Yingling Aviation Announces Changes In Operational Leadership

Sept. 4, 2012

September 4, 2012  (Wichita, Kansas) Yingling Aviation, the long-time fixed based operator, maintenance, repair and overhaul center located at Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport today announced the promotion of Lonnie Vaughan to the position of President and Andrew Nichols to the post of Vice President of Finance. 

Lynn Nichols, Chairman and CEO of Yingling Aviation made the announcement.  He noted that Mr. Vaughan, who has served as Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the past twelve years, will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the company.  “Lonnie knows this company better than anybody, and he knows me very well, too.  He has led the financial operations of my companies for more than 20 years,” Nichols said.  “During his 12 years at Yingling Aviation he has been an integral and important member of the management team and has earned my utmost support and trust.  I am confident he will lead Yingling to its fullest potential,” he stated.

Andrew Nichols, who holds a Business Management Degree from Kansas State University and a Finance Degree from Wichita State University, will take charge of Yingling’s financial operations.  He has been promoted to Vice President of Finance and will report directly to Mr. Vaughan.  “Andrew has worked in Yingling’s Line and Customer Services departments every summer while in high school and college.  For the past three years, since joining the company from Cessna Aircraft Company, he has been in our management training program.  He has my utmost confidence and will serve the company well.   Both Lonnie and Andrew are pilots, so they fully understand what it takes for us to continue being a premier provider of general aviation services,” he added.

 “These management changes are part of our overall strategy to grow and diversify our operations.  They will allow me to focus on pursuing new opportunities for the company and there are definitely some good strategic fits that I don’t want to see pass us by,” he concluded.  

About Yingling

            Since 1999 when Yingling was acquired by its current Chief Executive Officer Lynn Nichols, has worked closely with Cessna Aircraft Company to create business opportunities such as the installation of Oasis interiors in Cessna Caravan turboprops, creation of specific maintenance programs for piston and turboprop models and the installation of special mission packages for the Civil Air Patrol and rejuvenation of  more than 250 FEDERAL EXPRESS cargo aircraft.  Yingling is also the most prolific supplier of Cessna parts in the world.  In addition, the Wichita-based company also offers an exceptional selection of equipment, specialty items and gifts at its Aviator’s Attic store.  Yingling employs more than 100 people.  Yingling Aviation can be reached by calling (316) 943-3246 or on the web at www.yinglingaviation.com.