OWN THE JET

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, you move.

For anyone evaluating private aviation, or looking to better understand how helicopters fit into the equation, this episode offers a practical, experience-driven perspective on using the right tool for the mission.

To learn more, visit https://www.phoenixaviation.us/

Brought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com

Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com

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 Airshare built a model that integrates multiple ownership and access solutions under one roof, giving clients flexibility as their travel needs evolve. For anyone evaluating private aviation, or trying to better understand the path into ownership, this episode offers a practical, experience-driven perspective on making the right decision from the start. 

To learn more about Airshare, visit https://www.airshare.com
Brought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com
Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com

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 other investment in their portfolio. Ryan also shares how benchmarking and data analytics are helping bring a new level of financial discipline to private aviation.

For anyone considering jet ownership, or currently operating an aircraft, this discussion offers valuable insight into the financial side of business aviation.

To learn more about MySky, visit https://mysky.com

Brought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com
Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com

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 can often serve similar needs, but the right choice depends on how the owner actually plans to use the airplane.

The conversation highlights how a well-chosen aircraft becomes a practical tool for business efficiency, saving time, expanding reach, and supporting growth when it’s aligned with the owner’s real travel patterns.

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 are just as capable. This conversation explores the critical importance of building a professional talent pipeline to address the shortage of young aviators and engineers. Join us for an inspiring look at the next generation of aviation professionals.

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.

Learn more about Aspen Aero Group: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/

Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com/

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 owning a jet is right for you.

Learn more about Aspen Aero Group: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/
Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com/

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.bombardier.com

Preston Holland — https://prestigefinance.com/

Rebecca Fre-Hiwet — https://www.corpangelnetwork.org

KJ McCarter — https://www.aviationtaxconsultants.com/

David Zipkin — https://www.flytradewind.com

Sarah Mespelt Larranaga — https://sarahlarranaga.com/

Adam Slepian — https://www.ottoaero.com

Stephen Maiden — https://www.weststaraviation.com

Nada Ragland — https://aerolawcenter.com/

Lisa Stewart — https://www.campsystems.com

Matt Walter — https://www.guardianjet.com

Brought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com

Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com

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 doors in a small industry and what to prepare before you hire.

Learn more about ADK: https://adkexecutivesearch.com/

Brought by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/

Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com/