AIR COMMAND INTERNATIONAL HAS NEW OWNER
Harold Smith sold Air Command International, one of the oldest gyroplane kit manufacturers, to Joe Covelli. According to Joe, “We look forward to continuing Air Command’s great traditional and strong reputation in manufacturing production gyroplane kits, parts and accessories to customers worldwide”. The company’s headquarters will remain in the Unites States, but moved from Texas to Wisconsin.
AIR COMMAND INTERNATIONAL HAS NEW OWNERA longtime world leader in gyroplane production kits headquartered in the United StatesRIVER FALLS, WI, March 12, 2018 - In September 2017, Harold Smith sold Air Command International to Joe Covelli (photo insert, left to right). The company specializes in manufacturing gyroplane rotorcraft kits that owners build-to-fly.With over 2,500 of its rotorcraft flying worldwide, the company is one of the oldest gyroplane kit manufacturers in operation today with their first flight in 1984 with the very popular 447 Commander Gyroplane.Harold, an aeronautical engineer, and his son Doug, successfully operated Air Command from the airport in Caddo Mills, Texas for nearly 25 years.As part of the transaction, the company's headquarters, to include operations and manufacturing, were moved to River Falls, Wisconsin (near Minneapolis, Minnesota).According to Joe, "We look forward to continuing the great tradition of Air Command in manufacturing production gyroplane kits, parts and accessories to customers worldwide". He continued, "Doug is an expert in making aviation grade fiberglass parts. It's important to us to continue and source our fiberglass parts from him and have his ongoing involvement in the company. Doug is very committed to Air Command's ongoing success".In 2011, Joe first learned about Air Command from a friend who owned one of their aircraft designs. The summer of that year he traveled to meet Harold and Doug, learn more about Air Command, and see their operation and product line firsthand. This visit sparked his interest in their products and gyroplane flying. He commented, "Air Command customers have a strong commitment to this brand and gyroplane flying that offers that wonderful birds-eye view. It will be great to see where we go from here to expand the company's reach in the US and worldwide". Joe brings to the company 30-years of business experience in sales, marketing, operations and management. He earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration. His interest in flight came through managing an emergency medical helicopter operation near Minneapolis, Minnesota.The website is www.AirCommand.com.###
