Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Awards & Honors
FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
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Christopher Thatcher

Glendale,AZ

Summary

Safety-focused aviation leader with 10+ years of experience across Part 141, 91, 135, and 121 operations. Holds multiple PIC jet type ratings with extensive domestic and international flight experience. Proven track record in flight department management, aircraft oversight, and executive/VIP operations. Brings 7 years of military leadership, combining operational discipline, logistical precision, and adaptability under pressure. Known for clear communication, professionalism, and strong performance in high-stakes environments.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Pilot in Command

Sands Air LLC
07.2021 - 10.2024
  • Provide on-call PIC support for CE-680+ and CE-560XLS jets under Part 91 operations, ensuring VIP, executive, and owner satisfaction.
  • Oversee all aspects of flight operations, including planning, safety, logistics, and aircraft readiness.
  • Coordinate directly with owners, vendors, and maintenance teams to deliver cost-effective, high-performance service.
  • Manage multimillion-dollar aircraft assets with a focus on discretion, operational flexibility, and client-specific expectations.

Pilot in Command

Pacific Coast Jet
08.2019 - 07.2021
  • Operated CE-560XL and CE680 aircraft in Part 135 and Part 91 operations, supporting owner and charter flights.
  • Collaborated with company management and dispatch to coordinate trip logistics and client experience.
  • Supported maintenance oversight and planning, ensuring safe and reliable aircraft performance.
  • Delivered executive-level transport service with a focus on safety, discretion, and operational efficiency.

First Officer

Go Jet Airlines
11.2018 - 08.2019
  • Served as First Officer on CRJ-700/900 aircraft in scheduled Part 121 regional airline operations.
  • Executed standard operating procedures in high-volume commercial environments, supporting on-time departures and operational efficiency.
  • Conducted thorough pre-flight and in-flight safety checks in coordination with PIC and flight crew.
  • Interfaced with dispatch, ground crews, and maintenance to ensure safe and efficient aircraft readiness.
  • Maintained a high level of professionalism and customer service in dynamic, fast-paced airline settings.

First Officer

ACI Jet
07.2017 - 11.2018
  • Conducted Part 135 and Part 91 operations in light and midsize business jets across domestic and international routes.
  • Assisted with preflight planning, weather evaluation, fuel calculations, and navigation logistics.
  • Coordinated closely with dispatch and maintenance to ensure high aircraft readiness and timely trip execution.
  • Ensured safety and service standards for high-net-worth clients and business aviation travelers.

Flight Instructor

Iasco Flight
07.2016 - 07.2017
  • Delivered ground and flight instruction to more than 20 cadets contracted with Chinese airlines, preparing them for FAA check rides.
  • Focused on procedural accuracy, standardization, and flight safety during all phases of training.
  • Coordinated with flight operations staff to maintain efficient student progress and regulatory compliance.

China Program Ground Instructor

Hillsboro Aero Academy
03.2015 - 07.2016
  • Instructed and evaluated over 30 international students in core FAA ground school subjects.
  • Maintained curriculum schedules and ensured high pass rates through personalized instruction and test prep.
  • Contributed to structured classroom management, student tracking, and standardized instruction delivery.

Team Leader

US Army and Montana Army National Gaurd
03.2008 - 07.2014
  • Served in active duty and National Guard roles across stateside, international, and joint interagency operations.
  • Led infantry teams through tactical training, deployment planning, and high-pressure field missions.
  • Managed mission logistics, team readiness, and personnel accountability in diverse environments.
  • Liaised with local and federal authorities during emergency and humanitarian missions; recognized for leadership, adaptability, and civic coordination.
  • Managed base operations, including barracks logistics, asset allocation, and coordination with civilian property managers during National Guard mobilizations.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Aviation

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
03-2027

Associates of Applied Science -

Portland Community College
Portland, OR
01.2016

Skills

  • Flight Operations (Part 91 / 135 / 121)
  • Aircraft Scheduling & Maintenance Oversight
  • Aviation Safety, FAA Compliance & Risk Management
  • Executive & VIP Client Service
  • Team Leadership, Training & Crew Coordination (CRM)
  • Tactical Planning, Logistics & Emergency Response
  • Interagency Liaison & High-Stakes Decision Making

Certification

  • ATP: Multi-Engine
  • Commercial Pilot: Single-Engine, Instrument, Land
  • Instructor Ratings: CFI, CFII, MEI
  • Type Ratings: CE-680
  • Type Ratings: CE-560XL
  • Type Ratings: CL-65 (CRJ 200/700/900)
  • FAA Medical: FAA First Class
  • FAA Medical: 1st Class (02/29/2024)
  • FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit

Timeline

Pilot in Command

Sands Air LLC
07.2021 - 10.2024

Pilot in Command

Pacific Coast Jet
08.2019 - 07.2021

First Officer

Go Jet Airlines
11.2018 - 08.2019

First Officer

ACI Jet
07.2017 - 11.2018

Flight Instructor

Iasco Flight
07.2016 - 07.2017

China Program Ground Instructor

Hillsboro Aero Academy
03.2015 - 07.2016

Team Leader

US Army and Montana Army National Gaurd
03.2008 - 07.2014

Bachelor of Science - Aviation

Liberty University

Associates of Applied Science -

Portland Community College

Awards & Honors

  • Purple Heart
  • Combat Infantryman Badge
  • Army Commendation Medal
  • Nation Defense Service Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
  • Gold Seal Flight Instructor, 2016 | Portland, OR

FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

  • Total Time: 3918
  • Turbine PIC: 1132
  • Turbine Engine: 2688
  • Pilot in Command: 2256
  • Multi-Engine: 3074
  • Instructor: 872
  • Instrument: 267
  • SIC: 1565

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