Production To Resume 2Q/07

A renewed MICCO Aircraft Company tells ANN that it has concluded the acquisition of the Type Certificate and all associated assets of the former Micco Aircraft, Inc., previously located in Fort Pierce, Florida. All of the assets will be moved to Frank Phillips Field in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, so that production of the MICCO SP26 Aerobatic, IFR aircraft can begin with first deliveries projected for second quarter of 2007.

The company's majority stockholder is James E. Billie, Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Billie was previously Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and it was his vision of Native Americans manufacturing aircraft that brought the MICCO SP26 into reality with its certification in 2000. A long time pilot and strong GA advocate, Billie has seized this opportunity to bring the MICCO line of aircraft back into production to carry out his vision as an individual Native American perspective, rather than a tribal entity.

'Chief' Jim Billie is anxious to see what should have been a great asset to the Seminole Tribe, become a formidable product in the aviation market place under his ownership.

"I just couldn't see this aircraft not being built. It hurt after all the effort of the MICCO team and the funding of the Tribe, to see it 'thrown away.' I have great faith in the product and the team we are putting together to bring the SP26 back into production. I don't think that the Seminole Tribal Leaders who made the decision to divest themselves of MICCO understood what an impact an aviation manufacturing company can have in inspiring positive attitudes and providing incentives to young Native Americans toward the highest personal achievements in life. MICCO is the Seminole word for leader or superior one, and I believe that the SP26 is the right aircraft to carry that proud name," noted Billie.

MICCO's CEO has engaged Mr. F. DeWitt Beckett to be President of the company, the same position Mr. Beckett held with the Florida organization. It was Beckett's drive in the design and organization of the certification and manufacturing efforts that brought the aircraft to the market with eighteen deliveries from the Florida location. Beckett and his wife, Decki, who will handle the Marketing Department, have relocated to Bartlesville to carry out the duties that will see the MICCO SP26 flying high again.

The MICCO Sales and Marketing Sr. VP slot will be filled by Mat Goodman, who has previously served as Vice President of Sales for Tiger Aircraft, and spent many years in the same capacity for Commander Aircraft, Oklahoma City. Mr. Goodman will oversee not only the sales of the MICCO SP26 but also the TECNAM series of aircraft, imported from Italy, for the Light Sport Division of MICCO's operation.

MICCO Staffing will see many of the former employees of the Florida company trekking to Bartlesville to lend their expertise and skill in the manufacture of the MICCO. The Bartlesville site will host manufacturing operations for the MICCO SP26, TECNAM Aircraft sales, a Light Sport Aircraft school and rental division, as well as an FAA Repair Station at the location. Mr. Billie will be working with local Native American Tribes to encourage their members to gain the technical knowledge and skill in manufacturing so that employment is a possibility, and to encourage not only young Native Americans, but all young people to experience the thrill of flight.

"We are pleased to have operations beginning in Bartlesville, Oklahoma with not only a great aviation history, but a great history of Native American Culture," said Mr. Billie.

FMI: www.miccoaircraft.com