Ed Stimpson, a man who played a key role in reviving the general aviation industry, died at his home in Boise, Idaho, Wednesday. Stimpson was the driving force behind the 1994 General Aviation Revitalization Act, a law that resulted in the resumption of manufacturing by some planemakers, notably Cessna. In fact, Cessna put Stimpson's initials on the first 100 piston planes produced after restarting the line. "The aviation world has lost one of the greatest statesmen it has ever known," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "For nearly 40 years, he has been a leader in shaping aviation policy, both in the United States and around the world."
Stimpson held many influential positions during his career. He was the first president of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and retired in 1996 to become the president of Be A Pilot. He was a U.S. representative on ICAO and most recently the chairman of the Flight Safety Foundation. In June, although he had never smoked, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
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