JBA - Key Persons

Bill McNease joined JB&A Aviation in 2018. Bill flew in SE Asia in 1971-72 with the 225 th and 73 rd Surveillance Airplane Companies and in Alaska with the 222 nd SAC. He is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, BA Professional Aviation and Delta State University, MA Commercial Aviation. He was a Test Pilot, Undercover pilot for US Customs/DEA, Air Traffic Controller, Flight Inspection Pilot, General Aviation and Air Carrier Operations Inspector, Vice President of Operations, Director of Operations and Chief Pilot. He holds Airline Transport Pilot Certificates from the US, Switzerland, Italy, Malawi, Indonesia, Hungary, Costa Rica and Saudi Arabia. He has more than 18,500 fight hours with 27 type ratings. He graduated first in his military flight school class and was awarded the Bronze Star and 13 Air Medals during his 173 combat missions in SE Asia. He is the recipient of the Adm. Luis de Florez Flight Safety Award from the Flight Safety Foundation for his outstanding individual contributions to aviation safety, through basic design, device or practice and the Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award from the NBAA.

Job Titles:

• Chairman Emeritus
• Partner at Jim Bath
• Regional Sales Manager for Atlantic Aviation Corporation

Jerry Smith is Chairman Emeritus of JB&A Aviation and continues to play an active role in the company. He is a commercial instrument, multi-engine and instructor pilot in airplanes and helicopters and has a Westwind type rating. Jerry started his flying career in the ROTC flight program at the University of Vermont in 1964 and has over 40 years experience in aircraft sales. He was a Captain in the US Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam where he received 31 Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and the Purple Heart. Jerry then instructed for one year in the Army's Primary Helicopter School at Minerals Wells, Texas. Jerry was appointed Regional Sales Manager for Atlantic Aviation Corporation where he demonstrated and sold the complete line of Bell Helicopters in the Northeast. He then supervised the Regional Sales office in White Plains, New York and was responsible for Westwind jet sales in the Northeast. In 1973 Jerry transferred to Houston and was responsible for Westwind jet sales in all states west of the Mississippi where he sold 18 new Westwinds and numerous used turbine aircraft. After nine years at Atlantic, Jerry became a partner at Jim Bath and Associates in 1978 which was later renamed and incorporated as JB&A Aviation, Inc.

Job Titles:

• President of JB & a Aviation

Jon Taylor is President of JB&A Aviation and has more than 38 years experience in business jet aircraft sales and acquisition. He brings both a strong technological and aviation background to JB&A Aviation and his clients. As President he is not only responsible for aircraft sales but also administrative operations, and database management. Jon graduated from Texas A&M University with an Engineering degree. He is also an aircraft owner and Commercial/Instrument rated pilot with more than 5200 hours of flight time.

Les Space joined JB&A Aviation in 2006 bringing with him 40 years experience in business aviation.

Steve Schulte joined JB&A Aviation in 2022. Steve started his 30 years of aviation experience while in High School in 1992, taking an Aviation Maintenance Tech class which allowed him to work as an airplane mechanic part time for Wings of Hope. In 1994 Steve started working for Executive Beechcraft (14 years) where he was a Leadman/Inspector for the service center. Steve was factory trained on multiple airplanes including Beechcraft KingAir Models: C90, B200, 300, 350 series, Beechjet 400A, Premier 1A, Pratt&Whitney PT6 series engines, JT15D series engines, and Williams Jet engines. Steve obtained his FAA Airframe and Powerplant license along with his Inspector Authorization License (IA). Steve is also certified in PPG window inspection/repair and Dupont Aircraft paints. While at Beechcraft, Steve helped maintain and support the only Beech Starship in the fleet that was equipped with a belly mounted aerial camera for 3D mapping. Steve worked as the Director of maintenance for Hammond Associates a large hedge fund company that operated a Challenger aircraft.

Job Titles:

• Vice President of JB & a Aviation

Toby Smith is Vice President of JB&A Aviation and has been helping clients buy and sell corporate aircraft for over 25 years. He operates a satellite office located at the Atlantic Aviation FBO in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In his time with the company, Toby has been responsible for maintaining customer relationships and bringing in many new clients to JB&A around the country. Toby graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and Accounting. Prior to coming on board with JB&A, Toby was employed by a Fortune 500 Bank, where he was responsible for lending to and maintaining relationships with many middle-market companies. He is an active member of the International Aircraft Dealers Association, holding various board positions including Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman of the Industry Trends Committee. Toby works with several non-profit organizations in Tulsa including Tulsa Area Young Life and is on the Board of Directors for Influencers Global Ministries in Tulsa. He is an active pilot and holds a private pilot's certificate with an instrument rating.