Erick Kinney
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Erick R. Kinney is a highly accomplished aerospace professional with over two decades of distinguished service as a U.S. military parachute rigger. He has earned numerous military accolades and civilian commendations, and notably served as a Military Freefall Jumpmaster Instructor—one of only three certified by U.S. Special Operations Command to teach the USAF course in 2017. He later supported an elite Guardian Angel reserve unit at Davis-Monthan AFB, where he coordinated air operations and delivered advanced military freefall training.
Since 2020, Erick has served as the operations manager for multiple parachute, SAR, and life-support manufacturing facilities. Today, he serves as President of Parachute Laboratories Inc., where he leads the research, development, testing, and evaluation of safety-critical products spanning sport and experimental aircraft, tandem systems, military applications, emergency bailout, urban air mobility, electric propulsion, space systems, and unmanned aerial systems. A multi-manufacturer tandem-rated professional based in DeLand, Florida, Erick brings extensive hands-on expertise and a deep commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence to the skydiving and aerospace industries.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
- How military freefall training shapes precision, discipline, and risk-management in aerospace operations.
- Why safety-first engineering remains critical across parachute, aviation, and emerging mobility systems.
- That decades of operational experience can drive innovation in life-saving aerospace technologies.
- How advanced parachute systems support military, sport, emergency, and experimental aviation environments.
- Why rigorous testing and evaluation are essential for safety-critical aerospace equipment.
- That leadership in high-risk industries depends on accountability, preparation, and technical expertise.
- How aerospace advancements are influencing urban air mobility, electric propulsion, and unmanned systems.
- Why continuous improvement raises performance standards across skydiving and aerospace manufacturing.
- That hands-on field experience provides unique insights into product development and operational safety.
- How innovation and reliability work together to improve outcomes in demanding airborne environments.
about the show
They served their country, and now they’re building something just as powerful.
They led with discipline, purpose, resilience, and have turned their next chapter into a mission.
But in today’s noisy world, even the most dedicated veterans struggle to get the recognition they deserve.
Operation CEO is a groundbreaking TV series that honors the next chapter of America's heroes.
These entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators have served their country and are now building businesses with purpose.
Each episode highlights a veteran who transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship, showcasing the same grit, discipline, and mission-driven mindset that continues to define their journey today.
From startups to seven-figure brands, these stories prove that the warrior spirit doesn’t fade after service…
It evolves!
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