It is with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Ernie Smith, co-owner and General Manager of Straight Flight, part of our corporate family as a subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation. Straight Flight was co-founded by Ernie over 35 years ago. In 2016 Straight Flight became Deutsche Aircraft GmbH’s U.S.-based authorized service centre and is successfully supporting the Dornier 328 fleet in the Americas, ever since. As a certified A&P Technician since 1981 and an active FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR), Ernie played a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and safety of countless aircraft, including the Dornier 328.

Ernie's leadership was defined not only by his technical expertise but by his deep care for the people who ran the business day to day. He took immense pride in his team’s capabilities, fiercely protecting and supporting them with unwavering loyalty and dedication. His tireless energy and passion for the industry and the people around him will be greatly missed by his team, as well as by whom he worked with for years at Deutsche Aircraft. Ernie’s legacy will continue to inspire all of us who were fortunate enough to know and work alongside him.