The following statement has been issued by Sikorsky’s current President, Dan Schultz

The Sikorsky family is saddened to learn of the sudden loss of former President Jeff Pino.  We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers of sympathy and support to his family and friends during this difficult time.  During his six years as President of Sikorsky, Jeff brought personal energy and passion for aviation innovation to our industry.  It was during his time leading Sikorsky that the company first flew the X2 Technology™ demonstrator.  We remember Jeff as a leader, pioneer, innovator and advocate.  May his family be comforted by the lasting impression and legacy Jeff has left behind.

Jeff Pino died in the crash of a P51D Mustang warbird he was flying near Maricopa, about 30 miles south of Phoenix in his home state of Arizona.

Pino was named President of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in March 2006 and held the position for six years moving up from the role of Senior VP for corporate strategy, marketing, and commercial programs. He joined Sikorsky in 2002 as senior vice president of marketing and commercial programs. Previously, Mr. Pino spent 17 years with Bell Helicopter Textron where he last served as Senior VP. Pino retired from the military as a master Army aviator and had served in U.S. Army active, Reserve, and National Guard assignments for 26 years. He was a distinguished honor graduate of the U.S. Army Armor and Aviation Schools. He was a graduate of the University of Arizona, and also completed his master’s degree in business administration and management from Webster University in St. Louis.

Most recently, Pino was vice-chairman of XTI, which is developing the TriFan 600, described by the company as the “first commercial high-speed, long-range vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) airplane.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com