Category: About People

FlightSafety International Appoints Eric Hinson as Chief Executive Officer

FlightSafety International announced the appointment of Eric Hinson as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Hinson will succeed former president Barbara Telek who recently announced her retirement.

Hinson’s appointment marks a return to FlightSafety. He served as an executive vice president from 2009 to 2012 before leaving to be the president and CEO of Simcom International, Inc.

Hinson started his aviation career as a naval aviator flying tactical aircraft in training, fleet, and operational test squadrons. Today, he is an active ATP-rated pilot with more than 5,000 total flight hours. He brings a unique operational perspective to the position—one that blends executive leadership with firsthand experience.

In addition to FlightSafety and Simcom, Hinson has served in a variety of senior leadership positions at leading aviation companies, including Honeywell, Gulfstream, and Piaggio Aerospace. He also served as a board member of the General Aviation Manufacturer Association (GAMA) from 2013 to 2024 and Chairman in 2023.

“I am thrilled to return to FlightSafety International at a transformative time for the business and the aviation industry,” said Hinson. “Together, we will continue driving innovation, enhancing operational excellence, and delivering world-class safety experiences for our customers.”

Hinson received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Anderson School at UCLA and a bachelor’s degree from Lewis and Clark College.

Former StandardAero Regional Sales Manager Steve Lunde Receives Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award

Steve Lunde, former regional sales manager for the Western U.S. on the business aviation team at StandardAero was awarded the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award earlier this year. The award was presented on June 17, 2025, during a ceremony held at StandardAero’s Van Nuys, California facility, surrounded by friends, family and colleagues from across the country.

The prestigious recognition commemorates Lunde’s remarkable achievement of maintaining an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License for more than 50 years — reflecting his lifelong passion, technical expertise and exceptional service within the aviation industry. After decades of meaningful contributions to StandardAero and the business aviation community, Lunde has since retired from his role but remains actively involved.

“I have now been an A&P Technician for over 50 years. What a great ride. I’ve worked on everything from a C-150 to a Boeing BBJ. I can’t tell you how rewarding it has been. What a great industry we work in,” Lunde said.

Lunde’s passion for aviation began at just four years old, inspired by childhood summer trips to Hawaii. This early fascination developed into a dynamic career after he earned his A&P License in 1975, working on 737s and C130s.

He later advanced to the role of director of sales at Gulfstream Aerospace, where he was directly involved in former Gulfstream owner Allen Paulson’s world record-setting G400 project. His career ultimately led him to Dallas Airmotive, which later became StandardAero, where he carved out a legacy as a trusted leader and friend. In his most recent role, Lunde served as regional sales manager within StandardAero’s Rolls-Royce Engine Program, embodying true dedication to both customer success and industry excellence, StandardAero said.

“It’s everything. It’s what my whole life has been,” he said when asked about the meaning of receiving the Charles Taylor Award.

Reflecting on Steve’s decades-long impact, Michael McCauley, senior director of the Rolls-Royce program at StandardAero, shared: “The Charles Taylor Award is a great example of Steve’s dedication to the industry… for over five decades. You don’t have the knowledge that Steve has and share the knowledge that Steve has without the character and respect of others to do so.”

“Congratulations once again to Steve on earning this esteemed recognition and for an incredible career in aviation—one that we are grateful to continue supporting through his new role as a customer,” the company said in a press release.

Alton Aviation Consultancy Expands to London 

Aviation advisory firm Alton Aviation Consultancy announced its international expansion with the addition of London, United Kingdom, strengthening its global footprint to support growing client demand across the UK and Europe.

As a global center for finance and home to many of the world’s leading airports, airlines, aerospace companies and investors in aviation, London provides a strategic base for Alton’s continued growth in the region, the firm says.

The London expansion will be led by Augusto Viansson Ponte, who joins Alton as director. He brings more than 25 years of international aviation advisory experience to his role.

Adam Cowburn, co-founder and managing director at Alton, says: “Expanding our presence to London gives Alton a stronger foothold in Europe, one of the most dynamic aviation markets worldwide. We are delighted to welcome Augusto as Director of our London base. His experience and insight will be instrumental as we deepen our relationships with clients across the UK and Europe.”

Throughout his career, Viansson Ponte has advised airlines, aerospace companies, and defense organizations on complex strategic and financial engagements, with expertise spanning performance improvement, operational transformation, corporate restructuring, and due diligence. Prior to Alton, he was director of strategy and planning at Airline Management Group (AMG) and previously worked at major consultancies including L.E.K. Consulting and AlixPartners.

Viansson Ponte adds: “I have long admired Alton’s impressive growth and the reputation it’s built as a trusted aviation advisor. The London presence further enhances the firm’s ability to offer on-the-ground support to clients across the aviation value chain, including airlines, lessors, MRO providers, investors, airports, and OEMs.”

Aviation Industry Leader Jimmy Hill to Head Asset Management Effort at ATS

Aviation Technical Services (ATS) announced the addition of Jimmy Hill to its executive leadership Team as senior vice president, Ranger Air Aviation, replacing Rob Hill who is retiring the post since founding Ranger Air with a small number of partners in 2002. The role continues to support the realignment activity of ATS’s materials businesses announced internally to ATS and Ranger Air employees in May of 2024. ATS’s new organizational structure and business approach has brought together the sales, entrepreneurial leadership, and related strategy development of its component repair, component sales, and engineering teams. Hill will lead the Ranger Air team which has enjoyed recent growth in the used serviceable materials (USM) trading and parts distribution sectors of the commercial aftermarket.

Hill joins ATS from MRO Holdings where he served as vice president, sales and marketing, growing sales within the heavy maintenance sector for the company. He also has extensive aerospace and leadership experience from time spent with CFM Materials, GE Aviation Materials, Pratt and Whitney, AAR Corp, and Aviall. He is a leading industry expert in USM, aeroengine maintenance, and airframe services, along with asset sales, trading and leasing.

“We’re excited to continue furthering ATS’s impressive story in aviation supply chain by increasing collaboration within our component repair, USM, parts trading, and PMA businesses,” stated Dennis Santare, SVP of component & engineering solutions. “Jimmy is surrounded by experienced leaders and team members who are driven to provide an exceptional customer experience and share in the ATS vision.”

Hill attended the University of Wisconsin where he earned a degree in industrial engineering. Additionally, he serves his community through several avenues including the YMCA and Cup of Grace and also holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from GE.

Noted San Antonio Businessman Killed When Aircraft Engines Falls on Him

A man identified as 70-year-old David Monroe was killed on Friday, September 19, 2025, when a jet engine fell on him at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio. Monroe was working with a crew to transport the engine when the rolling dolly it was on started moving, causing him to fall off the loading dock. The 5,000-pound engine then fell on him, resulting in his death at the scene, which authorities are calling a workplace accident. 

Police and firefighters responded to a call at the Boeing Center at Tech Port after reports that a large piece of equipment, described by officials as possibly a jet engine, had fallen on a man. Firefighters declared Monroe dead at the scene near a loading dock, according to the San Antonio Fire Department.

Port San Antonio on Saturday confirmed Monroe’s identity in a statement remembering him as a visionary who left a mark on the local and global technology industry. 

Monroe was the founder of the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT). A statement published on the SAMSAT website states, “David Monroe was a prolific inventor, a driven entrepreneur and a man with a heart for technology’s impact on the lives of adults and children. His contribution to the digital age has been felt all over the world. His final chapter was bringing this impact to all corners of San Antonio. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues at SAMSAT and beyond. On behalf of Lorena Monroe and the SAMSAT team we want to thank you for the outpouring of support, and we appreciate you for respecting our privacy as we process David’s passing and legacy.”

Monroe obtained 54 patents, with innovations from the early microcomputer processor, wireless networking, teleradiology and digital imaging, reports say. He is often recognized for pioneering technology that made the cellphone camera possible.

“David was a force for good who transformed countless lives he touched,” wrote Paco Felici, the port’s chief of staff and chief communications officer, in the statement. “To the Port team, he was a friend and partner who inspired us and, through his beloved SAMSAT and museum team, worked hand in hand in a shared vision to make the world a better place.”

The Port San Antonio statement also added, “To tens of thousands of people — youngsters and adults alike — he was a tireless leader deeply committed to providing opportunities to lifelong learning.”

StandardAero Announces Component Repair Services Leadership Succession

StandardAero, an independent provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, including engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and engine component repair, announced the appointment of Gregory Krekeler as resident of its component repair services (CRS) business. Krekeler succeeds Kimberly Ashmun, who will remain with the company through the end of the year to support the leadership transition. Krekeler will be based in Cincinnati, OH, and report to Kim Ernzen, chief operating officer of StandardAero.

Krekeler brings to the position more than 20 years of aerospace and defense experience. Most recently, he served as vice president and general manager of StandardAero’s facility in Maryville, TN. In addition to the past three years with StandardAero, he spent nearly two decades in various global engineering, supply chain and procurement leadership roles with Boeing, both within the United States and in the United Kingdom. He also held roles in engineering and program leadership with McDonnell Douglas. Krekeler holds Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering degrees.

“Greg is well positioned to lead our component repair services business into the future,” said Kim Ernzen, chief operating officer of StandardAero. “He has a strong track record of operational excellence and customer focus, combined with deep experience in the industry and with StandardAero. Working closely with the senior leadership team across our Engine Services divisions and with the CRS team, Greg will drive our strategy to accelerate the growth of CRS.”

Ernzen added: “We are grateful to Kim for her leadership and dedication to shape and advance CRS over the last three years and following this transition wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Aviation Specialties Unlimited Hires Retired Army Aviator Keye Perry

Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), a provider of night vision solutions, announced that the company has hired retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Keye Perry as their Eastern United States USG territory manager. 

Perry, a decorated 20-year United States Army Veteran, brings with him a depth of experience that includes more than 1,100 flight hours as a test pilot, facility management, project management, aircraft maintenance, supply chain management, strategic planning, operational management, and business development skills. He has a master’s degree in information technology from Webster University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy and is currently a Doctoral student at Liberty University.  

In addition to more than 20 years of military experience, Perry has more than 14 years of civilian aviation experience working with industry leaders in various capacities, including business development and project management around the world. 

“Keye has an outstanding reputation and a wealth of experience in the military and civil aviation industry,” said ASU vice president of business development, Chad St. Francis. “His knowledge of government programs, aviation initiatives, and program requirements will greatly enhance ASU’s ability to serve clients.”

Perry also obtained a dozen certifications, including  ITAR compliance and project management. He has completed certifications from Homeland Security, FEMA, and other military-based training. 

“ASU works with numerous government agencies that require a definitive understanding of how procurement, project management, and maintenance work within their programs,” said Dan Meyer, ASU vice president of sales and armketing. “With the sales growth in our E3 line of NVGs and growing demand, we needed someone who possessed the ability to help agencies throughout the entire purchasing process. Keye will not only be able to help with initial sales but also assist with the proper maintenance of products. Whether agencies are in the infancy of starting a program or are in the middle of retooling their fleets of aircraft, his knowledge will be invaluable. He will be a tremendous addition to the team.”

AerSale Appoints Paul Hechenberger as SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Aviation products and services provider AerSale announced the appointment of Paul Hechenberger as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.

Hechenberger brings more than four decades of legal, leadership, and aerospace experience to AerSale, with extensive expertise in complex commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and compliance.

Prior to joining AerSale, Hechenberger was a partner with Miami-based law firm Shutts & Bowen. His previous leadership roles include serving as general counsel at iAero Group, deputy general counsel at Spirit AeroSystems, general counsel at BBA Aviation (Aftermarket Services), chief M&A counsel at BBA Aviation, and corporate counsel at Tyco Fire & Security.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Hechenberger served as an EA-6B Naval flight officer, retiring with the rank of Captain after a combined 30 years of active and reserve service. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, an MBA from the University of West Florida, and a BSBA from Villanova University. He is licensed to practice law in the state of Florida.

“Paul’s extensive legal expertise and deep understanding of the aerospace industry make him an outstanding addition to our executive team,” said Nicolas Finazzo, CEO of AerSale. “His proven leadership and strategic counsel will be instrumental as we continue to grow our business and deliver value to our shareholders.”

MROH Group Appoints Carroll Lane CEO

The MROH Group, a leading provider of aircraft maintenance and modification services, today announced the appointment of Carroll Lane as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Lane brings extensive leadership experience in the aerospace and defense sectors, having held senior roles across globally recognized organizations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carroll as our new CEO,” said Roberto Kriete, chairman of the board of MROH Group. “Beyond his impressive credentials, what stood out most about Carroll is his alignment with MROH’s values. He understands the importance of people, culture, and community in sustaining long-term success.”

Lane most recently served as senior vice president at Kaman Corporation where he led the company’s Engineered Products and Precision Products segments. Additionally, Lane served as Interim chief financial officer.

Previously, Lane was president of commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney, where he was responsible for product development, program management, and aftermarket operations across the company’s large commercial engine portfolio. His prior roles include key leadership positions with United Technologies Corporation including vice president, investor relations and vice president, Pratt & Whitney commercial aftermarket.

A former Naval Aviator in the United States Marine Corps, Lane holds a bachelor’s degree from Williams College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

“I have followed MROH Group’s journey for several years and have long admired its strong operational foundation and collaborative culture,” said Carroll Lane. “The company’s commitment to building lasting relationships with customers, empowering its people, and contributing to the communities it serves is truly inspiring. I am honored to join the team and look forward to helping drive its continued success.”

Donald Mitacek will resume his role as executive advisor to the board of directors, continuing to support the company’s long-term strategic direction.

B&H Worldwide Singapore Joins Hands with Singapore Cancer Society to Support Cancer Warriors

Aerospace logistics specialist B&H Worldwide announced its participation in a goodie bag donation drive in collaboration with the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS), that took place on 2 August 2025.

As part of this community engagement initiative, the team from B&H Worldwide’s Singapore station prepared, packed and hand-delivered goodie bags to the homes of cancer warriors supported by SCS. Through this meaningful outreach, the team hopes to reinforce a powerful message — that no one should have to face cancer alone.

Beyond distributing the goodie bags, team members spent time befriending the beneficiaries, offering emotional support and encouragement in their journey of healing. This effort allows the team to exercise not only social responsibility but also compassion and leadership in contributing to the community.

“We are honored to stand alongside the Singapore Cancer Society in making a difference to the lives of those impacted by cancer,” said David Wong, station manager of B&H Worldwide Singapore. “This initiative gives our team a chance to connect with individuals in a meaningful way, and we hope to bring warmth, encouragement and strength to each person we meet.”

This collaboration underscores B&H Worldwide’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities where it operates and supporting health and wellness causes through purposeful action.