South Woodstock, CONNECTICUT / July 1, 2009 - As the company grows to maintain its longtime sales leadership in light-sport aviation, Flight Design USA announced the appointment of John Gilmore as National Sales Manager for the Flight Design line of Special Light-Sport Aircraft, including the CTLS and MC.
"To take Flight Design to higher sales levels, we knew we needed someone with extensive experience in larger companies," said Tom Peghiny, President of Flight Design USA. Gilmore is highly skilled in channel sales development and has worked for large computer manufacturers and was for several years Vice President of Sales for BRS Parachutes. "That strong background combines with John's enthusiasm for the use of small aircraft for both transportation and fun will help us support and expand the dealer network," added Peghiny.
John Gilmore is a lifelong pilot who has lead sales for fractional jet shares, components, and airframe parachute systems. He has Alaska flying experience and has owned five different aircraft.
"I feel privileged to join the team representing the top-selling brand name in the Light-Sport category. The new planes have enhancements that make them even better. Flight Design has been able to establish a strong worldwide market presence. My plan is to build upon this worldwide success here in the U.S. and take advantage of opportunities that exist in both Light-Sport and GA markets," said Gilmore.
Flight Design operates through a proven network of distributors and dealers covering many states. Its LSA models represent nearly one in five of all Special Light-Sport Aircraft and enjoy high owner loyalty; many have already been repeat buyers. Gilmore will apply his expertise to enhance the efforts of the existing representative network while also seeking new sales outlets.
Recently Flight Design USA company has been expanding its presence in flight schools, building the Flight Design Pilot Center program. The brand-new Flight Design MC - created to do training and recreational flying duty - was selected by EAA to be their official Sweepstakes airplane for 2009. The airplane will be awarded at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 event in approximately one month.
Flight Design USA is the U.S. importer of the CT series from Germany. The company has succeeded in delivering more than 300 aircraft to its American network of distributors and dealers. One of the first Light-Sport Aircraft certified under ASTM standards, the carbon fiber CT series is the best-selling LSA in America. Approximately 1,300 CT models are flying around the globe.
