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.

FMI: www.skystar.com