Edward M. Kilkeary, Sr.
CEO/President

Ed Kilkeary was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1947. He became fascinated with aviation when he went flying for the first time at age 12. After serving as an Army helicopter pilot during Vietnam from 1966-1968, he became an owner-operator hauling steel freelance around the country with the aim of someday returning to his passion of flying.

In 1975, Ed took his first flying job as a helicopter pilot for an established family-owned coal company. The coal company decided to buy a Lear jet 25D in 1980, convinced by Ed that he could generate revenue for them with on-demand charter while the owners were not using the aircraft. They named the company L.J. Aviation, Inc. and later changed the name to L.J. Aviation to better reflect the nature of the business. In 1996, Ed and Mary Ann Kilkeary became sole owners of L.J. Aviation. Ed has type ratings in the Hawker, Falcon Westwind, Lear jet and Bell Helicopter logging more than 600 hours per year and over 20,000 hour to date. Through Ed's energy, work ethic, and guidance, L.J. Aviation has established itself as a leader and one of the most respected companies in the aviation industry. It maintains its principles Ed based the company on - Responsibility, Reputation and Relationships.

Mary Ann Kilkeary
Director of Charter

Before joining L.J. Aviation full-time, Mary Ann was successfully running a household of 6 children, unaware that she would become the cornerstone of L.J. Aviation's growth.

In 1990, Mary Ann started working for L.J. Aviation running the office and overseeing the scheduling of 3 airplanes. As the company has grown, Mary Ann's focus on personalized service and attention to detail has not changed at all. Today, Mary Ann oversees 6 dispatchers who schedule aircraft for over 200 clients. She has extensive experience in domestic and international travel arrangements as well as FAR Part 135 scheduling requirements and limitations for small, medium and large business aircraft.

Barbara Gabelt, C.P.A.
Chief Financial Officer

Barb graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh in 1990 with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. She also has an Associates Degree in Computer Science. Before joining L.J. Aviation in 1998, she obtained her Public Accounting Certification.

Barb has been involved in numerous aircraft acquisitions and sales including both company owned and managed aircraft. She has also negotiated contracts with clients requiring dedicated charter arrangements and corporate shuttles. She is well versed in FAR Part 135 and 91 Aviation Law, and setting up dry lease arrangements, charter and management agreements.

Daniel J. Kilkeary
Sales Director

Dan graduated from Shippensburg University in 1996 with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing. After working for the Colorado Springs Jet Center and Lucent Technologies, Dan executed several promotions working for Oasis Marketing Group for such distinguished companies as Viacom Entertainment, Coca-Cola Company, Pillsbury, and Harrah's Casino.

As Sales Director for L.J. Aviation, Dan coordinates tailored programs for new and established aircraft owners looking to outsource their aircraft management needs throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Dan also implements volume charter programs for companies and individuals wanting to buy 25, 50, or 100 hours of occupied time.

James C. Rice
Director of Operations

After a stint in the U.S. Air force, Jim Rice began his aviation career in 1969 as a flight instructor for FlightSafety International. In 1975, after a successful operation and sale of a small airplane charter business in Western Pennsylvania, Jim joined Corporate Jets Inc. in Pittsburgh as a line pilot flying Lear jet, Citation and Gulfstream II aircraft. Jim was with Corporate Jets for 25 years rising to Chief Pilot, Director of Operations and Vice President.

Jim left Corporate Jets in 2000 to accept a position with Raytheon Aircraft in Wichita, KS where he served as Vice President of the Raytheon Charter and Management subsidiary. Jim joined L.J. Aviation in February 2002 as Director of Operations. Jim is an Airline Transportation Pilot rated in Lear jet, Citation and Gulfstream II aircraft, having accrued over 14,000 flying hours during a 30-year in aviation.