A top management panel featuring the senior executives of Wichita’s airframe manufacturers will close out the Wichita Aero Club’s year on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

The luncheon, which will be held at the Wichita Airport Hilton, will feature the first annual Wichita Aero Club “On-Air Summit.” The event will be broadcast live over the Internet

“The December meeting of the Wichita Aero Club will be a special opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the challenges, plans and issues facing the major aerospace firms that call Wichita home,” noted Dave Franson, Wichita Aero Club Executive Director.

“Calling this event the ‘On-Air Summit’ isn’t totally ‘tongue in cheek,’ either. It actually brings together industry leaders just as the G-8 Summit does with heads of state and it’s focused on the air industry. By broadcasting it live over the Internet, we’re adding another dimension to the event.”

Scott Strode, vice president and general manager of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems in Wichita, has agreed to bring a military dimension to the panel. He will join the top managers of Wichita’s major commercial aviation firms: Jack Pelton of Cessna; Bill Boisture of Hawker Beechcraft; David Coleal of Bombardier Learjet; Jeff Turner of Spirit AeroSystems and Bill Greer of Airbus North America Engineering. Flying Magazine’s Editor in Chief J. Mac McClellan, who will act as moderator for the discussion, has indicated that he will focus on four key areas: Business and Recovery Outlook, Wichita’s future focus, Employment levels and Government influence.

“Web-casting this panel discussion will make it available to other industry associations, media outlets and interested individuals in real time. That’s consistent with the Wichita Aero Club’s mission to help focus attention and advance awareness of the issues facing the aerospace industry,” Franson added.

The Wichita Aero Club was founded in October 2008 to foster and promote interest in aviation, provide a forum focused on the industry’s issues and achievements and bring together those with a passion for flight in an environment that expands and enhances professional relationships and furthers cooperation and understanding.

For more information: WichitaAeroClub.org