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Read this story in our April 2023 printed issue.
Loft Dynamics AG, formerly known as VRM Switzerland and the creator of the first virtual reality helicopter flight simulator authorised by a major aviation regulator, has announced two strategic appointments to strengthen its global expansion. Industry veterans Scott Firsing and Woody McClendon will lead sales and growth operations in North America.
These key hires follow the company's recent $20 million institutional round to accelerate international growth and address the intensifying global demand for skilled pilots.
Firsing will serve as Loft Dynamics' head of North American sales, and brings a wealth of expertise in the flight simulation market. Most recently, he led the North America market for Alsim, a leading global manufacturer and designer of fixed-base flight simulators. While there, Firsing drove the company's successful expansion into the U.S. and Canada, growing its client list to include world-renowned original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), universities and flight schools. Earlier in his aerospace career, Firsing held academic and policy roles for the United Nations and the U.S. government and taught at the University of North Carolina, The Citadel and Monash University. Firsing serves on the University Aviation Association (UAA)'s board of trustees.
McClendon joins the Loft team as North American new business manager, bringing 35 years of aviation experience in sales and operations. Previously, McClendon held sales leadership roles in the corporate jet industry including at Boeing, PrivatAir, Airwest Helicopters and FlightSafety International. He is also a Challenger and Learjet captain. McClendon holds a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering.
"Scott and Woody bring unsurpassed aviation industry experience, passion for innovation and a strong commitment to bringing cutting-edge pilot training technology to the masses," says Fabi Riesen, CEO and founder, Loft Dynamics. "They will help us grow our presence in the North American market and secure our role as the leader in mission readiness for virtual reality."
