Fostering the next generation of airframe and powerplant technicians. Applications available now. (Los Angeles—August 30, 2016) Clay Lacy Aviation, the world’s most experienced operator of private jets, is delighted to announce applications are now available for 2017-2018 Maintenance Technician Scholarships. Now entering its second year, the Clay Lacy scholarship initiative provides funds toward tuition, tools […]
Twelve Jets Join Clay Lacy Aviation Fleet
(Los Angeles—August 25, 2016) Clay Lacy Aviation, the world’s most experienced operator of private jets, has added twelve business jets to its expanding fleet since the start of 2016. The new additions include seven long-range, large-cabin aircraft, two super-midsize jets, and three light jets from Bombardier, Dassault Falcon, Embraer and Gulfstream. Nine of these aircraft […]
Clay Lacy Aviation continues to revolutionize in-flight connectivity as a new hardware sales, certification and installation partner for SmartSky Networks
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – When the SmartSky 4G network takes flight later this year, Clay Lacy Aviation will be a partner for hardware sales and installations, as well as supplemental type certificate (STC) developer on four Gulfstream models: the G200, G-IV, G-IVSP, and G-V. The Company, founded in 1968 as the first aircraft management and jet […]
Clay Lacy Aviation is Distinguished as the Longest Standing Wyvern Wingman Certified Operator in the World
The accreditation reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to exceeding the highest safety standards in the business aviation industry following 10 consecutive audits. (Los Angeles, Calif. – March 9, 2016) Clay Lacy Aviation, the most experienced operator of private jets in the world, has been awarded the Wyvern Wingman safety accreditation for the 10th consecutive time. […]
Clay Lacy Aviation Welcomes Seven New Aircraft to its Charter Fleet
New additions include models from Gulfstream, Bombardier, Falcon, Embraer and Textron, all equipped with Wifi Internet connectivity. (Los Angeles, Calif. – January 19, 2016) Clay Lacy Aviation, the most experienced operator of private jets in the world, welcomes seven aircraft to its growing fleet at three Southern California airports. All aircraft are equipped with high-speed […]
Bespoke Magazine Features Clay Lacy’s Jim Lauer on the Business Benefits of FANS-1/A
TrueNorth’s BESPOKE | Airborne Connectivity & Style Magazine Article by Jim Lauer, Director of Avionics | BESPOKE Magazine 2015 Edition As a pilot who flies in oceanic regions, particularly the North Atlantic routes and in Europe, you’ve probably heard about the new future air navigation system, or FANS. Initially it may seem like a technical […]
Clay Lacy Aviation Opens 2.5 Acres of New Ramp Space at Van Nuys Airport
Its completion marks phase one of a $10 million, 6-acre expansion and upgrade project to create Los Angeles’ most exclusive and secure private jet facility. (Los Angeles, Calif. – November 2, 2015) Clay Lacy Aviation has opened 2.5 acres of new ramp space at its Van Nuys Airport FBO to provide additional space for arrivals […]
Clay Lacy Aviation Launches Annual $10,000 Scholarship Program for Students at Los Angeles’ Leading Aircraft Mechanics School
Offering day and night classes, the Aviation Center located at Van Nuys Airport prepares graduates for high-skilled jobs in business, commercial and military aviation. (Los Angeles, Calif. – September 29, 2015) Clay Lacy Aviation has awarded $10,200 in scholarship funds to 24 students enrolled at the Aviation Center (AV-Center), a leading aircraft mechanics school located […]
Clay Lacy Aviation Announces FANS-1/A+ STC for Challenger 601-3A/R
(Los Angeles, Calif. – September 15, 2015) Clay Lacy Aviation has received FAA STC approval for a FANS-1/A+ solution that enables Challenger 601-3A/R owners to meet worldwide mandates for preferential routing in the North Atlantic Track region and other oceanic airspace. This comprehensive upgrade provides a feature-rich, low-cost and versatile solution with minimal downtime, and […]
AOPA Features Aviation Legends: The world according to Clay Lacy
AVIATION LEGENDS: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO CLAY LACY Article by: Julie Summers Walker | AOPA Pilot September 2015 Issue Aviation legend Clay Lacy has become synonymous with jet aircraft and Southern California, so it’s with some surprise that when he appears at a Wichita Aero Club luncheon, he’s introduced as a native son. Yes, Clay […]
Clay Lacy’s FANS 1/A+ Solution Highlighted in Avionics News
INNOVATIVE, ENTREPRENEURIAL AND HIGH-QUALITY STANDARDS Story by Thomas Inman | Avionics News May 2015 Issue In March, Clay Lacy Aviation announced that its FANS 1/A+ solution for the Gulfstream GIV and GIVSP received FAA supplemental type certificate approval via STC–ST03423CH. The comprehensive upgrade provides a feature-rich, lowcostsolution with minimal downtime. The company is installing the new technology at its Van […]
Clay Lacy Aviation Welcomes Learjet 75 to its Expansive Charter Fleet
From the company that pioneered aircraft charter with the original Learjet, comes today’s best equipped and most spacious light cabin aircraft in its class. (Los Angeles, Calif. – Mar. 18, 2015) Clay Lacy Aviation—the most experienced operator of private jets in the world–introduces the Bombardier Learjet 75 for charter in Los Angeles, featuring evolutionary aerodynamics, […]
Clay Lacy Aviation Receives FANS Certification for Gulfstream GIV, GIVSP
The STC meets worldwide mandates while improving safety, lowering operating costs and reducing flight times. (Los Angeles, Calif. – March 16, 2015) Clay Lacy Aviation’s FANS 1/A+ solution for the Gulfstream GIV and GIVSP has received FAA STC approval. (STC – ST03423CH) This comprehensive upgrade provides a feature-rich, low-cost solution with minimal downtime. Now accepting […]
Clay Lacy Aviation Welcomes Hawker 800XP to Serve Nashville Charter Market
One of the most popular mid-size business jets, this “conference room in the sky” offers a spacious interior with stand-up headroom throughout the entire cabin. (Los Angeles, Calif. – Feb. 23, 2015) Clay Lacy Aviation—the most experienced operator of private jets in the world—welcomes a Hawker 800XP based in Nashville, Tenn. to its global charter […]
Mayor Garcetti, Councilwoman Martinez and Student Mechanics Celebrate Groundbreaking of $10 Million, 6-acre Development at Van Nuys Airport
Investment by Clay Lacy Aviation, the airport’s longest-term tenant, will create middle class jobs, boost the economy and generate millions of dollars in revenue to Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Calif. – Feb. 12, 2015) Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilwoman Nury Martinez (CD-6) today joined San Fernando Valley leaders in business, community and education […]
San Fernando Valley Business Journal Interview with Clay Lacy
“7 OVER SEVENTY” | Interview with Clay Lacy by MARK MADLER San Fernando Valley Business Journal | January 12, 2015 Clay Lacy | 82 | Chief Executive Clay Lacy Aviation, Van Nuys Clay Lacy’s love affair with airplanes began as a young boy growing up in Wichita, Kan. where he started flying at 12 years old. Seventy years later, […]
Clay Lacy Aviation Certifying FANS Solution for Challenger 601-3A/R
As North Atlantic mandates rapidly approach, innovative cockpit technology places company at the forefront of global air traffic modernization efforts. (Los Angeles, Calif. – Oct. 10, 2014) Clay Lacy Aviation—home to an expanding avionics sales, installation and repair facility—is certifying a FANS solution for the Challenger 601-3A/R that will enable aircraft owners and operators to enjoy […]
Clay Lacy Interview with Business Airport International Magazine
“Record Breaker” | Interview with Clay Lacy by Hazel King Business Airport International Magazine | July 2014 With a career spanning over 60 years and 29 world speed records under his belt, Clay Lacy is one of the world’s most experienced aviation entrepreneurs. Business Airport International spoke with the veteran about his illustrious career and what […]
Legendary Pilot Clay Lacy Donates Iconic Business Jets to Los Angeles-Based Aviation School
Marking the school’s largest single gift, the retired Learjet 24 and Gulfstream GIISP bring valuable training opportunities and a piece of aviation history to student aircraft mechanics at Van Nuys Airport. (Van Nuys, Calif. – June 5, 2014) Veteran pilot and business aviation pioneer Clay Lacy has donated two retired corporate jets—a Learjet 24 and […]
U.S. Congressman Tony Cardenas, L.A. City Councilmember Nury Martinez and Student Mechanics Honor Legendary Pilot Clay Lacy for Jet Donations
Retired Learjet 24 and Gulfstream GIISP bring valuable training opportunities and a piece of aviation history to Los Angeles-based aviation school. WHAT: Veteran pilot and business aviation pioneer Clay Lacy will donate two iconic business jets, a non-flying Learjet 24 and Gulfstream GIISP, to an aircraft mechanics school at Van Nuys Airport, marking the largest […]
CLAY LACY AVIATION INTRODUCES THE GULFSTREAM G650 TO ITS GLOBAL CHARTER FLEET
An additional Gulfstream GIVSP and Gulfstream G200 have also joined the diverse fleet to serve a rising demand in the company’s growing charter business. (Los Angeles, Calif. – May 19, 2014) Clay Lacy Aviation—the most experienced operator of private jets in the world—welcomes the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650 for global charter, along with the popular […]
NATA Awards Clay Lacy Aviation Five Stars for Aviation Maintenance Training
Adding to a long list of industry accolades, award honors leadership in employee training and development. (Los Angeles, Calif. –March 26, 2014) Clay Lacy Aviation—the most experienced operator of private jets in the world—is the recipient of the National Air Transportation Association’s (NATA) 2014 Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Five-Star Award. The award recognizes premier aviation […]
Clay Lacy Aviation Profiled in Professional Pilot Magazine
Clay Lacy Aviation is a provider of aircraft management, sales, charter, maintenance, fuel, avionics, interiors and Phenom 100/300 service at its VNY headquarters. Managing more than 75 bizjets ranging from 30-series Learjets and an Embraer Phenom 300 up to Globals, Gulfstreams and BBJs, CLA continues to be one of the most experienced international business jet […]
Clay Lacy Aviation Welcomes Wi-Fi Equipped Gulfstream IVSP to Charter Fleet in Northern California
One of the world’s most in-demand business jets, the GIVSP joins the company’s diverse charter fleet to provide spacious and comfortable travel at home and abroad. (Los Angeles, Calif. – March 11, 2014) Clay Lacy Aviation (Clay Lacy)—the most experienced operator of private jets in the world—welcomes a Gulfstream GIVSP based in Oakland, Calif., to its […]
Clay Lacy Aviation on Course to Receive STC for FANS 1/A+, CPDLC, Link 2000+, ADS-B Solution for Gulfstream GIV and GIVSP Aircraft
Installation of Future Air Navigation System (FANS-1/A+) on one of business aviation’s most popular aircraft platforms will dramatically improve safety, reduce operating costs and flight time, and comply with equipment requirements that went into effect this year (2013) for North Atlantic crossing routes. (Los Angeles, Calif. – Dec. 3, 2013) Clay Lacy Aviation (CLA)—home to […]
Clay Lacy Aviation First in Charter Market to offer Gogo Text & Talk Service
New technology enables passengers to use personal smart phones to talk or text in the air. (Las Vegas, Nevada. (NBAA 2013) – Oct. 21, 2013) Passengers onboard Clay Lacy Aviation’s (CLA) high-speed internet enabled jets will soon be able to use their personal smartphones to make and receive calls or texts in flight thanks to […]
1945-1951
In his youth, Clay Lacy works at an airfield in Wichita, Kansas in exchange for flight time and becomes a flight instructor.
Clay Lact Aviation Reports Highest Managed Aircraft Growth in 45-Year History
Increased demand reflects burgeoning company expansion as business aviation market picks up speed (Los Angeles, Calif. – Oct. 14, 2013) Clay Lacy Aviation (CLA), the most experienced operator of private jets in the world, welcomed 15 new planes to its charter and managed aircraft fleet during the second half of 2013, marking the most dramatic […]
Clay Lacy Aviation’s Embraer Service Center Completes Comprehensive Upgrades for World’s Largest Operator of Phenom Jets
Work to refresh JetSuite’s fleet of Phenom 100s is fast-tracked to reduce downtime and enhance onboard services. (Los Angeles, Calif. – Oct. 14, 2013) Clay Lacy Aviation (CLA), an Embraer Authorized Service Center for the Phenom 100 and 300, has completed an initiative to upgrade JetSuite’s entire fleet of Phenom 100 light jet aircraft, including […]
1952
At age 19, Clay is hired by United Airlines as copilot on DC-3s and moves to Los Angeles.
1954
Enlists in the California Air National Guard piloting the F-86 sabre jet.
Clay Lacy Extends Relationship with The Boeing Company
Clay Lacy Aviation (CLA), distinguished as the most experienced operator of private jets in the world, has extended its seven-year maintenance relationship by an additional five-years as well as signed a new five-year lease agreement with The Boeing Company Flight Operations Department in Seattle, which operates Boeing Business Jets as well as Challenger 604s and […]
Clay Lacy Launches 24-Hour On-Site and Mobile Aircraft Maintenance
Clay Lacy Aviation (CLA), home to an award-winning Class IV repair station, is going above and beyond to offer clients 24-hour coverage for all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance work at its Los Angeles-based headquarters or via one of its newly deployed Maintenance Mobile Response Teams (MRT). “For current and future managed and maintenance clients, offering […]
1956-1960
Works with Allen Paulson, future owner of Gulfstream Aerospace, and meets Bill Lear, inventor of the Learjet.
1961
During the Berlin crisis, Clay completes one year of active military duty as chief standardization pilot on the C-97 Stratofreighter.
1962
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 Lacy to receive prestigious NBAA award
Meritorious Service to Aviation Award Recipient Clay Lacy. Lacy is a world-renowned pilot with over 50,000 hours of flying time whose lifetime in aviation has included experience as an Air Force pilot and airline pilot, fame as a national air racer, and international success as a director and videographer specializing in air-to-air sequences for Hollywood […]
9th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards Takes Flight
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The 9th Annual “Living Legends of Aviation”® Awards, presented by Learjet, welcomes ONEflight International as a Presenting Sponsor. The awards will be held January 20, 2012, at the Beverly Hilton. Considered the most prestigious and important recognition event of aviation, this intimate, memorable, and historic evening of aviation awards and […]
1964
Clay becomes manager of sales for the Learjet distributor in 11 western states, lands the first business jet in Los Angeles.
Clay Lacy Inducted into Kansas Hall of Fame
By Janice Wood of the General Aviation News From the time he was a young boy growing up in the farmland of Wichita, Kansas, during the Great Depression, veteran pilot and business aviation pioneer Clay Lacy had a natural fascination with flight. He first took to the air at age 8 and began working at […]