Dale Klapmeier joins board

Klapmeier is best known as the co-founder and longtime CEO of Cirrus Aircraft, where he helped transform the modern general aviation landscape. Over more than three decades, he helped lead the development of the SR-series piston aircraft, bringing the next generation of aircraft to owners around the world. After Klapmeier’s brother, Alan, developed and launched the Vision Jet, Dale then guided Cirrus through its development, certification, and production, establishing a new category of owner-flown personal jets.

Under Klapmeier’s leadership, Cirrus became known for bringing new pilots into aviation through a relentless drive for innovation, establishing a new level of safety, simplicity, comfort, and performance. Cirrus Aircraft was the first company to make a whole-airframe parachute system standard equipment in every aircraft produced, reframing how pilots and families thought about risk in personal aviation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dale Klapmeier to the AOPA Board of Trustees,” said Jim Hauslein, chairman of the board. “A National Aviation Hall of Fame inductee, Dale is a true general aviation visionary. Through Cirrus, he helped deliver more than 10,000 piston aircraft to owners and fundamentally reshaped the owner-flown light jet category. Just as importantly, he brings a lifelong commitment to the GA pilot community that will be invaluable to the board as we look ahead.”

“AOPA has always been the voice of the pilot and a fierce defender of the freedom to fly,” Klapmeier said. “I’ve spent my career focused on helping more people experience the utility, safety, and joy of personal aviation. I’m excited to support AOPA’s mission and contribute to the work being done on behalf of pilots across the country.”

As a member of the board of trustees, Klapmeier will help guide AOPA’s strategic direction and governance as the association continues its work in advocacy, safety, training, and member services for pilots nationwide.

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