And They're Serious, Too!
In what may be the first of many
marketing moves that will take place in the kit plane industry, as
the Sport Pilot rule nears completion (perhaps by April), SkyStar
Aircraft Corporation Friday announced a management reorganization
that demonstrates just how serious they are about capitalizing on
this new opportunity.
SkyStar Aircraft has divided itself into two parts. The
part we are all familiar with, that is, makers of the famed line of
Kitfox Aircraft, will now be known as SkyStar Aircraft Corporation,
Experimental/Manufacturing Division. This division will be
headed by a new President and CEO, Frank Miller. The newly
created SkyStar Aircraft Corporation, Sport Plane Division will be
under the direction of former SkyStar President, Ed Downs.
Mr. Downs will now serve as the President of the Sport Plane
Division.
According to new SkyStar Aircraft Corp.,
Experimental/Manufacturing President, Frank Miller, "This
adjustment to our management structure will allow the SkyStar team
to focus our expertise where it is most needed. While I will
remain dedicated to our existing line of kit aircraft, customer
service and after-market products, Ed will be able to focus his
considerable experience in aircraft certification and training
towards both the use of kits and ready-to-fly airplanes by the
thousands of sport pilots who may be in the system in only a few
months." Mr. Miller, a 20-year veteran in the experimental
kit plane industry, has served as the backbone of SkyStar's design
and manufacturing organizations for many years.
"The formation of a group dedicated to Sport Plane opportunities
is very exciting to me," stated Ed Downs, now President of the new
SkyStar Aircraft Corp., Sport Plane Division. Downs
continued, "The Sport Pilot rule is going to open up new markets
for both kits and certified planes, and we need to be ready to act,
once the opportunities are formalized. Fortunately, I will
remain quite active in the marketing side of the kit plane house
also, so I get to play with all the toys!"
SkyStar has shared in dealing with the overall business downturn
that struck the entire aviation industry following 9/11, but the
future is encouraging as the economy recovers and Sport Pilot draws
near. Frank Miller, President and CEO of SkyStar Aircraft
Corporation is optimistic in the outlook for 2004, "sales are
already up by 25% over last year's average, and the trend is
continuing." Let's all hope that 2004 will be a banner year
for recreational aviation.
Six Turkish Servicemembers Killed in Mid-Air Helicopter Collision
See All