The board of directors of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has elected Simon Caldecott, president and CEO of Piper Aircraft, as its chairman for 2017.
In addition, Phil Straub, Managing Director of Aviation and Vice President of Garmin International, was elected as Vice Chairman. Straub is a former chairman of GAMA’s Technical Policy Committee.
The board also voted Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of the Daher Airplane Business Unit, as chairman of GAMA’s Safety and Accident Investigation Committee.
Aaron Hilkemann of Duncan Aviation, who served as GAMA’s chairman in 2016, will remain on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past Chairman.
GAMA’s Board of Directors also approved a new member company at the meeting. Founded in 2009, the China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (AVIC General) is headquartered in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. AVIC General’s general aviation products include the Y12, Y5, and LE500 aircraft, which are manufactured in China. New products in development include the single-engine turboprop AG300 and the four-engine large-size amphibian AG600. AVIC General also offers charter, pilot training, air show, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.
Additionally, GAMA’s Board approved EViation Ltd. as its newest associate member. Based in Israel, EViation Ltd. is developing and manufacturing an electric aircraft.