Keith Hoffler

President
Senior R&D Engineer

Keith’s career path started with an Associate of Science Degree from Chowan College (now Chowan University) followed by both Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University. Keith’s master’s degree research and thesis were supported by NASA Langley to study aerodynamic concepts for improving low speed performance of supersonic aircraft.

Keith’s career experience includes:

  • designing ViGYAN’s wind tunnel and aerodynamics experiments
  • developing aerodynamic models for piloted and batch simulations
  • simulation and flight tests for handling qualities, flight controls, stability and control, and human factors research
  • supporting NASA Langley’s Flight Dynamics Branch, Dynamic Stability and Control Branch, and others
  • lead on technical development of a commercially viable weather in the cockpit product that went to market

Keith holds a private pilot’s license, a Commercial License and Instrument Rating, and flies the company’s Cessna R182 for business travel and to evaluate various systems.

Keith is an active member of the following organizations:

  • American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics – Associate Fellow
  • General Aviation Technical Committee (chair 2019-2022)
  • Transformational Flight Integration and Outreach Committee
  • Unmanned Systems Integration and Outreach Committee
  • RTCA SC-228 which is developing requirements for UAS Detect and Avoid facilitating their integration in the National Airspace System
  • Advisory Board Member for PEGASAS which is the FAA’s General Aviation Center of Excellence
  • ASTM F44 and F38
  • North Carolina State University Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department Hall of Fame

Outside work Keith enjoys flying, golf, kayaking, photography, bicycling, and traveling adventures.