We support grassroots aviation by having an active flight school and an outstanding maintenance shop. Integrity and ethics are part of every decision we make in our business. We’re proud that one third of our staff are veterans, and we thank ALL veterans for their service.

We are lucky to call the beautiful Emerald Coast our home and hope you will consider our business to serve your aviation needs when you visit our area.

Bruce Bowman

Bruce Bowman

Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Bruce Bowman serves as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Emerald Coast Aviation.  He has practiced law for over 35 years and has been board-certified in civil trial law since 2000.  Bruce has extensive experience in business law and corporate management and is always available to satisfy the needs of our customers

Beau Watts

Beau Watts

Operations Manager

Beau brings over 30 years of aviation experience, and is responsible for all our flight operations including fueling, fuel quality assurance, aircraft servicing and hangar inquiries. Beau values every customer relationship and treats all customers like family.

Karen Hardell

Karen Hardell

Chief Financial Officer

Karen L. Hardell, CPA, has served as our Chief Financial Officer since 2018. Karen brings decades of financial leadership experience, plus a keen entrepreneurial insight to the executive team at Emerald Coast Aviation.

Randy Ells

Randy Ells

Director of Maintenance

Randy’s passion for aviation started when he was a young child growing up in the Indianapolis area attending air shows. Randy went to Vincennes University where he received his associate degree in aviation maintenance technology. Randy is a licensed A&P mechanic with inspection authorization and has over 15 years of aviation experience, mostly in general aviation. Randy has his private pilot’s license where he enjoys flying leisurely when he is able. He has factory maintenance training in Cirrus aircraft along with many other airframes. He enjoys spending his weekends with family and friends, the beaches on the Emerald Coast, and the golf course.

Travis Hill

Travis Hill

Chief Pilot

Travis serves Emerald Coast Aviation as Chief Instructor and Chief Pilot for Emerald Coast Air Charters. He brings 34 years of aviation experience to include over 6,000 flight hours and 28 years of military service with 8 years of command at multiple levels. His strengths in leadership development and risk management allow for an increase in performance and give way to a positive culture within his aviation team. His qualifications include Class II, active CFI/CFII/MEI and TS/SCI.

Jennifer Blackwood photo

Jennifer Blackwood

Comptroller

I started working for Emerald Coast Aviation in November, 2011, as the Customer Service Rep, and after a short move to Minnesota to be closer to family, I came back to work as the Comptroller. My love and passion for our amazing workplace is unlike any I have ever experienced. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.