Stangarone Named Chairman and President of the New England Air Museum

The Board of Directors of the Connecticut Aeronautical Historical Association’s New England Air Museum has elected Robert (Bob) Stangarone as the organization’s new Chairman of the Board and President. His tenure in the new position became effective immediately.

The New England Air Museum, located adjacent to Bradley International Airport (KBDL) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, is the largest aviation museum in New England with three large hangars, outdoor exhibits and more than 100 aircraft ranging from early airships and flying machines to supersonic jets and helicopters. The New England Air Museum noted in a press release that it, “is committed to presenting the story of aviation, the human genius that made it possible and the profound effects that it has had on the way in which we live.” The New England Air Museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday for the remainder of the year.

Bob Stangarone told Flying, “I can’t imagine being part of any industry other than aviation. Everything about it—the technology, the contribution to society, the passion, the feeling of accomplishment in flying, and mostly the people—are extraordinary. What is most satisfying about being part of the New England Air Museum is the preservation of our aviation heritage and, just as importantly, inspiring young people to get involved. The industry has provided me with a great career and lifestyle. Now I want to pay it back in any way I can, and the museum is a perfect way to do that.”

Prior to joining the museum in 2018 and serving as a restoration volunteer, Stangarone held senior management positions at United Technologies' Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky units, Rolls-Royce, Litton, Fairchild Dornier, Textron’s Cessna Aircraft and Embraer. While at Cessna he served as chairman of Cessna’s Environmental Strategy Council and also served as chairman of the Wichita Aero Club.

Bob Stangarone, a former journalist, holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument and multi-engine ratings and is type-rated in a number of Citation business jets. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Aeronautic Association and its Collier Trophy Selection Committee. Stangarone also served on the Board of Directors of the Aviation Space Writers Association.