Washington, D.C. – The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) issued the following statement on the passing of Russell W. Meyer, Jr., former longtime chairman and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company: “NATA joins the aviation community in mourning the passing of Russell W. Meyer, Jr., former longtime chairman and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company, a towering figure in aviation whose leadership and conviction helped shape the course of modern general aviation. Russ believed strongly in the value of aviation businesses and the communities they serve, and he never hesitated to speak with clarity and purpose when policies threatened the strength and accessibility of our aviation system. His leadership during pivotal moments for general aviation, combined with a career dedicated to advancing innovation, safety, and opportunity across the sector, left an enduring mark on the entire aviation ecosystem,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.
“NATA is proud to have joined so many across the aviation community in recognizing Russ for his extraordinary contributions throughout his lifetime, including presenting him with the William A. Ong Memorial Award in 2004, our association’s highest honor. His spirit, leadership, and enduring belief in aviation’s promise will continue to inspire those who build, fly, and advocate for this industry for generations to come.”
Washington, D.C. – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) joins the global aerospace community in mourning the passing of Russell W. “Russ” Meyer, Jr., a visionary leader whose commitment to safety, innovation, and industry advocacy reshaped the landscape of American aviation.
“The passing of Russ Meyer is a sad day for our industry. Russ’s contributions to civil aviation go far beyond just building airplanes,” said Jim Albaugh, Chair of the NAA Board. “He was a leader, visionary, and friend to everyone he met. He will be missed by so many.”
Meyer’s legacy is inextricably linked to the highest honors in flight. He was a rare dual recipient of the NAA’s most prestigious awards, having been honored with the Robert J. Collier Trophy twice, first in 1985 for the unparalleled safety record of the Citation jet fleet, and again in 1996 for the development of the Citation X. In 2009, he was awarded the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for his nearly half-century of public service and his pivotal role in the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA) of 1994.
“Russ Meyer did more than lead an iconic company; he served as a moral and strategic compass for our entire industry,” said Amy Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “His work serves as the ultimate validation of the NAA’s mission. From pioneering the Citation Special Olympics Airlift to championing legislative reform that saved general aviation, Russ embodied the intersection of technical brilliance and tireless service.”
As the Chairman Emeritus of Cessna Aircraft Company, Meyer’s influence extended far beyond the flightdeck. His leadership in establishing rigorous safety standards and his dedication to humanitarian efforts set a benchmark for all future Collier and Wright Trophy recipients.
In honor of his contributions, the 2025 Collier Trophy Selection Committee will observe a moment of silence during its upcoming meeting in Washington, D.C., on March 12, 2026. The NAA remains committed to upholding the standards of excellence that Meyer personified throughout his storied career.
The National Aeronautic Association extends its deepest condolences to the Meyer family and the thousands of colleagues and aviators whose lives were touched by his extraordinary leadership.
Frederick, MD – The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) mourns the loss of Russell W. Meyer, Jr., one of the most consequential leaders in the history of general aviation and longtime Chairman and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company.
AOPA Acting Co-Presidents Katie Pribyl and Jill Baker said: “In his nearly three decades at Cessna, Russ’s work touched every corner of the general aviation community—from bringing the iconic Cessna 172 back into production, to co-founding the ‘Be A Pilot’ program with AOPA to reverse a decades-long decline in new pilots, to effectively saving the entire industry in the 1990s when product liability costs threatened GA as we know it. His fingerprints are on everything we cherish about flying today.
“Russ embodied what it means to be a pilot. With more than 17,000 hours of flight time in more than 50 aircraft types, he never lost his passion for flying. In 2024, AOPA was proud to honor him with the R.A. ‘Bob’ Hoover Award in recognition of his enduring commitment to aviation. His influence and vision will continue to live on across general aviation—in the aircraft we fly, those he inspired to become pilots, and the thriving industry that he refused to let fail.”