About Lift CAO

A different standard of aircraft ownership.

Lift CAO exists to make plane ownership pain-free. As your Chief Aviation Officer, we handle the procurement, scheduling, maintenance, and logistics — so you can focus on the flexibility and efficiency of private aviation.

Our Story

Aviation runs deep.

One of the most challenging aspects of private aviation is the sheer number of moving parts. A Chief Aviation Officer is built to handle all of it — procurement, scheduling, maintenance, and logistics — allowing executives to hand over the headaches and simply enjoy the aircraft.

We deliver that service in a deeply personal and proactive way. As your fiduciary, we hold no agenda other than to protect you and your asset. While others chase revenue generation, we focus on adding value to your ownership experience.

What We Stand For

Core Values.

Five principles guide every decision we make on your behalf.

01
Safety
Uncompromising safety through intentionality.
02
Service
We are passionate about those we serve.
03
Accuracy
To be accurate in our communications.
04
Dependability
Keeping our word with integrity and on time.
05
Generosity
Sharing our gifts with others.

Areas of Expertise

Across the fleet.

Large-Cabin Jets

Gulfstream, Dassault Falcon, and comparable transcontinental aircraft. Deep experience with complex, high-value transactions where pedigree and maintenance status drive value.

Mid-Size & Light Jets

Hawker, Citation, Learjet, and Beechjet platforms — the workhorses of business aviation. We know the market, the buyers, and what these aircraft are truly worth.

Turboprops & Pistons

Pilatus, Daher TBM, Cirrus, and cabin-class twins. Accessible entry points into ownership, represented with the same diligence as any jet.

The Team

Leadership

Casey J. Blake

Founder / CEO

A graduate of the Purdue University School of Aviation Management, Casey brings two decades of leadership across nearly every facet of private aviation — fractional ownership, whole aircraft ownership, jet cards, charter, acquisitions, and brokerage. Aviation runs deep in the Blake family, dating back to a World War I fighter ace.

Josh Holstein

Business Operations Officer

A Purdue University graduate with more than 15 years spanning the full customer lifecycle — sales, marketing, client relations, and financial management. His industry knowledge and client-first mindset build long-lasting partnerships.

Leslie Blake

Personnel Officer

Leslie's love of aviation began in childhood and was rekindled when she met Casey at Purdue. She brings that same devotion to serving the Lift CAO team and the clients and families it supports.

In the Air

Aviation Team

John deLuca

G450 Lead Captain

Holds six jet type ratings, including two Gulfstream types. A graduate of Indiana State University.

Nathan Clark

G450 Captain

Former Chief Pilot and Check Airman for charter and corporate aviation. A graduate of Embry-Riddle University.

Nate Mendenhall

Contract A/C Technician

Brings an extensive background in aviation technology and aircraft maintenance to the Lift CAO operation.

Sam Collura

Captain

Twenty-five-plus years as a flight instructor and charter pilot, delivering excellent service in private aviation.

Jay Hooper

Captain

A US Air Force veteran and flight instructor with five type ratings and experience under Parts 91, 121, and 135. A graduate of Indiana State University.

Lucas Baumgartner

CJ4 SIC

A graduate of Purdue University's Professional Flight and Aviation Management programs, pursuing a career in private aviation on the CJ4.

Forrest Ferdon

Contract A/C Technician

Forty years across nearly every facet of aircraft maintenance and manufacturing, energized by the challenge of new makes and models.

Work with us.

Interested in buying, selling, or simply getting a market perspective? Start the conversation.

Contact Lift CAO