Leinfelden-Echterdingen, GERMANY /  28 February 2011 — As a sign of Flight Design’s growing sophistication, recent introduction of the C4 created to meet EASA certification, and the worldwide acceptance of its U.S.-leading Light-Sport Aircraft, the CTLS, John Doman has joined Flight Design. Bringing his expertise as Vice President for Cessna, Doman recognizes the need for entry-level aircraft that appeal to a new generation of pilots.

“It’s a privilege for me to be working with a nimble and dynamic group of professionals at Flight Design,” expressed Doman. “The German company has exciting plans to strengthen their leadership position in LSA and to expand the company’s offerings to other segments of General Aviation.”

“We are pleased to welcome John Doman as Director of Business Development, Global Sales & Marketing, effective the first day of March,” noted Matthias Betsch, CEO of Flight Design. “John is the perfect fit for the needs of our future development; he is already active for Flight Design and will make his first public appearance for the company at the Sun ‘n Fun airshow at the end of March, 2011.

Doman logged 21 years with Cessna (1979-1986 and 1996-2010) rising to Vice President, Worldwide Propeller Aircraft Sales from 2002 to 2010. He led an internal and external team annually selling over 500 Caravans and single engine piston aircraft amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars in sales. John was also key in initiating and managing Cessna’s entry into the LSA market with the new Cessna 162 Skycatcher; the company secured more than 1,000 orders for the new model. Mr. Doman was instrumental in Cessna’s acquisition and assimilation of Columbia Aircraft Company in December, 2007 (now marketed as the Cessna Corvalis).  “LSA represent the future of aviation,” added John. “Using LSA, we have the best opportunity to once again grow student starts and our pilot population to ensure a healthy future for this industry. For this reason alone, everyone in general aviation needs to embrace and support LSA and I couldn’t be more pleased than to be joining a company that has been at the forefront of this initiative from the very beginning.”

Flight Design is a 24-year-old air-sport products producer based in Germany. The company remains the worldwide market leader thanks to its well-received CT series of light aircraft. More than 1,700 of these aircraft are flying in 39 countries. One of the first aircraft certified under ASTM International standards in 2005, the CT (“composite technology”) remains the top-selling LSA in America through six consecutive years. Flight Design sold the first LSA to India and was the first LSA to earn Chinese Type Design Approval. Three times a CT has been flown around the world.