Welcomes Eclipse, SMA, Sino Swearingen As New Members

The board of directors of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has elected John J. Grisik, Executive Vice President, Operational Excellence and Technology, Goodrich Corporation, as GAMA’s chairman for 2007. Dr. Grisik previously served as GAMA’s Vice Chairman.

The Board also elected Alan Klapmeier as GAMA’s Vice Chairman. Mr. Klapmeier is Chairman and CEO, Cirrus Design Corporation. He served as chairman of the security issues committee in 2006.

The following individuals were appointed as GAMA committee chairs for 2007:

• Product Liability & Legal Issues Committee
  Alain Bellemare, Pratt & Whitney Canada
• Flight Operations Policy Committee
  Jack Pelton, Cessna Aircraft Company
• Security Issues Committee
  John Rosanvallon, Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation
• Communications Committee
  Adrienne Stevens, L-3 Communications
• International Affairs Committee
  Mark Van Tine, Jeppesen
• Safety Affairs & Training Committee
  Larry Williams, Ballistic Recovery Systems
• Technical Policy Committee
  Robert Wilson, Honeywell

GAMA’s board of directors also approved three applications for membership:

• Eclipse Aviation, based in Albuquerque, NM is the manufacturer of the E500 very light jet. The company received its type certificate for the Eclipse 500 in September 2006.
• Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, Sino Swearingen manufactures the SJ30-2 Twin Jet. The company announced the receipt of its type certificate in October 2005.
• SMA (Societe de Motorisations Aeronautiques), headquartered in Bourges, France, is part of the international technology consortium SAFRAN Group. SMA specializes in the development and production of piston engines that burn jet fuel through diesel cycle technology.

"Simultaneously adding two original equipment manufacturers to our ranks as they bring their first certified aircraft to market is a first for GAMA. We are proud to have Eclipse and Sino Swearingen on board," said GAMA President and CEO. "Likewise, SMA brings another exciting European innovator into the GAMA family, increasing our presence in the expanding European general aviation marketplace."

GAMA is an international trade association headquartered in Washington, DC representing over 50 of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation aircraft, engines, avionics and related equipment. GAMA's members also operate fleets of aircraft, fixed based operations, and pilot training and maintenance training facilities.

FMI: www.gama.aero