THE BUSHLINER STORY

We recognized the enduring appeal of classic aircraft design, the rugged utility, raw performance, and unfiltered connection to flight that pilots have cherished for decades. Our mission became clear, to breathe new life into these proven qualities through a refined, builder-assisted platform. This vision was shaped not only by our own field-tested experience with legacy airframes but also by invaluable feedback from seasoned operators and early Cyclone owners. The result is the Bushliner 1850 Cyclone, an evolution of a backcountry classic, reimagined for today’s aviator through a hands-on, build program that delivers exceptional capability without compromising heritage.

Timeless Design. Modern Confidence: The Bushliner 1850 Cyclone delivers what backcountry aircraft enthusiasts have long sought but rarely found, the soul of a heritage taildragger without the decades of baggage. While vintage airframes come with aging structures, recurring ADs, and limited upgrade paths, the Cyclone is built entirely from new components. It preserves the rugged utility and iconic lines but enhances them with modern construction, refined ergonomics, and integrated safety features. No restorations, no compromises, just timeless performance built for today.

Modern Engineering. Trusted Safety: The Bushliner 1850 Cyclone is built by integrating advanced materials, modern avionics, and proven engineering to ensure reliability, simplify maintenance, and enhance every phase of ownership. From structural reinforcements to fuel system upgrades and occupant protection, safety is designed into every detail.

Dominate the Backcountry. Redefine Capability: The Bushliner 1850 Cyclone is not just another taildragger. It is the top-performing aircraft in its class. Designed to dominate the backcountry, it combines brute strength with refined control, delivering unmatched payload, STOL performance, and mission flexibility. It is a Jeep and a truck in one, rugged enough for the roughest terrain, powerful enough to carry what matters, and capable enough to go where others will not even try.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Samantha Hagan is a founding partner and Chief Executive Officer of Bushliner Aircraft. She began her career first in retail management before moving into aviation, where she and co-partner Kyle Fosso restored and upgraded a Cessna 170B, work that set the benchmark for the company’s commitment to craftsmanship and modern design. She later co-founded an aircraft maintenance business focused on safe, modern standards of quality. That reputation led to the opportunity to acquire the Super Cyclone design rights, paving the way for Bushliner’s evolution into aircraft manufacturing. Appointed CEO in 2025, Samantha has personally led every aspect of the company’s operations, finance, and customer programs, while also bringing a practical understanding of aircraft from her immersion in backcountry flying that directly drives Bushliner’s designs for safety and usability. She is focused on strengthening the company’s foundation, broadening its capabilities, and firmly establishing Bushliner’s relevance as a trusted manufacturer.

PRESIDENT

Kyle Fosso is a founding partner and President of Bushliner Aircraft. He became immersed in aviation at 14 after taking his first introduction flight and began working alongside a local mechanic to pay for lessons. By age 15, he had purchased a Cessna 170B project, ultimately testing out of A&P school at 19. Raised by the community at the Anacortes Airport, Kyle developed a passion for Cessna aircraft and has spent his career modernizing and improving their design. His dedication was recognized with a Bronze Lindy at EAA AirVenture in 2017 for the meticulously restored 170B that he and co-founder Samantha completed together. After experiencing a forced landing on their return cross-country flight due to a fuel system issue, he became deeply committed to systems development and modernization for legacy airframes. That experience led him to establish a successful aircraft maintenance and overhaul business focused on Cessna 170, 180, and 185 models, and he later co-founded Bushliner Aircraft to bring modernized utility aircraft to market. Today, Kyle continues to lead development and production, combining hands-on expertise with a drive to set new standards for craftsmanship and reliability.

FOUNDING PARTNER

Francisco J. Guadamuz (“Sisco”) is a founding partner and senior production manager at Bushliner Aircraft. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he brings over a decade of experience working on Boeing airframes and leading specialized R&D projects. Sisco is known for his tireless dedication, hands-on problem-solving, and determination to see every job through to completion. At Bushliner, he draws on his background to represent and advocate for the company’s special mission aircraft capabilities, helping develop relationships with customers, partners, and agencies that require aircraft adapted for unique operational roles and demanding environments.

SENIOR ENGINEER

Dan’l Knowles is the Senior Engineer at Bushliner Aircraft. With around 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry, he has worked with a range of aircraft companies in both design and structural stress roles across private and secure sectors. In 2022, he was introduced to the Bushliner team by a mutual acquaintance, and in early 2023, he transitioned from his structural stress position at The Boeing Company to join Bushliner full-time. Dan’l takes great pride in contributing his expertise to the team and supporting Bushliner’s mission to build modern, capable aircraft.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Martin Wlazlak has extensive accounting experience across distribution, service, and publishing industries, along with a background supporting operational activities. He earned his degree from the University of Washington and is one of the core team members who have been with Bushliner since before its transition into aircraft manufacturing. As Senior Accountant, Marty oversees a broad range of accounting functions with precision and care. He takes pride in doing things right the first time and brings a steady, principled approach to every challenge. Throughout the company’s growth, he has remained both dedicated and adaptable, ensuring Bushliner’s financial foundation stays strong as it expands into its market.

JUNIOR ENGINEER

Tyler Fritsch earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University before relocating to the Pacific Northwest, where he began his career in aerospace tooling with Nova-Tech. In that role, he supported Airbus assembly lines in Hamburg, Germany, working on the A319, A320, and A321 programs. Tyler apprenticed under Dan’l Knowles, Bushliner’s current Lead Engineer, gaining valuable experience in CAD and design techniques, including the skeleton method now applied to the 1850 Cyclone project. He is known for his collaborative approach and ability to integrate seamlessly within the team. An aspiring pilot, Tyler is currently training at Harvey Field in Snohomish, Washington, with the goal of flying bush planes between Washington and Alaska.