Loft Dynamics has made two strategic appointments to strengthen its global expansion; industry veterans Scott Firsing and Woody McClendon will lead sales and growth operations in North America. These key hires follow the company’s recent $20 million institutional round to accelerate international growth and address the intensifying global demand for skilled pilots.

“Scott and Woody bring unsurpassed aviation industry experience, passion for innovation and a strong commitment to bringing cutting-edge pilot training technology to the masses. They will help us grow our presence in the North American market and secure our role as the leader in Mission Readiness for Virtual Reality,” said Fabi Riesen, Founder & CEO of Loft Dynamics.

Firsing will serve as Loft Dynamics’ Head of North American Sales and brings expertise in the flight simulation market. Most recently, he led the North America market for ALSIM. While there, Firsing drove the company’s successful expansion into the U.S. and Canada – growing its client list to include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), universities, and flight schools. Earlier in his aerospace career, Firsing held academic and policy roles for the United Nations and the U.S. government and taught at the University of North Carolina, The Citadel and Monash University. Firsing serves on the University Aviation Association (UAA)’s board of trustees.

McClendon joins the Loft team as North American New Business Manager, bringing 35 years of aviation experience in sales and operations. Previously, McClendon held sales leadership roles in the corporate jet industry including at Boeing, PrivatAir, Airwest Helicopters, and Flight Safety International. He is also a Challenger and Learjet captain. McClendon holds a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering.

Firsing and McClendon will be onsite at the HAI Heli-Expo conference from 7-9 March at booth #C2610. Attendees can learn about Loft Dynamics’ Airbus H125 glass cockpit and dual hydraulic system as well as its new Airbus H145 Virtual Reality (VR) training device.