Russell W. Meyer, Jr.

Russell W. Meyer Jr. (July 19, 1932 – March 4, 2026) was an American aviation executive who, after transforming American Aviation Corporation into Grumman American, became the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Cessna Aircraft Company, leading it for three decades. Meyer eventually rose to president of the parent company, Textron's, Aviation Sector (including Bell Helicopter and Lycoming Engines). His work included expanding the Grumman American line of light aircraft, radically expanding the Cessna Citation line of business jets to the world's largest and fastest, and salvaging Bell Helicopter's floundering V-22 Osprey program.

Meyer chaired the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) for three terms, and served on various Presidential national aviation commissions. He was a key driving force in the passage of the federal General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA), which limited aircraft manufacturers' liability, shielding a dying lightplane industry.

Cessna Aircraft and Textron In 1974, Meyer was recruited by long-time Cessna President and Chairman Dwane Wallace to become one of two Executive Vice Presidents of Cessna Aircraft Company—by then the world's largest general aviation aircraft manufacturer—with the implied opportunity to rise to CEO when aging Wallace retired. In 1999, Meyer retired as Cessna CEO, handing the job to Cessna veteran Gary Hay, though initially retaining the title of chairman. succeeding in turning the division around. When Cessna Chairman and CEO Gary Hay unexpectedly retired in June 2002, Meyer resumed the role, before handing the Cessna CEO title to Charlie Johnson, then Jack Pelton in 2003—retiring, again, in early 2005, as Cessna's "Chairman Emeritus."

Philanthropy Meyer conceived the Citation Special Olympics Airlift in 1986, which uses Cessna Citation Jets to transport thousands of disabled athletes to the National Special Olympics, one of the largest peacetime airlifts in the nation's history. For decades, the quadrennial project gathered volunteer pilots and owners of Cessna Citation business jets to provide disabled athletes with free transport, in Cessna jets, to-and-from the national event.

He and his wife Helen had five children.

Awards and honors 1986: Robert J. Collier Trophy, National Aeronautic Association (NAA); U.S. aviation's highest award for achievement in aviation, awarded to Meyer and Cessna for the Cessna Citation line of business jets and their exceptional safety record. 1995: Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Association's highest honor 2004: William A. Ong Award, top award of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) 2009: Enshrinee, National Aviation Hall of Fame 2014: Wichita Aero Club Trophy, for contributions to the aviation industry and to the local community 2016: "Russ Meyer Award for Community Leadership" named for Meyer, Newman University 2024: R.A. “Bob” Hoover Award, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), in recognition of his commitment to aviation.