Flight Design USA Assets Sold, Airtime Aviation Takes on Distributorship

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

Verified

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:

Flight Design's U.S. distributorship and assets have been acquired by Airtime Aviation, owned by Tom Gutmann Sr. and Jr., who have a long history with the brand, taking over from Flight Design USA founder Tom Peghiny.
Production facilities in Ukraine were shut down due to the Russian invasion, forcing Flight Design to relocate manufacturing to its plant in Sumperk, Czech Republic, causing delays but with new aircraft deliveries anticipated by the end of October.
Despite production disruptions and a significant order backlog, Flight Design reports strong sales, especially among new pilots, and is actively pursuing FAA Part 23 and future IFR certification for its F2 aircraft to expand its market.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.