Brings Significant Knowledge, Name Recognition To Company

Contrary to Phil Boyer's statements that all he had on his horizon was a much-deserved vacation, following retirement from his 18-year tenure as president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association... we had a hunch it wouldn't take him very long to find a new gig. Sure enough, ANN received early word Monday of Phil's next endeavor.

Boyer recently joined the Board of Directors at emerging avionics manufacturer Aspen Avionics, becoming the company's first outside Director. He joins six investors and company executives already on the Board. As a Director, Boyer will help guide the manufacturer of the Evolution flight display system through its next stages of growth.

"Phil Boyer and Aspen Avionics share a passion for making flying more accessible, more affordable and safer for pilots around the world, and for bringing the most advanced technologies to the entire general aviation fleet," said John Uczekaj, President and CEO of Aspen Avionics. "Aspen enjoys an active board of directors, with everyone contributing to the company's success. Phil Boyer will be an outstanding addition to our team."

As ANN reported extensively, Boyer retired January 1 as President of AOPA. During his tenure as head of the pilot advocacy group, Boyer achieved an impressive list of accomplishments... from championing the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, to developing the Airport Watch program with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the wake of 9/11, to dramatically increasing AOPA membership to well over 400,000.

"Nearly two decades spent listening to the concerns and issues of the nation's pilots, aircraft owners, manufacturers and regulators has given Phil a deep understanding of the GA industry's opportunities, as well as its challenges," Uczekaj said. "Phil's extensive expertise and relationships will be invaluable in helping chart Aspen's strategic course in the years ahead, and in ensuring that our products meet the needs of pilots around the world."

Boyer is no stranger to emerging technologies and recognizing their potential to improve aviation safety. Under his leadership, AOPA was instrumental in convincing the FAA to endorse and certify the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for use in GA aircraft navigation.

More recently, he has worked closely with the FAA on its NextGen initiative to use 21st-century technologies to transform the air transportation system.

FMI: www.aspenavionics.com