Aviation News

Marc Wittingen is Standard Aero’s new director of international sales. He’s been with Standard Aero for two years and was director of customer programs for the PW100 division in Tilburg, Netherlands.

Allan P. Judd has been appointed Chief Test Pilot for E-Green Technologies-21st Century Airships. The company is planning to produce airships, and Judd has been flying airships for more than 20 years.

Eric Midby Patricio Puga Eric Midby has joined Coast Flight Training as chief financial officer. He formerly worked in the real estate development industry. Patricio Puga is an advisor to the board of directors. He’s the former treasurer of Coca Cola and was vice president of ING Bank.

Joe Sambiase Joe Sambiase has been named the General Aviation Manufacturers’ Association’s manager of airworthiness and maintenance. He was formerly with Compass Airlines.

Greg Vail Greg Vail has been named chairman of the Aircraft Electronics Association. Vail has 29 years of experience in the industry and is the general manager of Bloomington Avionics. Greg Harpster of Duncan Avionics is the new vice chair.

Christian Gras Christian Gras is Eurocopter’s new Executive Vice President, Customers. He was Senior Vice President for Latin America.

Randy Groom Randy Groom, a former senior executive with Hawker Beechcraft, has been named Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support for Piper. Groom had been running his own consulting business before joining Piper.

Larry D. Roberts Larry D. Roberts has been appointed Bell Helicopter’s senior vice president of commercial business. He was previously at American Eurocopter as VP of sales, marketing and customer support.

Brad Hayden Brad Hayden has been named vice president of marketing for Aspen Avionics. Hayden has been with the company almost since its inception and has extensive experience in Web-based marketing.

Dennis van de Laar has been named the National Air Transportation Association’s manager of regulatory affairs. He was previously at the Southern Illinois Airport Authority as a graduate assistant while completing his master’s degree in public administration.