See more information from the Business Air News Handbook
Press Release
Issued by Duncan Aviation.
March 16, 2026
Those looking to buy or sell a business aircraft through Duncan Aviation's aircraft sales and acquisitions team will now benefit from the addition of long-time team member Michael Kussatz, whose more than 33 years of aviation experience brings a rare combination of technical knowledge, sales expertise and flight experience to the buying and selling process.
Kussatz's aviation journey began early. He learned to fly at 16 and at 18 swept floors at Duncan Aviation simply to be around the aircraft he was passionate about. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Technology from Central Missouri State University, he began his professional career in business aircraft maintenance sales at an MRO provider.
In 1997, Kussatz returned to Duncan Aviation, where he spent 12 years in sales and as a project manager, developing a deep understanding of aircraft maintenance planning and customer support. He later earned his MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and continued building his career as a regional sales manager at Garmin International.
He rejoined Duncan Aviation in 2019 as a regional avionics sales manager, supporting the East Coast satellite avionics shop network and helping operators evaluate upgrade solutions for their aircraft. In addition to his avionics sales leadership, Kussatz joined Duncan Aviation's flight department in 2022, flying the Pilatus PC-12 and Citation XLS. He has logged approximately 4,000 flight hours and holds ATP, CFI, CFII and MEI/I certifications.
This hands-on flight experience allows Kussatz to bring a pilot's perspective to aircraft sales and acquisitions, helping buyers better evaluate how an aircraft will support their operational needs.
He also enjoys flying a variety of aircraft, including his own 1946 Luscombe 8A.
A certified flight instructor since age 20, Kussatz has even taught his son, Caden, to fly. His daughter, Nikayla, also shares his love of aviation and enjoys flying with him.
In late 2025, Kussatz transitioned from avionics sales to join Duncan Aviation's aircraft sales and acquisitions team, fulfilling a long-held goal. The opportunity took shape during a flight aboard the company's PC 12 with Todd Duncan, where a conversation about Kussatz's diverse background revealed how his experience could strengthen the aircraft sales and acquisitions team and support the needs of aircraft owners and operators navigating complex purchase and sale decisions.
“Duncan Aviation is such a unique company where they recognise people who love the role they're in but are willing to find ways to expand their own experiences to bring value to our clients and the Duncan Aviation team,” he said.
Executive vice president of sales and marketing Ryan Huss said Kussatz's well-rounded background makes him uniquely suited to serve aircraft owners and operators. “Michael's unique mix of experience across maintenance and modification sales, customer service, avionics leadership and corporate flight operations gives him a comprehensive understanding of what aircraft owners truly value,” Huss said. “Having spent decades in aviation, and many of those years here at Duncan Aviation, he understands our culture and our commitment to doing what's right for the customer. That perspective allows him to guide buyers and sellers with confidence, transparency and a genuine focus on helping them make the best long-term decision for their operation.”
Growing up watching his father work at Duncan Aviation, Kussatz developed a deep appreciation for the company's culture and values.
“I was always in awe watching all the people in so many different disciplines and wanting the opportunity to gain experience in each of those areas,” Kussatz said. “I've had the great opportunity to work at many different aviation companies and to fly with so many wonderful people. Duncan Aviation utilises a very simple formula on how it takes care of customers, team members, partners and even competitors. Within that simple formula, they allow someone like me, who has been fortunate to be successful in several disciplines, to explore my full potential in an effort to promote this industry as a whole.”
