Textron Aviation Team Is Saddened At Death of Russell W. “Russ” Meyer Jr., chairman emeritus of Cessna Russ Meyer was an aviation legend who joined Cessna Aircraft Company as executive vice-president in June 1974 and was elected chairman and CEO in 1975. He led Cessna for nearly three decades, stepping aside as chairman in 2003 but remaining chairman emeritus. He oversaw the development and launch of the Citation family of business jets; aviation journalists and owners nicknamed him the “father of the Citation line.” Famed golfer and friend of Meyer, Arnold Palmer was the first customer to take delivery of a Citation X. Palmer was an avid pilot and long-time Cessna client, and his high-profile involvement helped showcase the Citation X’s capabilities. Meyer played a key role in stabilizing the industry through the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, and earned top aviation awards including two Collier Trophies, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
