OWN THE JET

The U.S. is short roughly 60,000 aircraft hangars, and with 4,000–5,000 new airplanes delivered each year, the gap keeps growing. On this episode of Own the Jet, hosts Derek Savage and Jason Spoor talk with Kenny Hinkes, founder and CEO of High Flying Hangars. Kenny is a pilot of 50+ years and a veteran real estate developer, and he started building hangars after he and his son Jack found nowhere in Albuquerque to keep their Cessna 172. It took three years to negotiate a workable ground lease, and that first project has grown into a national company planning to deliver 7,000 hangars over the next decade.

Kenny explains why airports haven’t built new hangars in decades and how his privately funded, sublease-based model solves that. He also covers the economic impact a single new aircraft can bring to a community and why a well-equipped hangar keeps your aircraft flight-ready. Whether you’re a first-time jet owner or an airport manager, this episode shows why hangar space matters more than many owners expect.can better navigate the complexities of long-term storage and facility planning.

About the show:
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.

To learn more about Aspen Aero Group, visit https://www.aspenaerogroup.com
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Listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts and all major platforms.
https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/own-the-jet/id1821745921

Thank you to our guest Kenny Hinkes, founder and CEO of High Flying Hangars. Visit https://highflyinghangars.com/about-us/ for more information, and watch here on youtube: https://youtube.com/HangarClubAero

Brought to you by Aspen Aero Group - https://www.aspenaerogroup.com
Produced by Savage Media - https://www.savagemedia.com

#OwnTheJet #BusinessAviation #PrivateJets #AircraftSales #BizAv #AviationData #AviationFinance #LuxuryTravel

Chapters:
0:00 The Hidden Crisis in Aviation Infrastructure
1:03 From Real Estate Developer to Hangar Builder
4:42 Navigating the Complexities of Airport Leases
8:30 The Economic Ripple Effect of Hangar Development
15:42 A Modern Approach to Hangar Management
28:18 The Secret to Keeping Your Aircraft Flight-Ready

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 website:
https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/otj

About the show:
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.

To learn more about Aspen Aero Group, visit https://www.aspenaerogroup.com
Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspen-aero-group

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

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 every panel gap get checked to the millimeter before the aircraft ever arrives. It ends on the hangar floor with a finished jet in certification testing.

Learn more about Comlux America here: https://www.comluxamerica.com
Watch all video versions of episodes on the Aspen website: https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/otj

About the show:
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.

Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspen-aero-group

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

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 music career that has now spanned more than three decades.

But aviation never really left.

Aaron shares stories from his early days flying with his father, his return to aviation, flying warbirds, supporting American service members around the world, and the remarkable story of how his music eventually made it all the way to space aboard the Space Shuttle.

It's a conversation about airplanes, country music, persistence, patriotism, and a life Aaron describes better than anyone else could: "the luckiest hillbilly that ever lived."

Follow Aaron Tippin: https://www.aarontippin.com/
Watch new episodes and ones you might have missed on the Aspen website:
https://www.aspenaerogroup.com/otj

About the show:
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.

To learn more about Aspen Aero Group, visit https://www.aspenaerogroup.com
Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspen-aero-group

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

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 management through cloud technology and AI, making decades of maintenance history searchable, secure, and instantly accessible anywhere in the world.

If you're buying, selling, or managing an aircraft, this episode explains why protecting your records is just as important as protecting the airplane itself.

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

Learn more about Bluetail: https://bluetail.aero

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, what travelers should understand about empty legs, and why choosing the cheapest option can create problems that are not immediately visible.

She also introduces the FlySAFE System™, SPARROW’s proprietary approach to connecting the financial side of a charter relationship with flight safety, operational readiness, and better decision-making.

In this episode:

• What a charter broker should understand before recommending an aircraft
• The truth about empty legs and positioning flights
• Why the lowest quote may not be the smartest option
• How aircraft owners, operators, brokers, and passengers depend on one another
• When charter clients should begin considering aircraft ownership
• How the FlySAFE System™ connects financial security with flight safety
• The questions every traveler should ask before booking a private jet

Private aviation is not simply about gaining access to an airplane. It is about understanding the system that makes the flight possible.

Learn more about SPARROW Executive Jets: sparrowjets.com

Contact SPARROW: ops@sparrowjets.com

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 owners can maximize their investment through experienced partnerships and thoughtful planning.

Whether you're considering your first aircraft or already own one, this episode offers an inside look at the operational side of private aviation that every owner should understand.

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 a pilot, aircraft owner, or frequent passenger, this episode offers valuable insight into the preparation that happens long before an emergency ever occurs.

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 private bedrooms and showers to custom cabinetry, conference spaces, and fully bespoke interiors, the team at Comlux designs and builds aircraft tailored to each customer's exact mission and lifestyle.

We discuss aircraft completions, craftsmanship, customization, privacy, and what it takes to turn an empty airframe into a one-of-a-kind flying environment.

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, customer experience, and why relationships continue to be one of the most valuable assets in business aviation.

For anyone interested in private aviation, entrepreneurship, luxury service, or building a customer-first company, this episode offers valuable lessons from a leader who has spent more than three decades focused on earning trust.

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 the hidden costs of neglecting aircraft maintenance, why aviation requires specialized cleaning products and processes, and how proactive care can dramatically impact long-term ownership costs and resale value.

For anyone involved in private aviation, this episode offers an inside look at one of the most overlooked parts of jet ownership.

To learn more, visit https://www.realcleanaircraft.com

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

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

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