Chairman Of Groen Bros. Aviation

Aero-News learned this week that Jay Groen, chairman of Groen Brothers Aviation, passed away the morning of October 9 after fighting cancer for almost two years.

Jay Groen served in the US Air Force and spent a year at Yale University learning Chinese to be a linguist for his two-year term in Vietnam. Jay received a BS in economics from the University of Utah, and an MS in economics from Virginia Tech.

After earning his degrees, he worked for 10 years as an expert on the Chinese economy with the CIA. He left the government to become an entrepreneur in several endeavors.

In the early 1980s, Jay and David were partners in Seagull Recycling. They also collaborated on the bestselling novel "Huey" about a helicopter pilot's experiences in Vietnam, before founding GBA in 1986.

"Jay's passing leaves a void within us all, but at the same time furthers our resolve to succeed in this endeavor to celebrate his dedication, devotion and persistence," said David Groen.

Friends described Jay as "a true renaissance man," adding Groen was an inventor, writer, business man, and entrepreneur.

Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. (GBA) is recognized as the world's leading authority on autorotative flight. GBA developed the world's first commercially viable modern gyroplane -- the first "autogiro" to utilize a jet engine -- the Hawk 4 Gyroplane powered by a Rolls-Royce gas turbine engine. The Hawk 4 (shown above) was used extensively for security aerial patrol missions during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

FMI: www.groenbros.com