Jim inherited the aviation gene from his father who was a flight instructor. Throughout his childhood, he built all kinds of model planes and aircrafts, assembled a small radio to listen to nearby chatter, and relished every opportunity to fly with his dad. In 1982, Jim earned his pilot’s license and never looked back, starting as a flight instructor and working his way up to multi-engine and jet aircraft.

Along the way, Jim became a commercial helicopter pilot, with experience in nearly a dozen helicopters. He also became a sea-plane and glider flight instructor, and a flight engineer in the Boeing 727. Among the other aircraft he has flown are the Beech-18, amphibious Turbine Beaver, and the venerable Learjet 23 and 24. He even had the great fortunate one weekend to log a bit of time in the classic World War II B-17G.

Jim has extensive international experience, and particularly enjoys the challenges of flying on other continents. He has also spent many years managing airplanes for private owners, as well as flying in Part 135, 91, and 121 operations. Jim has known and worked with Tim Lomakin for nearly a decade and is very excited to support the vision of Foundation Aviation in growing the highest quality charter company possible.

When he’s not piloting for our valued clients, Jim and his wife love throwing parties and welcoming people into their home in Carlsbad, California.