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OWN THE JET dives deep into the world of private jet ownership, operations, and the private aviation lifestyle. Whether you're purchasing your first jet, managing a growing fleet, or simply passionate about aviation, this podcast gives you insider access to the conversations happening behind the scenes.
We feature real owners, operators, and aviation leaders sharing their experiences, strategies, and lessons learned — from the flight deck to the boardroom.
OWN THE JET - the official podcast of Aspen Aero Group.
Website: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspenAeroGroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspenaerogroup/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspen-aero-group
X: https://x.com/AspenAeroGroup
We feature real owners, operators, and aviation leaders sharing their experiences, strategies, and lessons learned — from the flight deck to the boardroom.
OWN THE JET - the official podcast of Aspen Aero Group.
Website: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspenAeroGroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspenaerogroup/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspen-aero-group
X: https://x.com/AspenAeroGroup
20 Episodes
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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.comMark Masluch — https://www.bombardier.comPreston Holland — https://prestigefinance.com/Rebecca Fre-Hiwet — https://www.corpangelnetwork.orgKJ McCarter — https://www.aviationtaxconsultants.com/David Zipkin — https://www.flytradewind.comSarah Mespelt Larranaga — https://sarahlarranaga.com/Adam Slepian — https://www.ottoaero.comStephen Maiden — https://www.weststaraviation.comNada Ragland — https://aerolawcenter.com/Lisa Stewart — https://www.campsystems.comMatt Walter — https://www.guardianjet.comBrought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.comProduced 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/
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 brands, plus what is next with a WWE Bombardier 6500. Whether you want a subtle refresh or a full tear-down rebuild, this conversation will help you buy right, scope clearly, and design an aircraft that works for your mission.Connect with Sarah Larranaga: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mespelt-larranaga-08904b6b/Brought by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com/
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 investment.To learn more about Guardian Jet, visit https://www.guardianjet.comBrought by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.comProduced by: https://www.savagemedia.com/
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 Star Aviation, visit https://www.weststaraviation.comBrought by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com/
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.comEpic Aircraft — https://epicaircraft.comOTTO Aerospace — https://ottoaerospace.comBrought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.comProduced by: https://www.savagemedia.com
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 with Cutter Aviation, and emergency training and telemedicine with AirCare International—practical essentials for every owner.To learn more about the companies featured in this episode:Boom Supersonic — https://boomsupersonic.comVisionSafe (EVAS) — https://www.visionsafe.comGogo Business Aviation — https://www.gogoair.comStandardAero — https://www.standardaero.comCutter Aviation — https://www.cutteraviation.comAirCare International — https://www.aircareinternational.comBrought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.comProduced by: https://www.savagemedia.com
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 Corporate Angel Network, visit https://www.corpangelnetwork.orgBrought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.comProduced by: https://www.savagemedia.com
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 flyers can choose the right aircraft for the job.To learn more about Tradewind Aviation, visit https://www.flytradewind.com Brought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/ Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com/
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 a memorable story about sourcing Russian-speaking pilots to support astronaut flights into Kazakhstan, and how their nationwide CrewTrack network solves niche requests.Whether you lead a corporate flight department or you’re buying your first jet, this conversation shows how the right crewing partner protects safety, budget, and peace of mind.To learn more about Jet Pro Pilots, visit https://www.jetpropilots.comBrought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com/
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.Whether you are purchasing your first aircraft or navigating complex international deals, this episode provides practical insights that can save you time, money, and stress while keeping your investment secure.To learn more about Aero Law Center, visit https://www.aerolawcenter.comBrought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com/
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 private jet can give your business a true competitive edge—helping you move faster, build stronger relationships, and turn travel into productive time.Whether you are an aircraft owner, a frequent charter client, or simply curious about the private jet lifestyle, this conversation offers an insider’s look at how world-class service transforms every flight into a seamless and memorable journey.To learn more about Million Air, visit https://www.millionair.comBrought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com/
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.Whether you’re a first-time buyer or managing a growing fleet, this episode is packed with tactical insights to help you stay airworthy, audit-ready, and in control of your investment.To learn more about CAMP Systems and maintenance tracking, visit https://campsystems.comBrought to you by: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/ Produced by: https://www.savagemedia.com/
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 buying your first jet or looking to restructure your current financing, this episode is full of practical advice that will help you make smarter, more confident decisions in the high-stakes world of private aviation.To learn more about private jet financing with Preston Holland, visit prestigefinance.com. And check out Preston's Newsletter Private Jet Insider at prestonholland.com as well has his video podcast The VIP Seat at www.youtube.com/@the_vipseat.
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 first aircraft or optimizing a growing fleet, this episode is packed with tactical, real-world advice that can save millions and position you for long-term success.To learn more about aviation tax strategy with KJ McCarter, visit aviationtaxconsultants.com
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 possible.
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