Cirrus cofounder Dale Klapmeier joins AOPA board

Klapmeier took the reins as CEO of Cirrus in 2011, as the company was developing the single-engine jet that became the SF50 Vision Jet, which first flew in 2008 and won the 2017 Robert J. Collier Trophy bestowed by the National Aeronautic Association on the "greatest achievement" in U.S. aerospace. The SF50's ballistic airframe parachute—an innovation pioneered for Cirrus SR-series piston airplanes—was cited by NAA, along with the fact the SF50 was the first single-engine, general aviation jet. The Cirrus Airframe Parachute System is now credited with saving more than 280 lives.

Cirrus earned FAA certification for the Vision Jet in October 2016. The Vision Jet, the third generation of which was introduced February 3, has since surpassed 700 deliveries since 2016. The company marked 11,000 SR-series piston airplane deliveries in December.

Klapmeier, who stepped down from his role as CEO at Cirrus in 2018 but remained a senior advisor to the company, said in a February 2 announcement of his new role that he is honored to join the ranks of AOPA's most senior leaders.

"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."

Chairman Jim Hauslein welcomed Klapmeier to the AOPA Board of Trustees.

"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," Hauslein said. "Just as importantly, he brings a lifelong commitment to the GA pilot community that will be invaluable to the Board as we look ahead."