• 1940s

    1945-1951

    In his youth, Clay Lacy works at an airfield in Wichita, Kansas in exchange for flight time and becomes a flight instructor.

  • 1950s

    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.

    1956-1960

    Works with Allen Paulson, future owner of Gulfstream Aerospace, and meets Bill Lear, inventor of the Learjet.

  • 1960s

    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.

    1964

    Clay becomes manager of sales for the Learjet distributor in 11 western states, lands the first business jet in Los Angeles.

    1968

    Clay founds Clay Lacy Aviation as the first jet charter company west of the Mississippi, serving Hollywood’s biggest names.

  • 1970s

    1975

    Clay pioneers the Astrovision air-to-air camera system, becoming the world’s leading aerial cinematographer.

  • 1980s

    1981

    World’s first all-jet FBO opens at Clay Lacy Aviation’s Van Nuys Airport headquarters.

    1984

    Van Nuys Airport facility doubles in size with additional hangars and offices.

  • 1990s

    1998

    First Gulfstream GV available for charter in the U.S., introducing ultra-long range business jet travel to charter clients.

    1999

    First Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) available for charter in the U.S., the first commercial airline-size, VIP-configured aircraft.

  • 2000s

    2001

    Managed fleet increases to 30 aircraft.

    2002

    Company expands to Seattle opening a full-service FBO and jet center at Boeing Field.

    2003

    Brian Kirkdoffer, a world record-holding Learjet and Gulfstream captain, is named company president.

    2005

    State-of-the-art flight simulator installed to evaluate pilot candidates and maintain superior proficiency levels.

    2009

    First business jet fleet to install high-speed Wi-Fi, new 40,000 square-foot hangar completed at Seattle jet center.

  • 2010s

    2012

    Brian Kirkdoffer, a 22-year company veteran, is named President & CEO of Clay Lacy Aviation.

    2013

    Clay Lacy Aviation celebrates 45 years as the world’s most experienced jet charter and management company.

    2015

    First Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) issued by the FAA for Future Air Navigation System (FANS 1/A+) upgrade for the Gulfstream GIV and GIVSP.

    2015

    $10 million, six-acre expansion and redevelopment at Van Nuys Airport, creating LA’s most secure and exclusive private aviation complex.

    2016

    New FAA Part 145 repair stations open in Seattle, San Diego and New York.

    2016

    Clay Lacy merges with Key Air, a 30-year old aircraft charter and management firm headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut, establishing a new Clay Lacy maintenance support and flight operations center in the greater New York area.

    2018

    Celebrating our fiftieth anniversary, with pride in our achievements and gratitude to our hundreds of aviation professionals and our valued, loyal clients.

    2019

    Newly expanded FAA Part 145 Repair Station opens at Van Nuys Airport, offering comprehensive maintenance for Gulfstream, Falcon, Embraer, Learjet and Hawker aircraft.

  • 2020s

    2020

    In response to COVID-19, Clay Lacy develops and implements the new CleanCheck health and safety standard throughout every aspect of its operations.

    2021

    Clay Lacy opens a new FBO at Orange County’s John Wayne Airport.

    2021

    Comprehensive corporate sustainability strategy introduced, carbon offsets program expanded.

    2022

    First company in the world to achieve all four sustainability accreditations: 4Air, NATA, EPA, California Green

    Today

    The award-winning team at Clay Lacy continues to fulfill our founder’s legendary vision, delivering unsurpassed safety, service and value to every client. Great people, providing a legendary aviation experience.