Todd and Lissette enjoy some fall weather in downstate Michigan. Family and Music
In addition to surrounding himself with his trusted team, Tetzlaff has two other valves that relieve the pressure that’s upon him: his refuges of music and family. In fact, Tetzlaff is living with his son Ryan (an electrician) during these transitional days while searching for the right home for his wife Lissette and him to settle in. Lissette, a registered nurse, is still in Savannah, wrapping up odds and ends. “It’s a bummer she isn’t up here yet, but it’s kind of been a blessing because I’m working so much. I don’t feel guilty about not spending time with her because I was at the office for 12 hours,” he says. The Tetzlaffs also have two grown daughters, with older Marissa in veterinarian school at Michigan State University. The youngest, newlywed Kristina, lives a few miles from Enstrom. She is an RN at the same hospital her mom previously cared for patients; Tetzlaff describes her as Lissette’s “mini-me.” The family enjoys light hiking in the brisk beauty of Wisconsin and Michigan, and kayaking in local waterways as well. This busy time of change has kept the family from getting together for their outdoor activities, but Tetzlaff is still getting in shape for a special outdoor event. In the past he’s run a few 5Ks and Enstrom Helicopter is sponsoring an upcoming run. “Someone overheard me say that I should run in it — so speaking up got me in trouble! I’m starting to get in shape for that,” he confides. (We’re publishing this to seal that commitment.)
Tetzlaff also finds comfort in privately plucking his bass guitar at home. “I love music; you can find me at a concert somewhere near the front row by the biggest speaker,” he says, but, as you probably guess, he’d rather play his four-string instrument in private. “I didn’t think I knew how to play, but then I got asked to join a church band in Savannah. I’m not sure I was good enough, but they were super kind and encouraging. They let me make a little noise.”
Rising Voice
Near the end of our interview, Tetzlaff directs some noise at the Federal Aviation Administration. “FAA certification is our greatest challenge. I went to GAMA’s (General Aviation Manufacturers Association) board meeting a couple of weeks ago. I had wondered whether Enstrom wasn’t getting needed attention from the FAA because we are a smaller and resurrected OEM. However, the bigger players are frustrated with the FAA as well; we’re all in the same boat. It’s never been easy to get something FAA certified, but many individuals at the table said the situation now is the worst they’ve seen. It is stagnation across the board. We’re now in a situation where we are not begging to sell helicopters, but begging for certification support so we can deliver the helicopters we’ve already sold!”
Tetzlaff has not only found his voice as a passionate leader fighting for his company, but he also sounds like a rising voice for his industry. It wouldn’t be the first time Tetzlaff spoke up despite his nature, and one suspects it is not the last time the rotorcraft world will listen to this thinking man.
rotorpro.com
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