Born in 1947, Peter Furlong became a motor mechanic and in 1965 learnt to fly with the Latrobe Valley Aero Club. Following his training as a pilot of both powered aircraft and gliders, in 1969 Peter took up employment in aircraft maintenance, and qualified as a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.


From 1972 Peter was a partner in Latrobe Valley Aviation Services. In addition to being an aircraft maintenance engineer, Peter was also an accomplished pilot of both aeroplanes and gliders, and an amateur aircraft builder of note. In 1973, his piloting skills culminated with him becoming an Australian aerobatic champion. In 1977, following the retirement of his then business partner, he established Gippsland Aeronautics as a sole trader.


In 1984, the company was incorporated as Gippsland Aeronautics Pty Ltd, when George Morgan became a partner. Under Peter and George’s leadership the company transitioned from a small aircraft maintenance organisation into a highly successful aircraft manufacturer and exporter.


It was during this time that Gippsland Aeronautics designed and obtained Supplemental Type Certificates for various PA25 safety and performance modifications, leading to the GA200 certification completion in 1991. The GA200 remained in manufacture from 1991 to 2000.


From 1994, Peter and the team, were involved in the design for the GA8 Airvan multi role utility aircraft. Certification of GA8 Airvan was completed in 2000. Never interested in manufacture as much as invention, Peter then turned to the GA10 concept.

Peter retired in 2010 and passed away in December 2017.