Tom Gunnarson

Tom Gunnarson

LAMA Board Member

Piloting a novel open cockpit aircraft 500 feet above the ground for the first time was an indescribable sensory and personally fulfilling experience. Teaching others to safely do the same built a strong foundation to then promote, protect and represent owners, operators and industry that cemented some career-defining principles – privileges and risk should correspond to a proportional level of responsibility and above all, safety comes first.

That 500-foot perspective has been a constant guidepost to facilitate stakeholder engagement; educate industry, government and users; and usher policy makers to make decisions that equally benefit industry, users and the public.

My passion for flight and a high level of earned trust and integrity have placed me in leadership roles and produced results. Deep relationships with regulators and industry leaders and a breadth of business experience, including company officer positions, has helped balance my approach to decision-making and their implications to industry and society.

As lead of regulatory affairs with Wisk Aero, I am taking on the challenges that come with bringing a self-flying all-electric air taxi to market. This includes close interaction with stakeholders to develop guidance and policy proposals to foster progressive standards for technical and operational aviation regulations.

Selected background and achievements

  • Chaired for 7 years the FAA/industry ARAC group responsible for developing the Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft rule
  • Previous LAMA President for three years
  • Developed and implemented manufacturing and documentation assessment and development process resulting in certification of four Light Sport Aircraft
  • Provided external standards compliance auditing service to 10 LSA manufacturers
  • FAA focal for ASTM standards development and the FAA acceptance process with the FAA Advanced Technology Branch for five years. Also coordinated an FAA regulatory feasibility study on electric propulsion
  • Produced and chaired three International Regulatory Summits on Certification of Small Aircraft
  • Founding member of ASTM F37 Committee on Light Sport Aircraft holding leadership positions through present day. Also active in EUROCAE, SAE and GAMA
  • For 14 years, held positions of Director of Safety and Training, Government & International Affairs, and Executive Vice President with the U.S. Ultralight Association
  • Managed 7 employees at one of nation’s largest recreational flight training centers, responsible for flight school, aircraft sales, service, and national parts distribution
  • 1,400 hours flight instruction given
  • Author of 500 business and periodical reports, press releases, news accounts and magazine articles