There is an additional parking space being occupied this morning at the already busy Thrush factory, as Robert Garrett has become part of the company; serving in the highly anticipated Director of Training role. Robert is a highly regarded veteran of the ag aviation industry, and his coming onboard signals a further commitment on the company’s part to leading the industry in this critical segment of the business.

Robert, who will oversee Thrush’s new factory-based ag aviation flight and maintenance training programs, holds a Bachelor’s degree Aerospace Science and has more than 8,000 hours of flying experience over some 19 years in the aerial application industry. Well known for his excellent communication skills and attention to detail, he has been tasked with setting a high bar for Thrush’s new training initiatives and establishing an ongoing rapport with students and operators nationwide. And, to keep his skills at their very highest level, when he’s not teaching, Robert will continue his flying by serving as an additional production test pilot at the factory.

Thrush is expected to host its first factory training class in first quarter of 2018, as simulator installation and final production of the courses’ new dual cockpit 510G are underway. In addition to the combined flight and the simulator program for pilots, the factory will be continuing their well-known on-site maintenance program for mechanics as well. That program has also received a significant upgrade in recent months as the company continues to strengthen its belief that the safest pilots and mechanics are those that receive the very best training.

“The addition of Robert to our team is very important to all of us here in Albany,” said Payne Hughes, president of Thrush Aircraft. “But I believe it will prove to be of even greater importance to our customers, as he brings with them the knowledge, talent and personal skills to help the folks that fly our airplanes be even safer at what they do,” he continued.

Mr. Hughes added: “Every one of us here at the factory understands the importance of not just building great airplanes, but of supporting those airplanes with a training program that is second to none. Robert will both play a key role in making this happen, and I’m darn proud to have him join our team.”