Former Mooney Exec Has Extensive Industry Experience

Avidyne Corporation announced Monday the appointment of David Copeland as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Most recently, Copeland was Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mooney Airplane Co., where he successfully rebranded the company and increased sales threefold during his three-year tenure.

Representatives with the avionics supplier say Copeland brings a lifetime of aviation knowledge and extensive general aviation sales and marketing experience to Avidyne as it expands into a full-line systems manufacturer -- and he's certainly been around the business. Prior to Mooney, Copeland advanced from International Sales Director to Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at Raytheon Aircraft Company -- where he led numerous organizational, sales, and product initiatives that drove more than $175 million in annual revenue.

Before joining Raytheon, Copeland managed marketing and sales for 13 years and captured eight company sales awards at Cessna Aircraft, including as International Area Manager in charge of direct sales in Central and South America.

Before Cessna, Copeland served as a Flight Officer for American Airlines; was one of the youngest General Motors dealer principals in the US; and was assistant manager and sales director at the family-owned Copeland Airport in Wichita, KS. He holds a bachelors degree from Wichita State University.

"It would be hard to find someone with a better general aviation pedigree and the depth of GA experience to join Avidyne as David," said Avidyne President Dan Schwinn. "His sales and marketing expertise and his industry contacts will play a vital role as we continue to grow our product lines, accelerate the expansion of our aftermarket presence and bring the next generation of integrated flight decks to the OEM market."

FMI: www.avidyne.com