Long-time business aviation executive Michael K. Moore, 78, died of natural causes at his home in Tucson, Arizona, on July 31.

He graduated from Columbia University in 1965 and subsequently attended Naval Aviation Flight Training, earning his U.S. Navy wings in 1966. He flew the P-3 Orion on active duty, as well as during his years in the Navy Reserves.

After active duty, Moore joined the business aviation industry when he went to work for FlightSafety International (FSI) at its LaGuardia headquarters in 1974. He then moved to Wichita, where he managed FSI’s Learjet Training Center. 

Moore later held vice president of sales positions at Executive Air Fleet, Simuflite, and Learjet. In 2000, he joined TAG Aviation USA as senior v-p of sales and marketing and managed TAG’s Business Development group, its aircraft sales department, and oversaw marketing strategies for the company. An accident in December 2008 caused him to retire early, but he since remained a passionate advocate for the business aviation community.

Moore was preceded in death by Betsey, his wife of 57 years, and is survived by his sons Tim, Dennis, and Chris, their wives, and many grandchildren.