Stories

Justin McNally, Line Service and FBO Quality Manager, Clay Lacy Aviation
Justin, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn, served in the U.S. Marine Corps for five years as an aircraft mechanic for the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet. He has a proven history of promoting a safe and secure operating environment in both military and general aviation. He started working as an entry-level line service technician at Clay Lacy Aviation in 2014 and rapidly promoted to positions of increased responsibility. “My experience performing all aspects of powerplant and fuel system maintenance on F/A-18 aircraft prepared me to join an industry-leading safety team based at VNY.”
 
Casey Pullman, General Manager, Castle & Cooke
Casey served in the U.S. Navy for nine years and has strong local roots in aviation. While in the military, he worked with a C-130 squadron at Naval Base Ventura County-Point Mugu and pursued a degree in professional aeronautics at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus located on base. His studies and experience around military aircraft propelled his interested in civil aviation – leading him to earn an MBA in aviation and highly-responsible aviation management positions before landing at Van Nuys Airport. “Who wouldn’t want to work here? I had always eventually wanted to move over here if I had the opportunity. I always loved the environment and tradition of the airport. So far, it has exceeded my expectations.”
 
Stephen Maloney, COO, Sun Air Jets
Steve is a retired U.S. Navy and airline pilot with 50 years of flying experience. He took his first flying lesson at age 14, which set him on the path to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, complete a 20-year military career and hold several senior aviation management positions. His company employs many veterans who successfully transfer the skills, experience, discipline and work ethic they acquired while serving in the military to their current positions. “Similar to the military, everything changes all the time – every flight, every mission, every destination. We attract exceptional people who are used to working in a dynamic environment, using independent thought and providing greater customer service.” 
 
Curt Castagna, president and CEO, Aerolease/Aeroplex Group
Curt is a certified private and instrument-rated pilot with over 40 years of diverse experience in aviation operations, management and sustainable development. He is president of the National Air Transportation Association and non-profit Van Nuys Airport Association, and a professor in aviation administration at Cal State Los Angeles and Cypress College. He inherited a passion for aviation from his father Charles Louis Castagna, who earned three bronze stars during World War II while serving in the Army Air Corp on the air crew of the Douglas C-47. “My dad was truly part of one of the greatest generations in U.S. history. I am grateful for all the brave men and women who sacrifice their lives in the name of freedom. Thank you for your service and courage!”
 
Daniel Falke, Ground Support Equipment Mechanic, Signature Flight Support
A California native, Daniel joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Granada Hills High School. He served on active duty for eight years, during which he spent nearly seven years as an aircraft armament missile systems repairer in Buedigen, Germany. He later served as an avionics technician for six years with the California Army National Guard in Los Alamitos. Applying his skills and experience to civilian aviation, Daniel joined Signature Flight Support as a ground support equipment mechanic in 2019. “My father and grandfather worked for Lockheed when we lived in Burbank. Four days after I turned 18, I joined the Army. That was my birthday gift to myself! Aviation is a small community and, even in the civilian world, I run into people I know from the military or was stationed with.”