CEO & President Ernie Grainger and VP of Sales John Bullock head our flight management team. They take personal pride in SC Aviation's aircraft, the exceptional service we provide, and our knowledgeable, expertly trained staff.


In addition to Ernie and John, the SC Aviation team includes Director of Maintenance Jim Dillavou, Chief Inspector Russ Paulson, Director of Operations Gary Helmeid, Chief Pilot Nick Colombe, Assistant Chief Pilot Brock Eshleman and a large number of charter coordinators, pilots and on-site maintenance personnel.

 

 

L-R: Russ Paulson, Brock Eshelman, Gary Helmeid, John Bullock, Ernie Grainger, Jim Dillavou, Nick Colombe,

Presenting the SC Aviation team:


Ernie Grainger
CEO & President

As CEO, President, and co-founder of SC Aviation, Ernie oversees all business management
and flight operations. It is because of his unwavering dedication and professionalism – as well
as his keen focus on customer service – that SC Aviation is respected as one of the finest air
charter providers in the nation.

- Over 37 years and 8,900 hours of flying experience
- Former U.S. Air Force pilot
- NBAA (National Business Aircraft Association) safety award for 5,500 hours

John Bullock
VP Sales & Marketing

John, also a co-founder of SC Aviation, is head of sales and marketing for the company. Large, national charter departments, brokers, and flight operations recognize him for his depth of industry knowledge, honesty, and integrity. John’s meticulous attention to detail guarantees
that each client’s experience with SC Aviation will be first class.

- Over 30 years of experience and leadership in the aircraft industry
- NBAA Safety Award for over 27 years of flight safety
- Industry renowned for dedication to customer service

Gary Helmeid
Director of Operations

An integral part of SC Aviation since its inception, Gary has held positions as Pilot-In-Command, Chief Pilot, and most recently, Director of Operations. As Director of Operations, Gary assumes responsibility for day-to-day flight operations. Other responsibilities include the oversight of SC Aviation’s safety and compliance programs and practices.

-Part of SC Aviation’s Management team for more than 7 years.
-Over 10 years of charter experience serving as Pilot-In-Command, Instructor, Check Airman and Chief Pilot.

Nick Colombe
Chief Pilot

Nick oversees all aspects of pilot training, qualification, evaluation and currency. Working closely with the Director of Maintenance, Nick ensures that highly qualified pilots are matched with carefully maintained aircraft to provide our customers with the best flight possible.

-Served as a Captain on SC Aviation’s flight crew staff prior to his promotion to Chief Pilot
-Over 10 years and 6500 hours of flying experience, with 7 years of experience as an air charter pilot.
-Serves as a Check Airman for Learjets, with several thousand hours of Lear experience.

Brock Eshleman
Assistant Chief Pilot

Brock assists in the daily aspects of insuring qualified flight crewmembers are available for assignment. As the administrator of SC Aviation’s International Operations program, Brock brings years of global operations experience to our staff.

-29 years of pilot experience including worldwide operations and over 6500 hours of jet experience.
-Served as a crewmember on SC Aviation’s flight crew staff for 2 years prior to his promotion to Assistant Chief Pilot.

Jim Dillavou
Director of Maintenance

Jim ensures that all of the aircraft are maintained to the highest industry standards. Jim and his maintenance team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As Director of Maintenance Jim ensures that safety comes first.

-Part of SC Aviation’s Management team for more than 6 years.
-Over 20 years of aircraft maintenance experience, with over 10 of those years as a Director of Maintenance.
-Jim has completed 14 aircraft / engine specific accredited training courses.

Russell Paulson
Chief Inspector
Russ manages SC Aviation's in-house repair station and has developed several of SC Aviation's Operation Procedures Manuals. With focus and commitment; Russ and the rest of SC Aviation's maintenance team take pride in keeping the fleet in top running order 24/7. 

-Part of SC Aviation's management team for 4 years.
-Over 18 years experience in aircraft maintenance including 14 years in the avionics field.
-Russ has completed 12 Aircraft/ Avionics specific accredited training courses.

Charter Coordinators

SC Aviation charter coordinators bring a wealth of industry experience to meet your charter needs. No detail is too small for this highly professional group that sits at the ready to make your travel experience world class.

 

Margaret Clark
Charter Coordinator

 

Kathy Gillespie
Charter Coordinator

 

Sarah Teal
Charter Coordinator