Yingling Aviation Announces Promotions of Three Key Executives

Aug. 27, 2007
Yingling Aviation has announced the promotion of Lonnie Vaughan, Bob Gallop and Jerry Pickett to key management positions in Finance, Operations and Sales and Marketing.

Wichita, KS — Yingling Aviation, which has experienced significant growth in revenues and business volume since 2001, has announced the promotion of Lonnie Vaughan, Bob Gallop and Jerry Pickett to key management positions in Finance, Operations and Sales and Marketing. “As we continue the excellent performance that has produced a 150% increase in our business over the past six years, the responsibilities and opportunities facing our management team have grown as well. I’m very pleased to announce that Lonnie, Bob and Jerry have been promoted to new leadership positions that will continue to move our program forward,” said Lynn Nichols, the firm’s president and Chief Executive Officer. “These promotions reflect the outstanding leadership and contributions that these three very capable individuals have made to the success of Yingling in recent years,” he added.

Lonnie Vaughan has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. A seven-year employee at Yingling, he serves as a member of the company’s board of directors and as Treasurer. In addition to his oversight of accounting and finance, he is also responsible for flight training, charter, line, parts and customer service operations. He joined Yingling in 2000, after spending twelve years with IKON Office Solutions, formerly Office Automation, Inc. Prior, he managed the Cessna Employees Flying Club. He is a graduate of Southeast High School in Wichita, and attended Wichita State University.

Bob Gallop assumes the role of Vice President of Repair Station Operations. He previously held the position of Director of Avionics. In his new role, he will be responsible for avionics, maintenance, interior/completions and quality assurance. Gallop came to Yingling in 2003 from Cheyenne Airmotive. A graduate of Manzano High School in Albuquerque, NM, he attended National College of Business and holds a degree in Business Administration. He is an FAA/FCC licensed technician and holds a Private Pilot certificate.

Jerry Pickett has been promoted from Director to Vice President of Sales and Marketing. A veteran aviation sales executive, he is a native of Iowa. He attended Ankeny High School and Des Moines Area Community College. Jerry joined Yingling in 2002. He will continue to be responsible for aircraft sales, marketing and new business development initiatives. All three executives will report directly to Mr. Nichols.

“Six years ago, right after 9-11, we accelerated and expanded our business plan in an effort to get Yingling onto a firmer footing and ensure the quality and consistency of the services we provided to our customers. That initiative has generated good results—our customers are saying great things about us. As such, more opportunities are coming our way and we’re anticipating some additional exciting announcements this year and next. This is a great time to be at Yingling. We have a great team of employees who demonstrate a great work ethic and understand what it takes to continue to generate positive results,” Nichols concluded.

About Yingling

Yingling Aviation has been affiliated with Cessna Aircraft Company longer than any other fixed base operation, having been named the first Cessna dealer more than 60 years ago. With more than 80 employees dedicated to serving customers, an award-winning service operation, Cessna Pilot Center flight training, a spacious pilot’s lounge, and an outstanding selection of equipment, specialty items, and gifts at its Aviator’s Attic, Yingling can provide exceptional hospitality and service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Yingling is also the largest Cessna parts supplier in the world, offering fast worldwide delivery and competitive pricing, with A.O.G. orders received before 11:30 AM shipped the same day. Yingling Aviation can be reached by calling (316) 943-3246 or on the web at www.yinglingaviation.com.