OWN THE JET

What does it really take to design a private jet around the person who owns it?
In this episode of Own The Jet, Derik Savage and Jason Spoor visit aviation designer and engineer Sarah Larranaga at her Los Angeles studio for a firsthand look at how a private aircraft transformation begins.  It's a dive into the design, engineering, and planning behind creating an aircraft that truly fits the way its owner flies.

“Designing a Private Jet Around You”
Learn more about Sarah Larranaga: sarahlarranaga.com

Watch video versions of the episodes on the Aspen...

In this special episode of Own The Jet, Derik Savage and Jason Spoor tour Comlux America in Indianapolis with the CEO, Adam White, and the Vice President of Sales, Ben Williamson, to explore one of aviation's best-kept secrets: the industry responsible for transforming commercial aircraft into custom VVIP private jets.

The tour moves from the design studio, where owners pick carpet, veneer, and stone and every custom material has to pass burn testing, to the cabinet shop, where craftsmen build each monument by hand. Then it's the full-scale A220 and A320 cabin mockups, exact replicas that let...

Before Aaron Tippin became a country music star, he planned on making his living in the cockpit.

In this episode of Own The Jet, Derik Savage and Jason Spoor sit down with Aaron in the hangar of his company, Tennessee Flying Machines, to talk about the two passions that have shaped his life: music and aviation.

Aaron grew up around airplanes, soloed on his 16th birthday, and by 18 was multi-engine commercial and instrument rated. He went on to fly professionally before a change of direction took him to Nashville, where he eventually launched a country...

What's one of the most valuable assets attached to a $70 million aircraft?

The paperwork.

In this episode of Own The Jet, Derik Savage and Jason Spoor sit down with Stuart Illian, Chief Aviation Officer and Co-Founder of Bluetail, to explore why aircraft records play such a critical role in ownership, maintenance, and resale. From logbooks and FAA forms to maintenance history and airworthiness documentation, Stuart explains how decades of paper records can determine an aircraft's value, delay a sale, or even keep it grounded.The conversation also dives into how Bluetail is modernizing aircraft record...

Booking a private jet can look straightforward. Choose a destination, compare aircraft, and select the best price.

But every charter trip depends on far more than the quote. Aircraft location, operator capabilities, crew requirements, maintenance, positioning flights, and financial structure can all affect how safely and successfully a trip is completed.

In this episode of Own The Jet, Derik Savage and Jason Spoor sit down with Jacquie Dalton, Founder & CEO of SPARROW Executive Jets, to explore the smarter way to approach private jet charter.

Jacquie explains why charter is not a one-size-fits-all service...

Buying an aircraft is a milestone. Successfully owning one is a journey.

In this episode of Own The Jet, Derik Savage and Jason Spoor sit down with Joe Barber, Chief Commercial Officer at Clay Lacy Aviation, to discuss everything that happens after the purchase.
From aircraft management and charter revenue to maintenance, FBO services, and assembling the right advisory team, Joe explains why successful ownership depends on far more than simply buying the airplane.

The conversation also explores Clay Lacy Aviation's nearly 60-year history, the legacy of aviation pioneer Clay Lacy, and how today's...

Emergencies in private aviation are rare.

Being prepared for them isn't.

In this episode of Own The Jet, Brian Hayvaz, Vice President of Operations at Aircare International, explains how pilots, flight attendants, and passengers train for the moments they hope they'll never experience.

From aircraft fires and medical emergencies to cabin evacuations and survival training, Brian shares how realistic, hands-on scenarios build confidence under pressure. We also explore the latest advancements in onboard telemedicine and why communication, not panic, is often the difference between a controlled emergency and chaos.

Whether you're...

Most people know Boeing and Airbus build airplanes.

Few realize those aircraft often leave the factory as empty shells.

In this episode of Own The Jet, Derik Savage and Jason Spoor sit down with Adam White, CEO of Comlux America, and Ben Williamson, Vice President of Sales, to explore one of aviation's best-kept secrets: the industry responsible for transforming commercial aircraft into custom private jets.

As the only completion center in North America certified for both Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) and Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ), Comlux occupies a unique place in aviation. From...

In this episode of Own The Jet, Kaye Gitibin, CEO of Go Rentals, shares how he and his brother built a company with just seven cars and a vision to deliver a level of service the rental car industry had never seen before.

Today, Go Rentals is the only major car rental company focused exclusively on private aviation, luxury hotels, and high-net-worth travelers. Kaye explains how understanding clients, earning trust, and building meaningful relationships helped transform a small startup into a nationwide brand serving private aviation's most demanding customers.

We discuss hospitality, service culture, leadership...

Most people think aircraft detailing is only about appearance.

In this episode of Own The Jet, Dustin Zeitler, founder of RealClean Aircraft Detailing, explains why it’s really about protecting a multi-million dollar asset.

With more than 20 years in aviation, Dustin breaks down the operational side of aircraft care, from corrosion prevention and paint revitalization to interior restoration, fleet consistency, and minimizing downtime for charter operators. He also shares how RealClean grew from a local detailing company into a nationwide franchise operation servicing more than 500 airports across 28 states.

Join us as we discuss th...

In this episode of Own The Jet, Phil Jordan, Chairman of GLADA, breaks down the reality of aircraft brokerage, where there’s no licensing requirement, and the difference between a good deal and a bad one often comes down to experience, transparency, and relationships. We cover what to look for in a broker, common red flags, and why timing and market awareness play a critical role in every transaction.

In this episode of Own The Jet, Bryan Duhl joins us to break down how helicopters fit into the world of private aviation, and where they provide a unique advantage. From access and logistics to real-world use cases, Bryan shares how helicopters are used to move clients efficiently and effectively in ways traditional aircraft can’t.

The conversation explores how helicopters integrate into broader travel plans, what operators consider when planning flights, and why the experience often surprises first-time passengers. Bryan also offers insight into how the right aircraft choice can completely change how, and how quickly, yo...

n this episode of Own the Jet, John Owen, CEO of Airshare, joins us to break down the realities of entering private aviation through fractional ownership, jet cards, and aircraft management. With decades of experience building one of the industry’s most versatile aviation platforms, John shares how buyers can approach ownership decisions with clarity and avoid long-term financial commitments that don’t align with their actual flying needs.
The conversation explores how fractional ownership works, when jet cards make more sense, and why many first-time buyers misunderstand the structure of private aviation programs. John also explains how Airs...

In this episode of Own the Jet, Ryan DeMoor of MySky joins us to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of private aviation: understanding and managing the true cost of operating an aircraft. Drawing on billions of dollars in validated operating data, Ryan explains how cost transparency has historically been difficult for jet owners and why better data is changing the way owners, operators, and family offices evaluate aircraft expenses.

The conversation explores how aircraft management structures work, where inefficiencies can hide in operating costs, and why many owners treat a multimillion-dollar asset differently than any...

In this episode of Own the Jet, Aspen Aero Group President Jason Spoor answers one of the most common questions prospective aircraft owners ask: what jet should I buy? Rather than starting with a specific aircraft, Jason walks through the thinking behind the decision and how experienced advisors help buyers narrow the field.

Using the example of a growing construction company owner traveling across the country for projects, Jason explains how factors like passenger count, travel frequency, range, and operating costs shape the type of aircraft that makes sense. Aircraft like larger Citation models or the Falcon 2000...

In this special on-location episode of Own the Jet, we visit the West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA) at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. WMAA CEO Nicole Gasper and Dean George Pavey join us to discuss their unique public charter high school model that prepares students for the high-stakes demands of the aviation industry. George shares how his background as a Marine pilot informs their philosophy of treating students as young adults capable of real-world responsibilities.

They discuss the school's high cultural expectations, emphasizing that if teenagers in the military can maintain complex aircraft, high school students...

Join us on this step-by-step mini-series, How To Buy A Jet. In Part 1, host Derik Savage sits down with Jason Spoor, Founder & President, Aspen Aero Group, to help you decide if ownership makes sense. 

You’ll learn how to match your travel mission to the right path: charter, jet card, fractional, or whole ownership, while weighing budgets, operating costs, availability, optics, financing, and tax planning. 

We also cover realistic timelines, five-year cost outlooks, major inspections on pre-owned aircraft, and the team you’ll need to buy with confidence.

...

In this episode, Aspen Aero Group founder and president Jason Spoor steps from co-host to guest to share how a lifetime in aviation shapes smarter jet ownership. He traces his path from earning an A&P and flying professionally to leading corporate flight departments and advising buyers as a broker.

You’ll get practical guidance on entering private aviation, whether charter, fractional, or whole ownership, what to budget beyond the purchase price, and how Aspen structures deals so owners succeed long after closing. We also cover timelines to buy, vendor networks, and how to tell when ow...

In this episode, we’re recapping year one of Own the Jet—the biggest themes, lessons, and takeaways so far. We’ve covered everything from interiors, financing, MROs, and FBOs to wing flex, smarter tax planning, and decoding aviation’s alphabet soup. And we’re just getting started! 

Expect more trips, more industry experts, and more practical advice to help you buy, staff, and operate the right aircraft for your mission.

Guests (in order):

Roger Woolsey — https://www.millionair.com

Mark Masluch — https://www.bom...

In this episode, Linda Frankl of ADK Consulting & Executive Search explains how relationship-driven recruiting builds winning aviation teams. We dig into confidential executive searches, why culture fit beats a perfect resume, and what great Directors of Aviation actually do. 

Linda shares how ADK evaluates leaders beyond the resume, including self-recorded candidate videos, real-world decision making, and communication under pressure. We cover airports, FBOs, and corporate flight departments, the talent squeeze from the airlines, and why AI can assist checklists but cannot replace leadership, compliance, or judgment. 

You will also hear how ADK’s network opens door...

In this episode of Own the Jet, Sarah Larranaga, aviation designer and engineer, lifts the curtain on bespoke jet interiors and exteriors for brands, celebrities, and business leaders. 

Sarah explains how safety and certification drive every decision, how to work with OEMs and completion centers, and why weight and range are the real currencies of design. From pink leather seat details to steam showers and display credenzas, Sarah shows what is possible, what is smart, and where to compromise.

You will hear stories from high-profile projects, including Paris Hilton’s aircraft and campaigns for global bra...

In this episode of Own the Jet, Matt Walter, Managing Partner at Guardian Jet, explains how a consultative brokerage helps buyers make smarter decisions from day one. He covers when to move from charter or fractional to whole ownership.

Matt lays out how to vet a broker in an unregulated market, the value of acting as your acquisition agent, and the tradeoffs between the “best deal” and the “best airplane.”  

Whether you are a first-time buyer or leading a flight department, this conversation shows how the right guidance turns a complex purchase into a confident investmen...

In this episode of Own the Jet, Stephen Maiden, CEO of West Star Aviation, shares how a top independent MRO keeps business aircraft safe, reliable, and flying.

Stephen breaks down pre-purchase inspections, annual and major inspection cycles, and why minimizing downtime matters. He explains West Star’s one-stop capabilities for airframe maintenance, interiors, avionics upgrades, and complex modifications.

Whether you are an owner, a flight department leader, or new to jet ownership, this conversation shows how choosing the right maintenance partner protects safety, uptime, and long-term aircraft value.

To learn more about West St...

In this episode, we hit the NBAA-BACE static at Henderson Executive Airport to spotlight what matters to jet owners right now: comfort, efficiency, and future of aviation. Bombardier walks us through Global-series wing flex and updates on the Global 8000 and U.S. service expansion. Epic Aircraft talks about the carbon-fiber E1000AX with Starlink Wi-Fi and Garmin Emergency Autoland. OTTO Aerospace unveils the Phantom 3500 super-mid concept targeting big range with dramatically lower fuel burn. 

To learn more about the companies featured in this episode:

Bombardier — https://bombardier.com

Epic Aircraft — https...

In this episode, we hit the NBAA-BACE show floor in Las Vegas to spotlight what matters to jet owners right now: speed, safety, connectivity, and support. Boom Supersonic shares how they’re pursuing faster, quieter, more comfortable travel. VisionSafe demonstrates the Emergency Vision Assurance System (EVAS), which provides a clear pocket of air so pilots can see their instruments and land safely in the event of cockpit smoke. Gogo Business Aviation explains multi-orbit and next-gen air-to-ground internet for streaming and work in flight.

We also talk MRO strategy with StandardAero (engines, avionics, interiors), fuel and family-run service wi...

In this episode of Own the Jet, Rebecca Fre-Hiwet from Corporate Angel Network talks about how private jet owners can turn empty seats into life-saving opportunities. She explains how Corporate Angel Network matches unused seats on corporate and private aircraft with cancer patients who need transportation to treatment.

Since 1981, the organization has completed nearly 70,000 flights, helping patients access world-class care while easing the burden of travel during their most difficult moments. Rebecca shares how simple it can be to participate and why generosity in aviation has a lasting impact on families.

To learn more about...

In this episode of Own the Jet, David Zipkin of Tradewind Aviation talks about why private flying is ultimately about saving time. He explains how a fleet of Pilatus PC-12s delivers efficiency, convenience, and access to destinations big jets can’t reach. From by-the-seat service on routes like Nantucket and St. Barts to the realities of ownership and charter offsets, David explains why it’s more important to choose an aircraft based on the mission you need it to fly rather than focusing on the model itself. By focusing first on the mission when making decisions, owners and flye...

In this episode of Own the Jet, Jason Wardwell and Gregg Salser of Jet Pro Pilots explain the crewing decisions that make jet ownership safe and seamless. They outline their three engagement models—JetPro Trip (on-demand crewing as employer of record), JetPro Recruit (full-time placement with guarantees), and JetPro HR (a PEO-style solution with long-term crews and benefits)—and why captain-qualified pilots, insurance/FAA verification, and culture fit matter.

They share practical acquisition advice: evaluate training availability before chasing “bargain” airframes, plan crewing in parallel with the transaction, and use trial trips to confirm fit. You’ll also hear...

In this episode of Own the Jet, we sit down with Nada Ragland, Partner at Aero Law Center, to explore the critical role aviation law plays in aircraft transactions and ownership.

Nada shares real-world experiences from cross-border deals and explains how legal missteps can stall or even derail transactions. From tariffs and international regulations to contract structures and closing protections, she highlights the risks buyers often overlook and the safeguards that can protect their investment. She also underscores why working with experienced aviation counsel is one of the smartest moves a jet buyer can make.

...

In this episode of Own the Jet, Roger Woolsey, CEO of Million Air, joins us to share his perspective on the world of private aviation from the helm of one of the industry’s most prestigious FBO networks.

Roger reveals how Million Air elevates the private flying experience beyond fueling and hangar space, delivering unmatched luxury for aircraft owners where service, privacy, and comfort are essential. Drawing on his own experiences as a jet owner, he shares personal stories that highlight the lifestyle, responsibilities, and rewards of private aviation. He also explains why a pr...

In this episode of Own the Jet, we sit down with Lisa Stewart of CAMP Systems International to explore one of the most overlooked but essential parts of private jet ownership: maintenance tracking and logbook management.

Lisa explains how missing or mismanaged logbooks can slash an aircraft’s value by up to 50%, and why proper documentation is just as important as engines or avionics. She walks us through how CAMP helps jet owners and operators stay on top of maintenance cycles, inspections, and compliance—protecting both the value and safety of the aircraft.

In this episode of Own the Jet, we sit down with Preston Holland of Prestige Aircraft Finance to unpack one of the most mission-critical pieces of any jet acquisition: financing strategy.

Preston shares how buyers lose millions by assembling the wrong transaction team, why cash isn’t always king, and what lenders actually look for when evaluating aircraft deals. He breaks down common misconceptions, the difference between personal and business jet financing, and how aligning the right team early can protect your investment and your time.

Whether you’re buyi...

In this episode of Own the Jet, we sit down with KJ McCarter of Aviation Tax Consultants to break down one of the most overlooked but most powerful advantages in private jet ownership: tax strategy.

KJ walks us through how 100% bonus depreciation could return under new legislation, what that means for buyers in today’s market, and why working with an aviation-specific CPA is critical even if you already have a great accountant. From maximizing deductions to navigating IRS scrutiny, KJ shares the insights that separate smart acquisitions from costly mistakes.

Whether you're considering your fi...

In this premiere episode of Own the Jet, we sit down with Wendy Stewart-Ormon of Aircraft Finance Corporation, a powerhouse in aviation lending, to talk about the one thing that separates serious buyers from everyone else: leverage.

Wendy breaks down why even ultra-high-net-worth clients should get pre-qualified before ever stepping onto a jet, how financing becomes a power move instead of a fallback, and the mindset shift required to negotiate from strength. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned operator, this episode delivers the real strategy behind successful jet ownership and the relationships that make it...