New Horizons

Five years ago, I was offered an opportunity of a lifetime.

In February of 2018, longtime T&T editor Dianne White called and offered me – a young pilot and still relatively green aviation professional – the position of Editor-in-Chief of Twin & Turbine Magazine. While I was a contributing writer at the time, the offer still came as a complete surprise. But as the initial shock subsided, my heart immediately knew this was a life-changing opportunity, personally and professionally, and I readily accepted.

That phone call resulted in the absolute best job I never expected. I will forever be indebted to Dianne’s confidence and trust in my ability. She has become one of my greatest mentors and inspirations.

In five years, we’ve doubled the contributing team (expanding expertise and perspectives), reinvigorated the magazine’s design, founded multiple new editorial series, launched a modernized website, and more. But at the root of each accomplishment remains one firm, underlying mission since T&T’s start: Deliver a valuable resource for owner-pilots with topics surrounding the safe, efficient and enjoyable operation and ownership of high-performance pistons, turboprops and jets.

The anniversary naturally has me reflective, but I am keen to bring it up as I prepare for yet another unexpected new chapter and major update. A couple of months ago, I decided to resign as T&T’s Editor-in-Chief and pursue other opportunities. So, it is with mixed emotion that I announce this issue (March 2023) will officially be my final one at the helm.

However, I am thrilled to be handing the magazine over to more than capable hands. Beginning with the April issue, Lance Phillips will be assuming the role of editor.

Lance is a pilot and aviation professional who has held management and executive positions at FlightSafety, Hawker Beechcraft, Textron Aviation, Mooney and Lancair. He is now the executive director for the Pinnacle Air Network and an aviation business consultant. Also a writer and photographer, you may have seen Lance’s name appear across T&T over the past year, specifically within the “Company Chronicles” series and the cover stories for August and February. He is type-rated in the Gulfstream G100 and flew the Beechjet as a corporate pilot but these days prefers to stay in the lower knots.

With great confidence, I now pass the baton to Lance, who will undoubtedly bring a fresh wave of knowledge and passion to the pages of this magazine. His piloting and professional background relate extensively to the very readership and writing team behind this publication. You can expect further introduction from Lance in his first Editor’s Briefing next month.

It has been an honor to be entrusted with such a talented team and unique publication. Thank you all for your loyal readership and support over the past five years. Twin & Turbine will forever be a huge part of my life.

Blue skies.