Flight Design USA Assets Sold, Airtime Aviation Takes on Distributorship

Thursday, September 08, 2022 at 05:33 PM ET

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The Flight Design F2 has transferred to the company’s production facilities in the Czech Republic for manufacturing while the primary plant in Kherson, Ukraine, remains in harm’s way. [Credit: Glenn Watson]

Key Takeaways:

Airtime Aviation has acquired Flight Design USA's assets and importer license, becoming the new U.S. distributor for Flight Design airplanes, with the new principals having a long-standing relationship with the brand.
Flight Design moved its aircraft production from Ukraine to the Czech Republic due to the Russian invasion, resulting in an estimated 14-18 month delay in fulfilling current orders.
Despite production disruptions, Flight Design sales remain strong, and the F2 aircraft is progressing towards FAA Part 23 and future IFR certification to expand its use in flight training and light commercial operations.

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The longtime U.S. distributor and importer for Flight Design’s line of single-engine piston airplanes has handed the baton to a new principal. Airtime Aviation, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has acquired the assets of Flight Design USA. Tom Gutmann Sr. and Tom Gutmann Jr.—father and son—share ownership of Airtime Aviation.

“We’ve closed down Flight Design USA,” said that company’s founder, Tom Peghiny, in an update to FLYING on Wednesday. “Airtime bought the inventory and equipment.” Peghiny also verified that Airtime Aviation would secure the importer license as well, to help ensure the smooth transfer of current orders to the new distributor. “They are the right group to handle [the F2 and other models],” said Peghiny, who will continue on as a consultant.