ALAN KLAPMEIER is a co-founder of Cirrus and served as its Chairman from its inception in 1984 through 2009.

Mr. Klapmeier serves on several industry boards, including the General Aviation Manufacturing Association (GAMA) Board of Directors (and serves as immediate Past Chairman of the Board), the AOPA Air Safety Foundation Board of Visitors, the Board of Directors of the Small Aircraft Manufacturers Association, and the Ripon College Board of Trustees.  

Along with his brother Dale, the Klapmeiers’ have received the 2007 Dr. Godfrey L Cabot Award, the Experimental Aviation Association, (EAA) 2007 Freedom of Flight Award, Airport Journal 2006 "Living Legends" Aviation Entrepreneurs of the Year, EAA August Raspet, Air Safety Foundation 2005 Admiral de Florez Award, and 2004 Ernst and Young Entrepreneurs of the Year for Manufacturing.

Since founding Cirrus in 1984 in a dairy barn in Baraboo, WI, the Klapmeiers have grown Cirrus Design into a global brand, with a formidable international sales and service network. Cirrus manufactures three models of aircraft, which includes the best selling aircraft for five consecutive years, the SR22. Cirrus employs about 850 people in two facilities. Grand Forks, ND is home to a- state- of- the art, composite lay-up and curing facility.  Duluth, MN is home to Cirrus’ world head quarters and where bonding, final assembly and customer delivery of aircraft also take place.

Mr. Klapmeier holds degrees in Physics and Economics from Ripon College in Wisconsin.  With over 5500 hours of flight time, Mr. Klapmeier has been a licensed pilot for more than 30 years.

DALE KLAPMEIER co-founded Cirrus in 1984 and currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board. Mr. Klapmeier is responsible for active oversight of product development and product strategy. 

Mr. Klapmeier, along with brother Alan Klapmeier, have received the 2007 Dr. Godfrey L Cabot Award, the Experimental Aviation Association, (EAA) 2007 Freedom of Flight Award, Airport Journal 2006 "Living Legends" Aviation Entrepreneurs of the Year, EAA August Raspet, Air Safety Foundation 2005 Admiral de Florez Award, and 2004 Ernst and Young Entrepreneurs of the Year for Manufacturing.

Mr. Klapmeier is also involved in Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagle Program and the Red Tail Project, which is restoring a Tuskeegee Airmen P51 Mustang.