Heavy is the Head …

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)—the industry trade association representing general aviation aircraft manufacturers—announced the makeup of its Executive Committee leadership team for 2023. The Executive Committee comprises members of GAMA’s Board of Directors whose expertise and experience provide strategic leadership for the association and head-up its policy committees.

Eric Hinson, President and CEO of Simcom International, will serve as Chair of the Board. Previously, Hinson served as Vice Chair and chair of the Safety and Accident Investigation Committee.

Chuck Wiplinger, President and CEO of Wipaire, will serve as Vice Chair. Previously, Wiplinger served as chair of the Policy and Legal Issues Committee and the Technical Policy Committee.

Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO at Embraer Executive Jets, will serve as Immediate Past Chair. Amalfitano served as GAMA’s 2022 Chair of the Board and previously chaired the Communication Committee.

David Coleal, CEO of Incora, will extend his term as chair of the Airworthiness and Maintenance Policy Committee. The committee works with authorities to promote appropriate regulations and policies for maintenance and repair stations. Previously, Coleal served as chair of the Environment Committee.

Maria Della Posta, President of Pratt & Whitney Canada, will extend her term as chair of the Communications Committee. The committee works to promote the general aviation industry and its benefits to the global economy and air transportation system.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, will continue to serve as chair of the Electric Propulsion and Innovation Committee (EPIC). The committee works to create an environment conducive to efficient design, production, operation, integration and maintenance of hybrid and electric propulsion aircraft, including eVTOLs.

Tony Lefebvre, CEO of Signature Aviation, will extend his term as chair of the Environment Committee. The committee works to develop and represent the industry’s views on public policy affecting aviation related environmental issues worldwide, including CO2 emissions reductions, sustainable aviation fuels, supersonic aircraft, and updates to the Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change.

David Van Den Langenbergh, Chief Industry Affairs Officer at Luxaviation Group, will continue to serve as chair of the European Leaders Steering Committee. The committee engages with senior European politicians and policymakers to advocate for the interests of general aviation in Europe including regulatory changes, policy initiatives and communications strategies. Previously, Van Den Langenbergh served as chair of the Airworthiness and Maintenance Policy Committee.

John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft, will serve as chair of the Policy and Legal Issues Committee. The committee tracks, analyzes and responds to legal developments, litigation trends and policies presenting business and legal risks or opportunities to general aviation manufacturers. This will be Calcagno’s first time serving on the Executive Committee; he has served on GAMA's Board of Directors since 2021.

Ron Draper, President and CEO of Textron Aviation, will serve as chair of the Flight Operations Policy Committee. The committee works to ensure that an adequate air transportation infrastructure is available for general aviation and addresses impediments to operations of general aviation aircraft. This will be Draper’s first time serving on the Executive Committee; he has served on GAMA's Board of Directors since 2020.

Charlie Gregoire, President and COO of Redbird Flight, will serve as chair of the Safety and Accident Investigation Committee. The committee works to analyze policies, industry standards and regulatory activities related to proactive safety improvements and aircraft accident investigation. This will be Gregoire’s first time serving on the Executive Committee; he has served on GAMA's Board of Directors since 2015.

Henry Brooks, President of Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace, will continue to serve as chair of the Security Issues Committee. The committee works to establish best practices for general aviation security and engages with government agencies on security policies and regulatory requirements.

Jeff Trang, Vice President of Engineering and Flight Operations at Airbus Helicopters, will extend his term as chair of the Technical Policy Committee. The committee works with authorities on continuous improvement of certification and validation processes and to develop and implement effective standards and technical policies pertaining to the design, certification, validation and production of general aviation products and components.

The GAMA Executive Committee was elected by the Board of Directors during its autumn Board Meeting.

FMI: www.gama.aero