SUNSHINE AERO INDUSTRIES INC. “FLIGHT TEST”
About Us
SUNSHINE AERO INDUSTRIES INC.
Robert L. (Bob) Keller
SAI President and founder
About SAI Flight Test
SAI Flight Test is a privately owned small business located in the Crestview Technology Airpark (CTAP) at Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, Florida. Since its establishment in 1980, SAI has delivered over 30 years of accident-free flight testing and support to its customers.
Our founder and president, Bob Keller, is a 1970 graduate of the United States Air Force Test Pilot School and retired in 1980 as the Commander of the Flight Test Division at Eglin Air Force Base.
During his distinguished military career, Bob Keller completed over 200 combat missions in F-105s and F-4s. With over 20,000 flight hours, advanced engineering expertise, and extensive test and evaluation experience, he brings unparalleled leadership to the SAI Flight Test Team.
Bob Keller diverse flight experience includes aircraft such as the T-39, F-15, F-16, F-100, F-105, F-4, C-135, and various civil general aviation planes.
SAI is committed to advancing the development of cutting-edge aircraft and systems. As a corporate member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP), Association of Old Crows, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), SAI stands at the forefront of innovation and expertise in the aerospace industry.
Our Facilities
Our newly relocated, state-of-the-art, 30,000-square-foot facility includes engineering, fabrication, aircraft modification, maintenance, an FAA-certified repair station, and secure office spaces to meet our customers’ growing needs. Situated on private land adjacent to Bob Sikes Airport, SAI has exclusive access to the airport’s 8,000-foot ILS-equipped runway, capable of accommodating private, commercial, and military aircraft.
From our Crestview base, SAI has supported test operations at every major national test range, including the Eglin Test Range, Nevada Test and Training Range, Utah Test and Training Range, China Lake, and Edwards Air Force Base. Our proximity to Eglin’s land and water ranges makes our facility a preferred choice for payload integration, offering customers collocated resources and equipment to streamline operations. This unique combination of capabilities and location makes SAI an ideal and cost-effective solution for aircraft modifications and flight test operations.
SAI Capabilities
SAI specializes in supporting the development of advanced aircraft systems and platforms. Our expertise includes:
Advanced avionics and fire control systems
Reconnaissance systems, special mission payloads, and external system pods
Integrated weapons systems and electronic combat systems
Engineering, design, systems integration, and certification for FAA and military requirements
SAI’s team excels in acquiring, modifying, and adapting special mission aircraft while developing Class II Modification Packages and securing government clearances.
Core Competencies
Special test aircraft support and acquisition
Rapid aircraft modifications for optimal system integration under tight timelines
Engineering expertise in real-time data links and electronic warfare systems
Comprehensive design, integration, and evaluation of airborne sensors and systems
Extensive background in experimental flight test operations
Advanced technical training in test and evaluation of airborne electronic systems