Groen Brothers Aviation Names Robin H. H. Wilson, Leading Aviation Industry Executive, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Business Development

Business Wire, August 22, 2001

Business Editors

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2001

Wilson Joins Board, Increasing its Size to Four Directors

Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc., (OTCBB: GNBA), the world's leading developer of commercially viable gyroplanes, announced today that Robin H. H. Wilson, a leading aviation industry executive with an extraordinary career in airline management, has joined the company as chief financial officer (CFO) and head of business development.

He will also join the board of directors, increasing its size to four members.

As CFO, Wilson will be responsible for the financial management of the company. He will oversee and administer the company's financial management team and report on financial matters to the board of directors. Also, he will represent the company to Wall Street and the public and private investment communities.

As head of business development, he will play a major role in introducing the aviation industry to Groen Brothers Aviation new products, as the company expands its product line beyond the Hawk 4 gyroplane.

Wilson brings to Groen Brothers an exceptional wealth of aviation industry experience. Among his leadership positions, Wilson served as president, chief operating officer and board member of Western Airlines, Inc., president, CEO and director of Burlington Air Express; and chief technical officer of Guinness Peak Aviation (GPA) then the world's largest aircraft leasing company. Following TWA entering Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in 1992, he was asked to return to the airline to serve as co-chief executive. After TWA's emergence from Chapter 11, he was appointed vice chairman with responsibility for the principal operating functions of the airline, resigning that position after the appointment of a new CEO. Most recently, he was partner and board member of SH&E, the international aviation consultants.

President and CEO David Groen of Groen Brothers Aviation said, "We are pleased to have an executive with Robin Wilson's management skills and industry knowledge join the Groen Brothers Aviation team. His long and successful career within the world's aviation community brings us international experience in business development and financial management. As a member of our board, Robin can provide invaluable advice to GBA's management team as we grow this company into a world class aircraft manufacturer."

James P. Mayfield, vice president and chief operating officer of Groen Brothers Aviation, said, "With Federal Aviation Administration certification of the Hawk 4 gyroplane expected before the end of next year, and deliveries of the aircraft scheduled to begin shortly thereafter, Mr. Wilson's many established relationships in the aviation community will be of great value to the company."

Robin Wilson said, "I am excited to be associated with the Hawk 4 and the company that is going to bring to the world, a new form of safe, convenient transportation. The near vertical take off and landing capability and unprecedented safety of the Hawk 4 will ensure full realization of the commercial potential of this extraordinary rotorcraft."

A native of Dublin, Ireland, Wilson received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Mechanical Sciences from Cambridge University in 1958. He also has an honorary Doctor of Laws from Adelphi University, New York.

He began his aviation career as an engineer in the aeroengine division of Rolls-Royce in England. After having received an MBA in Finance from the Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar and was graduated with high distinction, he started a 17 year career with Trans World Airlines (TWA) as a financial analyst. At TWA, Wilson rose to senior vice-president-operations responsible for: flight operations, in-flight service, engineering, maintenance, and purchasing, including the purchase of airliners from Boeing. In l981, Mr. Wilson became president and general manager of the Long Island Rail Road, the nation's largest commuter railroad, in which position he served for 3-l/2 years. The State of New York Legislature adopted a resolution commending his "outstanding service," and he was inducted into the Long Island Hall of Fame in 1985. At the same time he was also a director of the start-up airline, Air Atlanta.

Groen Brothers continues to experience rapid growth. Employees now number 130, up from 70 two years ago. It has awarded 11 North American dealerships and two international dealerships, which have provided deposits on 145 aircraft. Wilson becomes the fourth member of what the Company expects soon to be a seven member board.

About Groen Brothers Aviation

Groen Brothers Aviation has developed the first modern, commercially viable gyroplane, a hybrid aircraft with the low operating cost of an airplane and the off-runway operating capability of a helicopter. The Company's Hawk 4 is nearing the final stages of certification with the FAA. Information about Groen Brothers Aviation, its products, and individual members of "GBA Team Hawk" are available on the company's web site at: www.gbagyros.com.