Cessna Joins Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA)

Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton has joined the board of directors of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association after serving for several years as a behind-the-scenes advisor. Cessna Vice President of Marketing Tom Aniello said Cessna is at the table to help, not dictate. "It's not our intention to come in and dominate," he said. Pelton was unable to attend the LAMA press conference at EAA AirVenture. Cessna's announcement of a light sport aircraft just before AirVenture, followed by Cirrus's announcement that it, too, would join the fray, has changed the dynamics of the the LSA sector overnight, and LAMA Chairman Dan Johnson said having two mainstream general aviation players enter the market will have a profound effect on its future.

LAMA also expanded its representation to Europe with the addition of German ultralight and gliding leader Joe Konrad. Konrad will represent the association at various legislative and lobby organizations. There is already a process under way to harmonize standards and regulations for these types of aircraft. "These are worldwide standards we are working toward," Johnson said.