© Sylvie Peron
Sean D Tucker, Russ Meyer in conversation with Clay Lacy at NBAA.
Russell W. Meyer Jr., three-time chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and Chairman Emeritus of Cessna Aircraft Company, died on March 4 in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 93.
A former fighter pilot and widely respected industry leader, Meyer played a decisive role in saving the single-engine piston aircraft segment at a time when its future appeared uncertain. His death was announced by Textron Aviation, the modern corporate parent of Cessna.
Born in Davenport, Iowa, Meyer earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1954 and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1961. Between 1955 and 1958, he served as a jet pilot in the U.S. Air Force, later continuing his military career as a fighter pilot with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1958 to 1961.
From 1966 to 1974, Meyer served as president and CEO of Grumman American Aviation Corp. before joining Cessna as executive vice president in 1974. A year later he was appointed chairman and CEO, leading the company for nearly three decades until 2003, and later becoming chairman emeritus in 2005.
An instrument-rated commercial pilot with more than 17,000 flight hours, Meyer oversaw the development and expansion of the Citation family of business jets, helping to shape modern business aviation.
Pete Bunce, longtime president and CEO of GAMA, said that “Meyer’s contribution to the survival of general aviation was pivotal.”
Ron Draper, president and CEO of Textron Aviation, added: “Russ was a remarkable human being and one of the most respected leaders I have ever known. I held him in the highest regard, not only for his extraordinary business acumen, but for the integrity, humility and genuine care he showed for people at every stage of his life.”
