Curt Pavlicek has been a driving force in the aviation industry for more than five decades, building a reputation as a strategic leader, visionary entrepreneur, and trusted partner to aircraft owners around the world. His aviation career began in 1974 as a pilot, eventually earning an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and a broad range of type ratings, including the Boeing 737; Gulfstream I, II, and III; Hawker; Sabreliner; Learjet; and the Cessna Citation 500 and 650 series aircraft. This operational knowledge became the foundation for the five aviation businesses he leads today.

Building on his extensive piloting experience and operational expertise, Curt applied his industry insight to establish Pinnacle Aviation in 1988. Under his direction, the company has grown into a respected provider of aircraft brokerage services, successfully representing transactions ranging from turboprops to customized Boeing aircraft designed for professional sports organizations.

As aircraft sales expanded, Curt recognized the growing need for comprehensive aircraft management services. In 1996, he launched Pinnacle Aviation Management, which today oversees a fleet of aircraft primarily based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

To further support clients, Curt founded Pinnacle Aviation Charter in 2001, enabling owners to offset a portion of their fixed operating costs. Currently, 80% of Pinnacle Aviation’s managed fleet operates under its Charter Certificate. The company maintains worldwide charter authorization for aircraft configured with 10 or more passengers and holds IS-BAO Stage 3 Registration, ARGUS Platinum, and Wyvern approval ratings.

To strengthen service capabilities, Curt established Pinnacle Aviation Maintenance in 2002, creating a dedicated technical arm to support the managed fleet. In 2025, he further expanded this division through the acquisition of a Part 145 Repair Station—enhancing the company’s ability to support both managed aircraft and outside operators.

To further expand the company’s suite of aviation services, Curt established Pinnacle Aviation Insurance in 2002 as an independent brokerage specializing exclusively in aviation insurance.

Across all his companies, Curt’s leadership is defined by his commitment to operational excellence, longterm client relationships, and an unwavering dedication to elevating the aviation experience for owners and passengers alike.

John Cress is the Director of Operations for Pinnacle Aviation. John is a highly experienced aviation professional who has been privileged to spend his entire career flying in the Phoenix area.

With 32 years of flying experience and over 20 years in leadership roles, John has held other key management positions including Check Pilot, Chief Pilot, and Director of Safety. His background also includes overseeing complex flight operations, implementing industry-leading safety protocols, and mentoring flight crews to maintain peak performance.

He has accumulated 15,000 hours of total flight time and currently flies a Challenger 605. His extensive worldwide flying experience, combined with key management expertise, enables him to deliver the highest standards of service and safety to our clients. John’s exceptional leadership has contributed to Pinnacle Aviation’s reputation for operational excellence and reliability, and he is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the organization. His hands-on approach and commitment to client satisfaction ensure that every flight is conducted with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Orin Anderson serves as Director of Business Development for Pinnacle Aviation, where he is responsible for identifying, creating, and executing strategic growth opportunities across the company. With more than 15 years in aviation, including 12 years at Pinnacle Aviation, Orin focuses on long-term revenue generation through strategic planning, partnership development, brand visibility, and initiatives that strengthen relationships with current and prospective clients. His background spans client relations, sales, marketing, leadership, and strategy, with an emphasis on building trusted alliances and delivering a consistently high level of customer service. Orin holds an Arizona Real Estate License and is a Notary Public.

Molly Jordan is the Director of Owner Relations at Pinnacle Aviation, where she leads the end-to-end delivery of a seamless, high-touch experience from initial inquiry through trip completion. She works in close partnership with operations, maintenance, and flight crews to ensure every flight reflects the highest standards of safety, precision, and personalized service.

With a strong background in aviation operations and aircraft management, Molly brings a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, operational coordination, and service strategy to her role. She is known for bridging the gap between owner expectations and operational execution, ensuring each mission is proactively managed, clearly communicated, and flawlessly delivered. Her focus on consistency, attention to detail, and relationship-driven service is central to building long-term owner trust and loyalty.

Don Wade brings more than 5 decades of professional flying in the private aviation world and is instrumental in helping Pinnacle Aviation create a culture of safety. He has been the Director of Safety at Pinnacle Aviation for 8 years and is an accredited IS-BAO Auditor. Don has served as Safety Management System Subject Matter Expert for the Advanced Aircrew Academy providing safety training for many top aviation companies. In 2014, Don celebrated 50 Years of flying and earned the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. Don has presented at events such as Bombardier Safety Standdown, promoting knowledge-based pilot safety training along with personal discipline and responsibility.

Matt Forsey is the Chief Pilot at Pinnacle Aviation, supporting Part 91 and Part 135 operations through pilot training, hiring, and regulatory compliance programs. With nearly two decades of professional flight experience—including 15 years with Pinnacle Aviation—he brings long-term continuity and practical leadership to a multi-aircraft operation. A Challenger 300/350 Captain and past Pinnacle Aviation Pilot of the Year recipient, Matt is known for a steady, pilot-focused approach to training quality, crew qualification, and consistent procedures. He partners closely with the Director of Operations and internal teams to support safe, efficient, and reliable trip execution for aircraft owners and charter clients.

Trevor Hall serves as Manager of Training and is a Captain on the Challenger 300/350, bringing extensive experience in corporate aviation with a focus on operational precision, safety, and professionalism. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and is a Certified Flight Instructor in both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft.

With professional flying experience since 2017, Trevor’s background includes airline operations from 2019 to 2021, followed by a transition into corporate aviation in 2021. He has proudly been a part of Pinnacle Aviation since 2022. Trevor holds several type ratings, including the Embraer EMB-140/145, Hawker 4000, and Challenger 300/350, and is recognized for disciplined execution and sound aeronautical decision-making.

Trevor is deeply committed to proactive risk management, regulatory compliance, and the highest standards of safety. He also takes pride in tailoring each flight experience for aircraft owners and clients, delivering a customized, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey that reflects the discretion, reliability, and attention to detail expected of luxury corporate aviation.