John formed FirstFlight in 1987, shortly after he acquired B & F Brake and Wheel Service.  As the owner and CEO, he has the primary responsibility for setting the overall direction of the Company. He is a licensed pilot with an Air Transport Type rating in Gulfstream aircraft and the Beechcraft Premier. John is a former member of the National Business Aviation Association Operations Committee as well as the National Air Transport Association and served on the aviation committee for the Elmira/Corning Regional Airport. He has a BS degree in civil engineering from the University of Miami.

Jeff has over 15 years of corporate aviation experience and has been with FirstFlight for the past 10 years. He has held progressively responsible positions with the Company including Chief Pilot, VP Operations and Head of Sales. In his role as President, he is responsible for the successful leadership, management, and performance of all aspects of FirstFlight. Prior experience includes airport management with responsibility for airport activities, flight school, ground maintenance and FAA interface. In addition, he is a licensed captain on the Premier and the G200. He has logged over 8,500 flight hours and a BA degree from Moravian. 

Millie joined FirstFlight in 2011 to lead the Company’s efforts to attract and retain new business. She is based in Teterboro Airport, NJ (TEB) at the Company’s offices. Millie is well-versed in the full range of FirstFlight’s aviation services and has an exceptional industry track record. Most recently, she was Vice President of Business Development for First Aviation Services in Teterboro, where she was successful in attracting and retaining tenants for their world class facility. Millie’s experience also includes executive level sales and marketing positions with Landmark Aviation in Arizona, Skyport Flight Services and Westchester Air, Inc., in White Plains, NY.

Mike has over 25 years of aviation experience developing and implementing new programs to advance sales and enhance corporate images of aviation companies. For the past 10 years he has been with FirstFlight where he is responsible for new business development, corporate image and leading all aspects of the Company’s internal and external communications initiatives. His credentials include aviation consulting and an extensive marketing background with several aircraft manufacturers. Mike has an MBA from Babson College with a concentration in economics and marketing.

Pete has over 25 years of finance and accounting experience with various manufacturing, financial and public accounting firms. A Certified Public Accountant, he provides the financial leadership that guides FirstFlight as the Company continues to pursue its strategic plan.  His expertise is instrumental in supporting the Company’s planning and decision making processes. Pete holds a Masters Degree in Accounting from Binghamton University.

As the Director of Operations for FirstFlight, Jack oversees the daily operations of the Company. Jack has been flying commercially since 1982 and has accumulated over 11,000 flight hours. He has obtained type ratings in five aircraft. Prior to his current position he was Chief Pilot with FirstFlight when he joined the Company in 2006. He was qualified as Captain and Company Check Airman in the Gulfstream IV aircraft with extensive worldwide flying experience. He currently remains Captain qualified in the G IV. Prior to becoming Chief Pilot he was the Director of Operations for an Aircraft management and Part 135 charter company for nine years. Jack has also served as a pilot with schedule Part 121 and Part 135 Operations for 15 years. 

Charlene joined FirstFlight in 2008 and has been instrumental in developing charter sales for the company. Currently she leads the charter sales and marketing efforts for FirstFlight. Prior to joining FirstFlight, she held positions in sales and marketing with PrivatAir and The Air Group. Charlene started in corporate aviation in1992 with Atlantic Aviation Flight Services in Teterboro. Her strong background in marketing combined with charter sales (especially with IPO “roadshows”) is a key component to providing charter for our management clients.

Walter has 30 years of experience working in general aviation, and joined FirstFlight in 2010. In his role as Director of Business Development, Walter is responsible for the identification and cultivation of new business opportunities that will help grow FirstFlight’s aircraft charter and management businesses. Prior experience includes charter sales and operations management, as well as King Air and Learjet Pilot-in-command. Walter received a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Management from Dowling College and is an ATP rated pilot with over 3,000 hours of turbine powered flight time.

Michelle has over 15 years of aviation and travel industry experience. She joined FirstFlight in 2005 and since then has held increasingly responsible positions in both charter sales and operations. In her current role with the Company, Michelle works closely with sales and the flight department to coordinate and ensure that all aspects of our flights are handled efficiently. With a background as a corporate travel agent, Michelle is well-versed in not only scheduling and planning but also in customer service. She holds and AAS in accounting.

For the past six years, Lee has built a solid reputation as aviation professional. He joined FirstFlight in charter sales and most recently has moved to the Operations Department to support the increasing workload in that area. His background includes a broad range of activities including FBO operations and commercial airline ground services. Lee is a commercial/instrument pilot and holds a degree in Aviation Management. To further his aviation education, he recently applied for and received a scholarship awarded by the NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee and obtained his FAA aircraft dispatcher certification.

Heather began her aviation career with FirstFlight in 2004. She has held a number of positions with the Company that support her current charter sales role. Initially, Heather worked as a contract flight attendant and later worked for 2 years in the operations/scheduling department. Today, she is part of our charter sales team responsible for quoting trips and providing our clients with a wide range of support services. Heather earned an MS degree in Psychology from Walden University.

Ben is the son of FirstFlight founder and CEO, John Dow and works closely to promote the aircraft sales and acquisition segment of FirstFlight’s business portfolio. Ben has a solid background in communications that has proved instrumental. His related work experience includes a background in corporate account sales with Time Warner and more recently business development as Vice President of a Southern Florida Development firm. He holds a degree in communications from Ithaca College in New York.

Brian has over 20 years of aviation experience and has been with FirstFlight since August of 2007. His primary responsibility is to the 135 Air Carrier Certificate, he is also has direct oversight of the 145 Certified Repair Station. Prior to employment with FirstFlight, Brian worked 11 years for Gulfstream Aerospace. His aviation career started with 8 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a Crew Chief on F-16 Tactical Fighter aircraft. Brian has an AS degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology from the CCAF and a BS degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle. He holds an Airframe and Power Plant License and multiple Gulfstream training certificates.

Norm joined FirstFlight in February 2007 as a Conformity Specialist responsible for ensuring that all aircraft in the fleet are in full compliance with Part 135 regulations. He was soon after promoted to Director of Quality Assurance where he oversees the requirements for aircraft maintenance and personnel. Other positions Norm has held, which including teaching and a position with a Utilities company, provide him with a unique mix of the technical and communications skills required in his position. Norm is also an FAA Certified Airframe Mechanic and holds BS degree in Business Administration.