Quest Aircraft CEO and longtime business aircraft executive Sam Hill is retiring at the beginning of 2017, the company announced this week. Hill, a 50-year aviation industry executive, will remain as an advisor to the company and a member of the board of directors, the company said, adding that the move “has been long planned as part of Quest’s overall strategic plan.” A search for a successor has begun.

“This is a good time for me to step aside,” Hill said. “The company is in good shape financially, and demand for the Kodiak has grown significantly since 2013. We have a strong leadership team and a solid dealer network that represents us around the world.”

Hill joined the Sandpoint, Idaho-based manufacturer of the Kodiak turboprop single in late 2012 to replace chairman and then interim CEO Dave Vander Griend. Hill, who had just retired from Honda Aircraft at the time, initially planned only a short-term tenure with Quest. He had expected to leave the company by the end of 2014.

But by the end of 2014, the company was approaching a pivotal time, with growth of the Kodiak and prospects of new investments, and the board asked him to remain in his role. A few months later, Setouchi Holdings acquired the firm, adding a much-needed investment to enable the company to expand its facilities and invest in new products and product enhancements.

In addition to his roles with Honda and Quest, Hill spent a decade with Embraer, where he helped launch its executive jets division, and also has been involved in aviation investments, as well as corporate flight department operations.

“Throughout my career, I have been very fortunate to work with talented and interesting people who are as passionate about aviation as I am,” he said. “I have enjoyed every chapter of my career, and leading Quest for several years was one of the highlights. I know the company will continue to thrive.”