As of July 23, Michael Maya Charles will replace J. Mac McClellan as Editor-in-Chief of Flying. McClellan has served on the editorial staff at Flying since 1982 and at the top of the masthead since 1990. Publisher Dick Koenig said, “Mac is well known as a personable, highly accomplished pilot and aviation writer. He has guided Flying through the past two decades of challenges and successes.” Mac’s breadth of general aviation knowledge and expertise – from light singles to wide-body business jets – has served Flying readers well. Maya Charles is also an accomplished pilot, journalist and writer. He has 22,000 hours of flight time in more than 200 different aircraft types represented in his logbook. Over a 38-year career as a professional pilot, he has flown at all levels including airlines, and has published countless articles in a wide range of aviation publications including Flying and AOPA Pilot. His book Artful Flying explores the passion we, as pilots, all share for aviation. Maya Charles is also a licensed aircraft technician who has been an aircraft owner since he was 19. He said, “What I hope to bring to the table is a broad base of experience that allows me to harness my knowledge and passion for flying into an engaging magazine that inspires and educates pilots in all market segments, and of all experience levels.” Flying was founded in 1927.
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All Comments
Thanks, Mac, for all your hard work through the years.
And to Michael - heartfelt congratulations, and here's hoping for an re-energized, invigorated magazine, one we all look to as we participate in the passion we call flying, and navigate through the challenges facing GA.
Two of the most influential individuals in my career in general aviation over the years have been Mac and Richard Collins. Thru their writing and reports, I have received information that made me a better, safer and more informed pilot. I will always be grateful for the information, hints and tips I received over the years from Mac and Richard thru the pages of Flying. Best of luck, Mac, wherever your career now leads you. Always remember how much you are appreciated.
Bob Kromer
former VP Sales, Marketing and Customer Service
Piper Aircraft, Inc.
I second Bob's comment's above. I don't mind change but Mac was doing a fine job at maintaining Flying's authoritative demeanor. I wish him well for whatever comes next and want to say thanks for all the entertainment and wisdom I have derived from Flying magazine during his time at the helm. I also expect to see a steady stream of "emeritus" articles going forward. Everyone and everything needs renewal so I hope that this ends up being a good change for all concerned.
John Hogan, Brisbane, Australia
Editor-In-Chief!
Michael, you will do well, and I look forward to seeing--and reading--what your skills bring to the magazine.
Bob Bostick
I'll always read whatever Mac (and Richard Collins) write, wherever they write it. The great thing about both of them was that they were one of us, GA pilots. They owned their own airplanes and did a lot of GA flying which meant they knew what they were talking about. Most importantly, they told the truth - about aviation safety and aviation hype. Michael, you have big shoes to fill and we all look forward to the "new" magazine.
Thanks for everything, Mac. I read in an industry news rag that your departure was "essentially" mutual, but it's still gotta hurt. Many safe landings in the future.
I am sad to see Mac go. I enjoyed his articles and especially his "Left Seat" column. He always had useful insight and would "tell it like it is". Flying has always been my favorite magazine and I hope it stays that way. I hope he returns as a guest/emeritus author in the future.
MMC is a perfect follow on to J. Mac McClellan. His ideas and experience are on the cutting edge and mesh well with the current flying culture and latest trends. I have been acquainted with Michael for 16 years and I’ve always received honest straightforward info, many times tinged with an appropriate sense of humor.
He is an extremely experienced man in the aviation realm with his in-depth involvement in, love for, and personal ownership of GA aircraft & activities. He is a recognized and respected consultant and aviation safety expert who fully understands the nuances and environment associated with commercial aviation as well. I greatly look forward to his leadership, guidance, and insight at Flying Magazine.
Richard S. Gates
Lakeview, OR
I too enjoed MacClellan's articles, they are always well informed and witty. Amd I think he should not go. He should at least remain in the flyng staff !! of all the articles on flyng.com at this moment the most part are his articles.
Antonio
