Michael Kussatz has joined Duncan Aviation’s aircraft sales and acquisitions team, bringing more than 33 years of experience in aviation, combining technical knowledge, sales expertise and flight experience.

Kussatz learned to fly at 16, and at 18 swept floors at Duncan simply to be around the aircraft. 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, then returned to Duncan in 1997 to spend 12 years in sales and as a project manager. He later earned his MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and continued his career as a regional sales manager at Garmin International.

He rejoined Duncan in 2019 as a regional avionics sales manager, then joined the company’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, bringing a pilot's perspective to aircraft sales and acquisitions, helping buyers better evaluate how an aircraft will support their operational needs.

Kussatz flies a variety of aircraft, including his own 1946 Luscombe 8A. A certified flight instructor, he has even taught his son to fly, and his daughter also shares his love of aviation and enjoys flying with him.

His new role on the sales and acquisitions team took shape during a flight aboard the company's PC-12 with Todd Duncan, where a conversation revealed how Kussatz’s experience could strengthen the 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,” comments Kussatz.

Executive VP of sales and marketing Ryan Huss says: “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. 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.”

“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 adds. “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.”