About Our Founder
Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick founded the company in February 1988 and served as Chairman of the Board and CEO. A visionary in aerospace, Mr. Hedrick was recognized for his leadership and commitment to advancing safety through avionics innovation.
He created more than 100 patents in the aerospace industry and shaped the company’s original name, Innovative Solutions & Support, to reflect its mission: delivering truly innovative solutions backed by reliable customer support.
“From the beginning, we have been focused on solving problems that require unique and truly innovative solutions. But having even the most innovative product is about half the solution. The other piece is providing the support customers need to ensure that equipment will continue to provide the solution they are looking for. We focus on finding ways to solve problems that others had not thought of.” — Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick
Mr. Hedrick passed away in January 2022. His mentoring and vision built a strong leadership team that continues to carry forward his legacy. Today, the company proudly operates as Innovative Aerosystems, honoring its founder’s pioneering spirit.
Company Timeline – Key Milestones
- 1988–1990s – Company founded by Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick; developed critical avionics including Digital Fuel Quantity Systems, C-130 engine instruments, and multiple RVSM certifications. Expanded into major military contracts.
- 2000s – Completed IPO; FAA certified the B757/B767 Flat Panel Display System; delivered Eclipse 500 with company avionics; launched Vantage Flat Panel Display System.
- 2010s – Introduced ThrustSense® Autothrottle (first FAA-certified turboprop autothrottle, including one-engine-inoperative protection). Expanded NextGen Flight Deck solutions, Utilities Management System (UMS) for Pilatus PC-24, and received multiple global certifications.
- 2020 – ThrustSense® Autothrottle becomes standard on King Air 360; certified by FAA and international authorities; B757/B767 FPDS surpasses 400 installations.
- 2021 – ThrustSense® Autothrottle wins Flying Magazine Editors’ Choice Award; expanded STCs across 19 King Air configurations; EASA certification in 40+ countries; continued growth of FPDS in cargo market.
- 2022 – Founder Geoffrey Hedrick passes; Shahram Askarpour appointed CEO. ThrustSense certified on King Air 200/300 G1000 fleet; FPDS exceeds 450 installations; UMS deliveries continue for Pilatus PC-24.
- 2023 – Acquired Honeywell Inertial, Communication & Navigation licenses; Boeing orders GPS unit for T-7A Red Hawk; first ThrustSense installation on G1000-equipped King Air; more than 100 autothrottle deliveries to Textron.
- 2024 – Expanded Honeywell licensing; acquired Honeywell Display Generator & Flight Control Computer line; U.S. Army selects ThrustSense® Autothrottle for C- 12 fleet; FAA STC approved for B757/B767 EICAS upgrade; major MFD production order received.
