James J. Spiri, Jr.
Inola
Summary
Retired military officer and experienced aviation professional with 22 years of service, including 10 years in Special Operations. Brings a record of strategic mission support, analytical judgment, and regulatory expertise. Pursuing legal training to advance aviation safety, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and contribute to the evolving field of UAS policy.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Captain / Training Captain
NetJets
01.2022 - Current
- Serve as Captain and Training Captain for the world’s largest private aviation fleet, requiring exceptional judgment, regulatory compliance, and leadership in high-stakes environments.
- Exercise operational authority over all phases of flight in accordance with FAA regulations, company policies, and aviation law standards.
- Enforce FAA regulatory compliance across all flight operations, ensuring adherence to Part 91/135 requirements, mandatory safety procedures, airworthiness directives, and maintenance reporting obligations.
- Collaborate with management and safety leadership to anticipate evolving FAA requirements and support future compliance policy development.
- Deliver precise safety briefings, itinerary consultations, and risk assessments.
- Coordinate and document maintenance discrepancies to uphold airworthiness and federal regulatory requirements.
- Provide instructional leadership, reinforce standardization, and contribute to pilot development.
Chief Instructor Pilot, 160th SOAR (Airborne)
U.S. Army
01.2013 - 01.2022
- Senior Instructor and Standardization Pilot for elite Special Operations aviation with global reach.
- Developed and implemented advanced training programs for more than 65 aviators and aircrew.
- Fully MQ PIC, Maintenance Test Pilot Evaluator, Instructor Pilot, and Instrument Examiner.
- Worked directly with senior leaders across the Special Operations community on missions of national strategic importance.
- Directed highly sensitive aviation operations requiring analytical judgment, mission planning, and interagency integration.
- Evaluated and selected aviators for specialized military positions.
H-47D/F Chinook Maintenance Officer / Instructor Pilot
U.S. Army
01.2000 - 01.2013
- Planned and executed complex domestic and international missions as Pilot-in-Command and Air Mission Commander.
- Instructor for the U.S. Army Maintenance Test Pilot Course; authored curriculum updates and trained U.S. and allied pilots.
- Managed readiness of a 33-aircraft fleet; supervised 200+ maintenance personnel.
- Contributed to receiving the Army’s “Best Overseas Aviation Battalion” award.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
03-2010
Associate of Arts -
New Mexico Military Institute
05-2000
Skills
- Strong analytical reasoning and high-pressure decision-making
- Extensive experience interpreting and applying federal aviation regulations
- Advanced instructional, curriculum-development, and evaluation capability
- Proven ability to balance demanding professional responsibilities with academic and family commitments
- Precision communication, structured briefing, and regulatory documentation
- Focused interest in aviation law, regulatory compliance, and UAS policy
- FAA regulatory compliance
- Risk assessment
Certification
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor (MEI, SE)
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic
- TS/SCI Security Clearance
Timeline
Captain / Training Captain
NetJets
01.2022 - Current
Chief Instructor Pilot, 160th SOAR (Airborne)
U.S. Army
01.2013 - 01.2022
H-47D/F Chinook Maintenance Officer / Instructor Pilot
U.S. Army
01.2000 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Science -
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Associate of Arts -
New Mexico Military Institute
MILITARY EDUCATION
- Warrant Officer Staff Course (2014)
- Special Operations Officer Advanced Skills (2013)
- Army Platform Instructor Course (2012)
- Warrant Officer Advanced Course (2012)