DC Aviation’s accountable manager discusses his career and vision for the future
What was your career path to your current role?
After serving in the US military, I began my civilian career at Chapman Freeborn as a charter broker and as part of the station management team. This experience laid the foundation for my move into the joint venture between Daimler and Chrysler, which eventually led to the founding of DC Aviation in 1998. Within the company, I initially took on responsibilities in ground operations, sales, and key accounts, which ultimately prepared me for my current role as accountable manager. Each stage of my career has given me new perspectives and prepared me to shoulder the responsibilities I carry today.
What are the best and least favorable elements of your job?
The interaction with people is what I value most in my role. Whether it is working closely with our employees, engaging with clients, or collaborating with regulatory authorities, this exchange is what makes the job truly meaningful. I particularly enjoy mentoring younger colleagues as they grow into their careers while also learning from the wealth of experience our senior team members bring. I deeply care about creating a sense of unity and building an atmosphere of trust within the company. On the other hand, the least enjoyable aspect is the extensive administrative work. There is no escaping the countless hours of paperwork that come with the responsibility.
Can you describe a typical day?
In truth, there is no typical day, which is one of the things I love most about the job.
Some days are more challenging than others, but the moments I remember most are the team discussions where we work together to find practical solutions that serve both our clients and regulatory authorities.
How do you stand out from your competitors?
What sets DC Aviation apart is our ability to offer a truly comprehensive service, covering everything from aircraft management and charter to maintenance and FBO support. Safety and compliance are deeply embedded in our culture, supported by decades of incident-free operations and internationally recognized certifications. We invest in our people and in our hangars across Europe and the Middle East. This commitment has kept me with the company for so many years because there is always a new development pushing us forward.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced since working at DC Aviation?
The greatest challenge I have faced was taking on the responsibility of becoming the accountable manager. It is a role that requires taking responsibility for over 250 employees and our clients, which demands both respect and careful judgment.
What is your vision for the future of business aviation, and how are you preparing your company for it?
Looking ahead, I am focusing on sustainability, workforce development, and embracing technology. We are committed to continuously improving our processes and elevating sustainability across the company. Training the next generation is also essential. We aim to take individuals who have no prior experience in aviation and guide them into their future roles. Our goal is for DC Aviation to become a recognized name in professional aviation training. At the same time, we are actively implementing AI projects throughout the company, ensuring that we grow and evolve alongside technological advancements.
