12 July 2022
RANS Aircraft has announced that founder Randy Schlitter will be handing over the title and duties of president to long-term employee Tony Dopita.
“Tony knows the planes, the customers, and the business,” said Randy Schlitter, designer of the RANS line of light aircraft of which more than 5,000 have been sold.
“I’m confident in his ability and his commitment to our customers and our brand. This gives me the opportunity to turn a corner, and I’m happy to spend more time in the R&D department to further the advancements in sport and utility aviation for RANS.”
Tony is a third-generation pilot, second generation RANS kit builder and has worked for RANS for 20 years, said a RANS statement. He has performed virtually every task in manufacturing and production and has been the Production Manager at RANS since 2017.
“I am pleased to get this opportunity,” he said, “and I look forward to maintaining the ship’s course of the quality, customer service, and fun that has become the RANS status quo as we evolve and grow.”
Randy Schlitter remains CEO of RANS Aircraft, and his wife, Michele, remains in the VP position.
RANS Aircraft produces kitplanes and ready-to-fly aircraft at its factory in Hays, Kansas. Current production models include the S-7S Courier, S-20 Raven and S-21 Outbound. Tech, build support and parts are still available for all models.
