[Avionics Today 02-08-2016] Jeffrey Pino, vice chairman of the XTI Aircraft Company and former president of Sikorsky Aircraft, died in a plane crash Feb. 5 near Phoenix, Ariz.
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| Jeff Pino of XTI aircraft company and former Sikorsky president passed away on Feb. 5. Photo: XTI |
“There are no words to express the grief and sadness we feel at the passing of our very dear friend and colleague,” said XTI founder and chairman David Brody. “As the former president of Sikorsky Aircraft, Jeff was a true leader, pioneer and industry legend. As the vice chairman of XTI, Jeff was a brilliant strategist, visionary and expert in all things aviation. As our friend, he was all of that and so much more. Our hearts and sincere condolences go out to Jeff’s family and friends. And to the family and friends of Nick Tramontano, Jeff’s long-time flying colleague who was also a victim of the tragedy.”
XTI has named board member Charlie Johnson as interim CEO to oversee the continued development of the TriFan 600, a crowd-funded program to develop a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VOTL) aircraft prototype. “We are all still trying to absorb this shocking loss,” Johnson said. “I’m humbled to be able to move forward with the team and, as Jeff would have wanted, not to waver from our commitment to bring the TriFan 600 to market.”
“We want to assure everyone that XTI is not changing or delaying its technical development plans,” Johnson added. “As we mourn the loss of Jeff and address the needs of the organization, we remain totally committed to the program. We appreciate the outpouring of support from XTI’s strategic partners, vendors and others, and we thank our shareholders for playing such an important role in this revolution and the future of flight.”