History of Clay Lacy Aviation

In his youth, Clay Lacy works at an airfield in Wichita, Kansas in exchange for flight time and becomes a flight instructor.

At age 19, Clay is hired by United Airlines as copilot on DC-3s and moves to Los Angeles.

Enlists in the California Air National Guard piloting the F-86 sabre jet.

Works with Allen Paulson, future owner of Gulfstream Aerospace, and meets Bill Lear, inventor of the Learjet.

During the Berlin crisis, Clay completes one year of active military duty as chief standardization pilot on the C-97 Stratofreighter.

Clay test flies a modified Boeing 377 called the Pregnant Guppy, which transported the Saturn rocket booster and played a key role in America’s race to space.

Clay becomes manager of sales for the Learjet distributor in 11 western states, lands the first business jet in Los Angeles.

Clay founds Clay Lacy Aviation as the first jet charter company west of the Mississippi, serving Hollywood’s biggest names.

Clay pioneers the Astrovision air-to-air camera system, becoming the world’s leading aerial cinematographer.

World’s first all-jet FBO opens at Clay Lacy Aviation’s Van Nuys Airport headquarters.

Van Nuys Airport facility doubles in size with additional hangars and offices.

First Gulfstream GV available for charter in the U.S., introducing ultra-long range business jet travel to charter clients.

First Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) available for charter in the U.S., the first commercial airline-size, VIP-configured aircraft.

Managed fleet increases to 30 aircraft.

Company expands to Seattle opening a full-service FBO and jet center at Boeing Field.

Brian Kirkdoffer, a world record-holding Learjet and Gulfstream captain, is named company president.

State-of-the-art flight simulator installed to evaluate pilot candidates and maintain superior proficiency levels.

First business jet fleet to install high-speed Wi-Fi, new 40,000 square-foot hangar completed at Seattle jet center.

Brian Kirkdoffer, a 22-year company veteran, is named President & CEO of Clay Lacy Aviation.

Clay Lacy Aviation celebrates 45 years as the world’s most experienced jet charter and management company.

First Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) issued by the FAA for Future Air Navigation System (FANS 1/A+) upgrade for the Gulfstream GIV and GIVSP.

$10 million, six-acre expansion and redevelopment at Van Nuys Airport, creating LA’s most secure and exclusive private aviation complex.

New FAA Part 145 repair stations open in Seattle, San Diego and New York.

Clay Lacy merges with Key Air, a 30-year old aircraft charter and management firm headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut, establishing a new Clay Lacy maintenance support and flight operations center in the greater New York area.

Celebrating our fiftieth anniversary, with pride in our achievements and gratitude to our hundreds of aviation professionals and our valued, loyal clients.

Newly expanded FAA Part 145 Repair Station opens at Van Nuys Airport, offering comprehensive maintenance for Gulfstream, Falcon, Embraer, Learjet and Hawker aircraft.

In response to COVID-19, Clay Lacy develops and implements the new CleanCheck health and safety standard throughout every aspect of its operations.

Clay Lacy opens a new FBO at Orange County’s John Wayne Airport.

Comprehensive corporate sustainability strategy introduced, carbon offsets program expanded.

First company in the world to achieve all four sustainability accreditations: 4Air, NATA, EPA, California Green

The award-winning team at Clay Lacy continues to fulfill our founder’s legendary vision, delivering unsurpassed safety, service and value to every client. Great people, providing a legendary aviation experience.