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Former Cessna CEO Russ Meyer Jr. Dies at 93

Longtime executive helped guide development of the Citation jet family.

Russ Meyer Jr.
Russ Meyer Jr. [Credit: Textron Aviation]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Russ Meyer Jr., former chair and CEO of Cessna Aircraft, passed away at 93, recognized for his nearly three decades of leadership and enduring legacy in aviation.
  • He was instrumental in lobbying for and passing the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, which significantly revived the general aviation manufacturing industry by limiting manufacturer liability.
  • Meyer also contributed to the development of the Cessna Citation business jet, founded the Special Olympics Airlift, and received numerous accolades including the Collier Trophy and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
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Russ Meyer Jr., longtime chair, CEO, and later chairman emeritus of Cessna Aircraft, now known as Textron Aviation, died after a brief illness March 4 in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 93.

“The Textron Aviation team is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Russell ‘Russ’ Meyer Jr., who served as chairman and CEO, and chairman emeritus of Cessna Aircraft Company for nearly three decades,” the company said in a media release. “Meyer was an aviation legend who believed the industry should serve a higher purpose, and he lived that belief through action. He leaves an enduring legacy of innovation, advocacy, and service. Thousands of lives were shaped by his mentorship, his generosity, and his belief in what others could achieve.”

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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