News
NBAA congratulates aviation legend Russ Meyer

July 20, 2009, Washington, DC. – National Business Aviation Association
(NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen said the induction of Russ
Meyer into the National Aviation Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to
Meyer’s legacy of innovation and dedication to the people and companies
in the general aviation community.

“Russ Meyer is a visionary who embodies the spirit and passion that are
the hallmarks of general aviation,” Bolen said. “We are delighted that
his countless contributions to our industry have been recognized with
his induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.”

Meyer, former chairman and CEO of the Cessna Aircraft Company, was
inducted into the Hall of Fame in Dayton, OH, during an enshrinement
ceremony held today.

A Davenport, IA native, Meyer holds degrees from Yale and Harvard
universities. He served in the United States Air Force and Marine Corps
Reserves from 1955 to 1961. Meyer has logged more than 17,000 flight
hours in more than 50 aircraft types.

In 1974, he joined the Cessna Aircraft Company as executive vice
president and was named chairman and CEO one year later. During Meyer’s
tenure as chairman, Cessna delivered 67,000 aircraft – more deliveries
than those from any other manufacturer. 

Under Meyer’s leadership, Cessna earned the Collier Trophy twice –
first in 1986, for the safety record obtained by Cessna’s Citation
fleet, and again in 1986, for the development of the Citation X. In
1995, Meyer was honored with the NBAA Award for Meritorious Service to
Aviation. One of the aviation industry's most prestigious honors, the
award is given to individuals who, by virtue of a lifetime of personal
dedication, have made significant identifiable contributions that have
materially advanced aviation interests.

A champion of general aviation, Meyer led the battle against stifling
regulations that nearly decimated the general aviation industry in the
late 1970s and 1980s. As a result, Congress passed and the Clinton
Administration signed the General Aviation Revitalization Act in 1994,
helping to preserve or create many thousands of jobs.

“Russ has always been held in high regard by policymakers in
Washington, who recognize his solid grasp of policy and his emphasis on
collaborating with people regardless of political party or philosophy,”
Bolen continued. “That reputation has made him a very effective
advocate for business aviation.”

Meyer retired from Cessna in 2003 and remains active in general
aviation and philanthropic projects. He was inducted into the National
Aviation Hall of Fame today along with NASA astronauts Eileen Collins
and Edward White, and Jimmy Stewart, the late actor and military pilot.

“It is tremendous to see that Russ’s accomplishments, which have helped
define business aviation as we know it, will now be recognized
alongside those of other aviation pioneers,” Bolen said. “Russ’s story
is one we can all take great pride in, and we can be sure that it will
inspire future generations of aviators.”