Bringing over three decades of extensive experience in aerospace maintenance, repair, completions and operations, Mr. Flansburg’s distinguished career includes pivotal senior roles at leading aerospace organizations such as Boeing Vertical Lift, Sikorsky Helicopters and DeCrane Aerospace among others. He most recently served as executive vice president and general manager of special command programs for L3 Harris Technologies.

"Robert’s extensive background and proven track record in aviation operations make him the ideal leader to advance our maintenance and completions operations,” said Tom Lark, vice president and general manager for Summit Aviation. “His strategic vision and commitment to excellence are key to our continued success. We are excited to see the heights our operations will reach under his guidance."

In his new capacity, Mr. Flansburg will spearhead the entirety of maintenance operations of Summit Aviation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified Repair Station including ensuring Summit’s operations align impeccably with stringent federal aviation standards, including Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) among other regulatory frameworks. Additionally, he will collaborate closely with Summit team leaders to uphold a seamless operational flow, emphasizing the importance of quality, compliance, and strategic alignment across all departments.

Mr. Flansburg begins his duties with Summit Aviation on March 11.

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The newly established apprenticeship program will provide hands-on training opportunities and professional development for aspiring aviation professionals. Summit Aviation has taken a significant stride forward in supporting a more empowered workforce. One in which real-time experience combined with a career pathway lays the groundwork for aviation innovation within the region. 

“Our foray into the aviation industry is another example of our Registered Apprenticeship program finding opportunities to place Delawareans in different spaces, particularly those in underrepresented communities,” said Secretary of Labor Karryl Hubbard. “We know the aviation industry pays high wages for skilled workers. This innovation helps Delaware compete as we develop the next generation of aviation workers.” 

Ralph Kunz, Vice President and General Manager of Summit Aviation, expressed his enthusiasm about this initiative, "We are thrilled to be leading the way in Delaware by offering the first Registered Apprenticeship program in aviation maintenance,” he said. “This apprenticeship program will provide valuable career opportunities and professional development for individuals who are passionate about aviation and eager to contribute to this dynamic industry." 

Summit Aviation's commitment to nurturing talent is exemplified by the appointment of Ms. Abigail "Abby" Holloway, a recent graduate from Bohemia Manor High School, as their first-ever Aircraft Maintenance Registered Apprentice. As part of the program, Ms. Holloway will attend the Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance to complete the Registered Related Technical Instruction (RTI) program. This comprehensive curriculum will equip her with the necessary knowledge and expertise to excel in the aviation maintenance field. Through this hands-on experience and classroom instruction, she will develop a solid foundation to thrive in her role at Summit Aviation. 

Kunz added that, “Summit Aviation recognizes the importance of investing in the next generation of aviation professionals. By establishing this apprenticeship program, Summit aims to bridge the skills gap, foster career growth, and cultivate a highly skilled workforce in the aviation industry.” 

Pictured above left to right: Michelle Susi, Summit Aviation; Joe Olivere, Delaware Department of Labor; Abby Holloway, Lynn Trent, Summit Aviation and John Morris, Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance

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U.S. Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh recognized Summit Aviation as one of the 835 recipients of the 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by the U.S. Department of Labor on November 9, 2022. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Award Medallion Program implements the requirements of the HIRE Vets Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-31). It is the only veteran-hiring award given at the federal level and recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention and professional development.

“We are honored to once again be recognized with this elite reward,” said Ralph Kunz, vice president and general manager for Summit Aviation. “Our veteran employees exemplify unique leadership, technical expertise and problem-solving abilities – those are highly valued skill sets in any workplace – particularly ours. We are humbled to work alongside our veterans each day.”

Recipients of the 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans. More than 1,400 employers have earned a HIRE Vets Medallion Award since 2018.

Summit Aviation currently employs 75 veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

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