Mark Abbott Mark Abbott has been appointed the Group FBO Director for ExecuJet. He’s been with ExecuJet for three years and was formerly the regional manager for the Western Cape in South Africa.

Michael Opheim Michael Opheim has been named sales manager for Avidyne’s eastern region. Opheim spent 30 years with Rockwell Collins.

Doug Brantner Doug Brantner is a partner in Groom Aviation LLC as a general aviation consultant. He was formerly vice president in charge of Hawker Beechcraft Services.

Brad Thress Brad Thress has been named Vice President of Customer Service at Cessna. He joined Cessna in 1992 and was most recently VP of Component Operations.

Brett Gardner has joined Becker Avionics as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. Gardner has extensive experience in the helicopter sector and was most recently a Major on voluntary assignment as an Army Reserve Company Commander with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.