Former Cessna CEO joins IMC Club board

The IMC Club has appointed Jack Pelton, former CEO of Cessna Aircraft Co., and the chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association, to its board of directors.

This appointment marks a significant expansion of the board, according to club officials. It also follows the addition to the board of Mike Goulian, aerobatic champion, and Joe Brown, president of Hartzell Propellers. The first meeting of the expanded board of directors will take place in Lakeland, Florida, on Wednesday, April 10, during SUN ’n FUN.

”I’m delighted to be joining the IMC Club Board. It’s mission to raise instrument flying proficiency could not be more timely or relevant,” Pelton said. “We have to reduce the GA accident rate and encouraging pilots to continue in increase their skills and proficiency is one of the best ways I know to do that.”

Pelton joined Cessna in November 2000 as Senior Vice President for Product Engineering and was responsible for engineering and product development activities, including new aircraft design, development, flight test and certification, and product improvements for all aircraft in production and service. Prior to Cessna, he served as Senior Vice President for Engineering and Programs of Fairchild Dornier in Germany. He served nearly 20 years at McDonnell Douglas, where he held related executive positions of increasing responsibility.

He has been the chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association board of directors since October 2012. He also serves on the boards of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Bye Aerospace and the Corporate Angel Network. He has also served as Chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and was on the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) advisory council.

He is an ATP, Instrument-Rated Pilot. He has multiple Citation type ratings, including single pilot ratings for the Mustang and CJ family. He also owns and restores antique airplanes.

“It is difficult for me to express how happy we are here at the IMC Club to be able to have someone with such an expertise and experience as Mr. Pelton to be part of our growing organization. I want to thank Mr. Pelton enthusiastically and express my deep appreciation for accepting our invitation,” said Radek Wyrzykowski, president of the IMC Club.

IMC Club, through its nationwide chapters, provides organized “hangar flying” focused on building proficiency in instrument flying. Monthly meetings use real world scenarios to engage members and allow them to share and build their experience.

For more information: IMCClubs.org