Built on Safety. Driven by
EXCELLENCE
Luxury Private Air Charter, Elevated
Founded in 2004, JATO Aviation Charter has earned its reputation as the leading Bay Area provider of on-demand luxury private air charter, serving clients from San Carlos, Hayward, and other Bay Area executive airports to destinations across the Western U.S., including Seattle, Vail, Bandon Dunes, Las Vegas, and more
Our Leadership Team
April Gafford
CEO/Chief Pilot
April brings years of Aircraft Charter and Flight school experience to JATO Aviation. As our Chief Pilot and CEO, she has over 4000 hours as pilot in command time. April founded JATO Aviation in 2004 with the goal of creating a better way to train pilots based on a standardized training structure. She ensures that our part 135 air charter operation is performing to the highest safety standards with every flight. She knows what it takes to ensure your charter trip will be perfect.
Mark Smith
Director of Operations
Mark started flying in High School and has been a pilot for over 53 years. A recipient of the FAA’s Master Pilot Award, he has over 15,000 hours of flight time. He spent 27 years in the Air Force flying B-52’s and RC-135’s. After retirement from the Air Force, Mark flew as a charter pilot in the San Juan islands until he started a charter company in 2003 with the PC-12. He continues his association with aircraft charter as the Director of Operations for JATO Aviation, LLC. With over 4000 hours in the PC-12, Mark provides the JATO pilots with the best in training and customer support.
Quela Ransom
Flight Operation
From bookings to dispatch, Quela works behind the scenes to ensure your flight is ready when you want to fly. She knows the ins and outs of flying and what it takes to prepare an aircraft for a trip. Quela also works our flight school operations and has an extensive background in private air charter
Safety & Training: Built In Our DNA
As a Cirrus Authorized Platinum Training Center, JATO delivers pilot training to the highest level of proficiency and discipline. This legacy of safety and professionalism is carried over into every charter flight we operate.
Our pilots are FAA Part 135 certified, trained on the latest Garmin avionics and safety protocols, and have logged thousands of flight hours in both turboprop and Pilatus aircraft.
The right Aircraft.
On your Schedule.
Directly to your destination.
Book your Pilatus PC-12 NGX charter from San Carlos Airport or any Bay Area airport and start your journey with precision, privacy, and style.
JATO Aviation is an FAA-licensed Part 135 air charter operation based in the San Francisco Bay Area. We fly the Cirrus SR22T and the Pilatus PC-12 NGX to all West Coast destinations. We also set the safety standard with our structured JATO Aviation flight training center.
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