• Big Things Often Have Small Beginnings

Our Story

It’s all about family and a passion for aviation

TAKING THE SEABEE FROM CERTIFIED TO AMATEUR-BUILT

When Brian Robinson faced an expensive engine overhaul to his 1946 Republic Seabee, his engineering talents and creativity led him to explore alternative options. Tired of 1930s technology with poor fuel efficiency and reliability, he devised a plan to develop a new power plant for his aircraft, moving it into Transport Canada’s flexible Amateur-Built category.

Extensive research led to selection of the famous V8 GM Corvette LS-series engine. This automobile engine offered the advantage of modern systems such as air conditioning, exceptional power-to-weight ratio, and high reliability. To this configuration he added a custom gear reduction drive alongside many additional safety features such as dual fuel pumps, dual batteries to meet aviation needs. Engine power was increased from 215 HP to over 450 HP with significantly improved fuel efficiency, reliability, and safety.

THE ROBINSON V8 CONVERSION MARKED THE BIRTH OF THE X5 IDEA

THE EXPERIMENTAL SEABEE TO X3 TO THE X5

As popular as the V8 Seabee engine conversion was, Brian fostered a deep-seated idea that had taken root long before the V8 Seabee ever flew. Simply, he wanted to build a new Seabee. Not a replica of the 1946 design; Brian wanted to design a new all-season amphibious aircraft with advanced safety systems that would be the modern reflection of an aircraft that many had grown to love.

It wasn’t long before Brian had convinced a visionary financier to join him in the quest to design a modern amphibious aircraft. Design efforts soon began in earnest. Fortunately Brian had a ready-made experimental aircraft on which to test many of advanced systems that would be used on the new design. And so began the formal developmental work on an X3 prototype design on the Seabee, a fitting way to begin at the beginning. The X3 later pivoted into the X5 Cavorite as urban air mobility with eVTOL aircraft became technically feasible

HORIZON AIRCRAFT WAS FORMED TO CREATE THE X3 DESIGN

Our Team

Almost a Century of Experience Building Aircraft. 25,000+ Hours of Flying Time. Integrated Within Industry.

E. Brandon Robinson

CEO, Co-Founder

CF-18 fighter pilot (retired), innovative aircraft engineer and eVTOL visionary.

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E. Brian Robinson

Chief Engineer, Founder

Unparalleled technical skill, production engineering, and proven aircraft thought leadership.

Jason O’Neill

COO

Specializing in advancing startups and scale-ups with a focus on disruptive technology and data science.

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Stewart Lee

Chief Human Resource Officer

Extensive networking, culture building and talent acquisition experience.

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Susan Malik

CFO

Over 25 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur, founding and developing several companies in The United States and Canada.

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Kirk Creelman

Sr. Director Composite Design

A lifetime of experience in aircraft design, production, and testing, especially leading edge composite materials.

Sandy Robertson

Managing Director,
Finance & Investor Relations

Extensive expertise in corporate finance, start-up funding and investor relations.

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Todd Bissett

External General Counsel

Recognized expertise in private equity and venture capital, financing, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate and business law.

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Michael Lush

Industry Advisor

Extensive aircraft building experience, including a V6-powered Seawind 300C as well as a V8-powered Seabee.

Jameel Janjua

Advisor

Test Flight Program and Autonomous Systems. Military-trained test pilot with an extensive background testing fighter aircraft.

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