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Tom Gunnarson
THOMAS A. GUNNARSON is an aviation association executive with a strong background in government, industry and international affairs. He has held posts with the U.S. Ultralight Association and the Swiss-based Federation Aeronautique Internationale Microlight Commission. He currently serves on the ASTM International F37 executive subcommittee for Light Sport Aircraft and the LAMA Board of Directors.
Over the past 24 years, Tom has developed working partnerships with industry, state and federal agencies as well as foreign governments promoting the sport and recreational aviation industry. This has included extensive travel throughout the U.S. and 15 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa.
For 12 years, Tom oversaw one of the national ultralight safety programs, conducting over 50 initial and recurrency seminars for flight instructors and examiners who trained and tested over 75,000 participants.
In 2001, Gunnarson was recognized by FAA for chairing the industry/FAA working group that, over 7 years, developed the recommendation for the Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft rule.
Tom is a 1,400 hour flight instructor and has managed several aircraft training, sales and maintenance facilities. He is now providing consulting services to the Light Sport Aircraft industry, assisting manufacturers through the compliance process.
An early passion for competitive flying led Tom to slots on the U.S. Microlight Team in 1987, 1988, and 2003. He directed the 2004 U.S. National Microlight Championships and remains involved in the sport, planning to serve this summer as an official in his 9th FAI-sanctioned Continental or World Microlight Championships.