The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) today announced the appointment of aviation entrepreneur and industry pioneer Dale Klapmeier to its Board of Trustees.
Dale 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 would help lead the development of the SR-series piston aircraft, bringing the next generation of aircraft to owners around the world. After his brother Alan developed and launched the Vision Jet, Klapmeier 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. Klapmeier, along with his brother, championed the integration of advanced avionics, envelope protection, angle-of-attack awareness, and simplified cockpit design at a time when much of general aviation was still analog. Just as importantly, he pushed for training programs, transition guidance, and owner education that paired technology with pilot proficiency, creating a safety culture that extended well beyond the airplane itself.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dale Klapmeier to the AOPA Board of Trustees,” said Jim Hauslein, chairman of 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. Just as importantly, he brings a lifelong commitment to the GA pilot community that will be invaluable to the Board as we look ahead.”
Klapmeier said he is honored to join the board at a time when advocacy, safety, and pilot engagement are more important than ever.
“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.