ABOUT US
RDD is an aviation Research, Design & Development group with a rich aviation heritage serving the experimental aircraft community. Located in the Northwest United States, RDD is based near three experimental aircraft kit manufacturers-Epic Aircraft, Lancair and Vans. Collectively, the RDD team has team has more than 60 years of experience with both Experimental and Certified aircraft in the areas of research, design, development, modification, fabrication, construction and customer support.
Today, the RDD research, design and development team works diligently to provide major systems and components for the discerning experimental aircraft builder who demands nothing less than perfection. Our proximity and close working relationship with top kit manufacturers enables RDD to design and develop essential systems that fit properly, work efficiently and are supported thoroughly.
Aviation is our passion and our enthusiasm is contagious. RDD researches, designs and develops aircraft systems that not only perform a function but outperform competitive systems. Having built aircraft ourselves, we know the constraints and the inherent challenges associated with building an aircraft. But more importantly, RDD understands and appreciates the attention to detail sought by each individual builder. The same is true for the RDD team. We strive for perfection and work tirelessly to provide only the most efficient, most elegant and most desirable products available.
Just like the aircraft you build is a reflection of you and your passion, RDD products are a reflection of our expertise in the areas of research, design and development. Our commitment to customers is that RDD products will only be introduced after they have been fully tested and proven. RDD also provides technical support for the installation process and customer support for the products we manufacture. It is our passion to provide the best designed products on the market. Finally, recognizing that you have a choice in the products you purchase, it is our pleasure to treat you as the valued-customer that you are to RDD.
RDD focuses on what we know best – research, design and development of aircraft systems. The art of making exceptionally functional systems that meet the unique challenges of size, weight and serviceability that confront the aircraft builder is what sets RDD systems apart from anything else on the market.
Thorough research is the foundation that fosters intelligent design and enables functional development. And thorough research cannot be completed in a lab or test cell. RDD is actively involved in the experimental aircraft community. Yes, our team members build and fly aircraft. But perhaps even more significant is the fact that we also attend fly-ins, trade shows, airshows and conventions where builders gather and share experiences. Only in being deeply connected with our customers can we fully understand the limitations of other systems and the needs and desires for much improved systems. RDD welcomes your thoughts and comments on any product or system that you would like to see designed and developed or specific design improvements of existing products that you’d like to see. RDD’s business is to satisfy your needs so tell us what you need. E-mail us for suggestions.
After researching challenges, technology, feasibility, limitations and analyzing cost, RDD embarks on the design of proprietary products or the design improvements of partner products. Intelligent design means more than simply developing systems that work as advertised; it means creating systems that meet the "design needs" of the consumer. RDD focuses on basic system requirements such as space limitations, weight considerations and value proposition.
RDD's product development expertise means that intelligently designed aircraft systems can be manufactured for customers with the highest degree of quality control. The result of this approach is the lowest possible maintenance requirement, unmatched customer support and an exceptional value. Ease of installation for the RDD product line is a hallmark of our development.
BIOS
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Mark needs little introduction to the kit plane world. Over the past fifteen years he has assisted with numerous development projects including participation in the design and development of Lancair’s Legacy and Propjet. Mark has helped countless builders overcome technical hurdles and provided solutions to aircraft construction challenges on a regular basis. Mark holds an Airframe license and arguably knows the Lancair series of aircraft better than anyone else. He holds a BS in Aviation Maintenance Technology and has spent the last 3 years building and maintaining the Lancair line of aircraft. |
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Dave began his aviation career as an FBO fuel truck driver in San Diego. From there he worked as an A&P Mechanic and has also owned an FBO and sales and service center for a major light GA manufacturer. Most recently he served with Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing in two different Vice President capacities. David holds Commercial SEL with an Instrument Rating and has flight experience in a wide variety of GA aircraft. Additionally he holds an A&P with Inspection Authorization. David has also built two experimental Lancair kit aircraft and has performed many inspections prior to first flights and completed many first flights of Amateur Built aircraft. David holds a BS in Aviation Flight and Maintenance Technology. |
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Justin spent his early childhood in Africa as his father ferried medical supplies, performed medical evacuation flights and other humanitarian missions as a missionary pilot. Today he holds an A&P License with Inspection Authorization. Justin’s own experience has taken him from being an air taxi line mechanic in Alaska to an aviation maintenance service manager in San Diego to director of maintenance and ultimately new projects liaison for Columbia Aircraft in Oregon. Justin has also participated in the construction of a Lancair IV Prop Jet. Justin, his wife Tamara, and family are a part of The Elisha Foundation as well, working with the “special needs” community. They are involved in their church as well. |
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Kevin has been part of the RDD team since 2007 serving in the technical support realm and on the shop floor. Kevin spent 25+ years with Lanier copiers as a regional technician and customer support representative. Kevin is our cool, calm and collected soothing force here at RDD and we are happy to have him. Kevin not only posseses the technical understanding of our systems but he also understands the installation dynamics, a great combination. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three very active boys and serving in his church. |
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Sam brings with him a host of experience fromrunning the production flight test team at Columbia Aircraft to maintaining and flying several loyal customer aircraft. Sam is responsible for handling RDD’s maintenance and installation services. He handles our customers from start to finish of whatever the project may be. Sam is our installation and service expert with the knowledge and know how of both pilot and mechanic. Sam enjoys his wife and three children along with hunting and nearly any sports activity. He is also involved in his church. |
The RDD principals understand the needs in the local community around them as well as in the international community. Driven by a Christian worldview we recognize and are responsible to respond to these needs with love and grace. We actively participate in supporting various humanitarian organizations with work throughout the world ranging from remote medical transport to work with families of people with special needs. RDD’s profits go towards the support of these organizations and, at times, towards helping a person in need. We encourage collaboration with these entities but primarily that in our lives and business we do not lose sight of what is important - investing in the lives of people.
RDD supports and recommends the following organizations:
I-TEC (Indigenous People’s Technology & Education Center): www.I-TECUSA.org
MAF (Missionary Aviation Fellowship): www.MAF.org
The Elisha Foundation: www.TheElishaFoundation.org
Sparrow Clubs USA: www.SparrowClubs.org
World Vision: www.WorldVision.org
Samaritan’s Purse: www.SamaritansPurse.org
Watercup Counseling: Bill Mahnke 541-923-8776
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