Two months after replacing J. Mac McClellan with Michael Maya Charles as editor in chief, Flying magazine has made another change. Former Executive Editor Robert Goyer is now editor in chief.
Both changes occurred following purchase of the magazine by Bonnier Corp., publisher of 52 magazines including Popular Photography, Popular Science, Field & Stream, and Outdoor Life, plus 20 magazines related to boating, diving, and water recreation, the areas in which the company got its start. It is based in Winter Park, Fla.
Flying Publisher Dick Koenig explained, in a letter to the aviation industry, the rapid changes at the helm of the magazine this way: “Though we shared the highest respect for Mac’s [J. Mac McClellan] experience, knowledge, and journalistic skills, making that change was intended to address the long-term positioning needs of the title and he, of course, was aware of the strategic thinking. Meanwhile we all thought that Michael’s varied background and broad aviation experience would provide that desired perspective. Unfortunately we did not anticipate that having Michael as editor in chief would not be the best use of his talents and abilities.”
McClellan has since taken a role in publications at the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Goyer has been with the magazine since 1994 when he was hired as associate editor. “I look forward to the opportunity to work in my new capacity alongside the many talented professionals here at Flying,” said Goyer in a press release from Bonnier. “I’m confident that Flying will continue to be the world-class product our readers have loved for decades as we take it to new heights.” He has played a key role in getting Flying online.
Maya Charles is expected to return to his previous work as a freelance aviation writer and photographer. Koenig did not rule out the possibility that Maya Charles might write for Flying, but there are no plans for that at present. Maya Charles declined to comment. “While it was a mutual decision for Michael to leave, we certainly wish him success in his next endeavor,” Koenig said.
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