Doug Froning has been promoted to general manager of Magnum Helicopters and Daryl Grace has been appointed chief pilot for Makani Kai Air, the companies have announced. Both companies are subsidiaries of Schuman Aviation Company, Ltd.
Grace, who previously served as chief pilot, director of operations and general manager for Mokulele Airlines, will supervise pilot training, schedule maintenance and maintain all pilot-related records for Makani Kai Air.
“We’re pleased to bring aboard someone with Daryl’s experience,” said Richard Schuman, owner. “In his nearly decade-long service to Mokulele, Daryl oversaw significant growth and expansion of the airline. As Makani Kai Air continues to grow and expand, those same skills will no doubt be quite useful.”
Froning was hired by Schuman in March 2015 and was promoted to chief helicopter pilot the following year. As Magnum Helicopters’ general manager, Froning oversees all helicopter operations, pilot training, scheduling of maintenance and supervising tours and charters. He previously spent seven years flying medevac missions for Evergreen Aviation.
“Doug has proven himself a capable leader and great pilot,” said Schuman. “He has exactly the maturity, experience and skill set necessary for a very demanding position.”
Magnum Helicopters, in addition to flying popular doors-off tours of Oahu and regular work for the CBS crime dramas Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., has recently been busy providing aerial filming for the upcoming Legendary Pictures’ feature Godzilla vs. Kong.