Our Staff & Executive Team

PRESIDENT & CEO

Gary Drapela

Gary is a graduate of TSTC (formally TSTI) where he earned a degree as a certified A&P/IA Mechanic. He has 32 years of experience in general and corporate aviation combined with numerous factory training courses including but not limited to, Piper, Beechcraft, Falcon 10/100, Citation 500 Series, Honeywell TFE 731 Series and Principles of Troubleshooting. Seventeen years into his career in aviation, Gary, along with his wife Janet, decided to start an aircraft maintenance business of their own. He envisioned a family-owned company that aircraft owners could trust their aircraft with. A company that would be known for its wide scope of aircraft knowledge, quality of work, outstanding customer service, fair pricing and overall Christian and family values. Along with taking care of his customers, Gary wanted to create a work environment where employees felt respected and enjoyed being at work. With all this in mind, in April of 2001 Jag Aviation, Inc. was founded.

VICE PRESIDENT & CFO

Janet Drapela

Janet is a graduate of Texas A&M University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She began working alongside her husband, Gary, part-time in April of 2001 when Jag first opened for business. After a few years of balancing both teachings and working at a startup, Janet decided to leave her teaching career and focus all of her time and attention on growing Jag Aviation with Gary. Fifteen years later she continues to maintain the office at Jag by keeping the books and performing the Company’s Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable duties.

GENERAL MANAGER – HR – SAFETY MANAGER

Jennifer Kidd

Jennifer has been a business owner for over 25 years. She loves to work in every aspect of business and especially loves to problem solve. Jennifer and her husband of 22 years have two daughters and a son-in-law. She and her family are avid outdoorsmen and you will find them hunting, fishing, camping or hiking any chance they get. Jennifer loves spending time with her family, friends and traveling.

DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE

Mike Perez

Mike is a graduate of TSTC where he earned two Associates Degrees in Aviation Technology as a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He began his career while in school, working for AirMotive, performing engine builds and assisting in 100 Hr inspection. After graduating from TSTC he began working for JAG Aviation, where he started as a mechanic, quickly gained his A&P License and is now serving as JAG’s Director of Maintenance. Mike and his wife of 27 years Sharon have two sons. He and his family are BIG Football fans and enjoy watching games with family and friends. You’ll catch him at his smoker on game day, making food to enjoy while watching his team… the COWBOYS!

DIRECTOR OF FUEL SALES

Brad Athey

Brad began his career as a Line Service Supervisor in 1999. Today he serves as Jag Aviation’s Director of Fuel Sales. In this position, he oversees Line Service Technicians, performs fuel truck and fuel farm preventative maintenance, manages Jag’s PSI test facility and handles many different customer services for the company. Brad and his wife have four children. When Brad isn’t at the office you’ll find him at home spending time with his family, working in the yard or barbecuing. If he isn’t at home Brad will most likely be on the golf course, shooting even par.

DIRECTOR OF AVIONICS

James Isenhour

James is a graduate of the Community College of the Air Force where he earned his Associates Degrees in Avionics Systems Technology. He then went on to Baker College where he earned his Bachelor’s and Masters Degree’s in Computer Science and Information Systems. He joined the Air Force in 2001 and spent 20 years working on the avionics systems for B-52H as well as MC-130H/J aircraft. James and his wife Sutasinee enjoy cooking and watching sports, James with his smoker and Sutasinee with her Thai food.