TRANSPARENCY, INTEGRITY & ADVOCACY
Zone 5 Aviation was established with the vision of bringing unmatched transparency, integrity, and advocacy to business aviation transactions. As skilled advisors in corporate aircraft acquisitions and marketing, we engage with a limited client group to act as an advisor in the purchase or sale of corporate aircraft. At Zone 5 Aviation, our consensus-driven and highly analytical approach is guided by detailed research and deep market insights. From evaluating your travel needs and mission to placing your aircraft into service, our team will facilitate and manage the process through each key step.
Acquisitions
With decades of collective experience in the operation and management of corporate aircraft, we have an extensive understanding of the critical factors that lead to a successful acquisition. Our broad backgrounds provide Zone 5’s clients with insight that extends well past closing and entry into service.
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At Zone 5 Aviation, we recognize that the pedigree of an aircraft and operational excellence of its seller play pivotal roles in ensuring a seamless and successful operational journey. Our singular goal when acquiring business aircraft is to source the best possible asset with economics that deliver meaningful value to the end user. As we work through the process of contracts and diligence, our focus on client value never waivers.
The needs and risks associated with the acquisition of a business aircraft are unique to the circumstances and goals of the buyer. Whether it be a precisely crafted business and acquisition plan, a thorough travel and options analysis, or detailed market research, our clients receive expert guidance and intelligence, aligning each project with the unique goals and objectives of our clients.
As a Zone 5 Aviation client, you have access to not only our team, but our diverse industry relationships in aviation legal services, insurance, asset management, technical inspections, and others. Zone 5 Aviation can tailor your acquisition team by drawing on our trusted vendors.
THE PROCESS OF ACQUIRING A JET AIRCRAFT
Experience and attention to detail are critical in acquiring a private aircraft. We guide our clients through every step with a process focused on collaboration and communication. Our detailed process leads clients through the three key phases of an acquisition:
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PHASE ONE
Preliminary Needs Analysis and Market Research
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ANALYZE the short and long-term travel needs and desires of the Client
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PERFORM a general analysis of aircraft options consistent with the needs analysis
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DEFINE a preliminary budget and strategy for the acquisition
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DISCERN the pricing trends in the market for recent transactional activity and residual values
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INITIATE search of all available target aircraft
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PHASE TWO
Aircraft Selection and Contract Negotiation
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IDENTIFY the top two or three target aircraft
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FIELD INSPECT aircraft, flight records, and log books
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PROVIDE client with Aircraft Summary Report detailing field inspection
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ARRANGE demonstration flights
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ADVISE the Client on the asset selection and purchase strategy
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NEGOTIATE the purchase contract and contingencies of sale
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ARRANGE & MONITOR the pre-purchase inspection
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PHASE THREE
Closing and Entry Into Service
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ASSIST in the acceptance flight, delivery, and Federal Aviation Administration documentation
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PARTNER to oversee any refurbishment of the Target Aircraft, including development of the scope of work and competitive bidding of the refurbishment
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AID in placing the aircraft into service
The Zone 5
Aviation
Approach
HIGH QUALITY, LOW VOLUME
At Zone 5 Aviation, we focus our efforts on a limited group of clients to ensure that every analysis, every meeting, and every transaction has our undivided attention.
TRANSACTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Many corporations and individuals will complete two or three aviation transactions over multiple decades. With 40+ years of combined industry experience and completing multiple successful transactions per year, we have the experience to serve as your guide during this complex process.
ADVOCATE REPRESENTATION
Advocacy for our clients is the foundation of what we do. The aircraft transaction process is highly complex and nuanced requiring informed and strong representation at all times.
AVIATION ASSET MANAGEMENT
Over four decades of aircraft management and operational experience covering more than 30 aircraft types gives Zone 5 Aviation's co-founders the unique perspective to remain proactive and informed for future operations and regulatory compliance, both domestic and international throughout the search, acquisition, and closing process. In addition, our first-hand knowledge and experience encompass airframes with Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer, Learjet, Hawker/Beechcraft, Nextant, Pilatus, and DeHavilland aircraft.
PEDIGREE & MAINTENANCE TREND ANALYSIS
Understanding aircraft pedigree is the single most important tool we have in an acquisition. Leaning on over 40 years of combined experience, education, and real-world operations, Zone 5 Aviation's primary focus is to maximize aircraft pedigree in every transaction. This leads to greater aircraft reliability, enhanced operations, improved economics, and a broader understanding of the aircraft's life cycle.
ANALYTICAL PROCESS
Unlike our competitors, Zone 5 Aviation leads a consensus driven process utilizing the most recent transactional data and methods to bring confidence to your transaction.
Ryan has assisted multiple clients in acquiring and operating large cabin aircraft. Ryan’s depth of knowledge was invaluable. I have been consistently impressed with his attention to detail and professionalism. It’s always a pleasure to work with Ryan.
Chris Leach, Partner, Carriere, Little, & Leach
Aircraft Marketing
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Zone 5 Aviation leverages its relationship with key industry vendors to the benefit of its customers when marketing and negotiating the sale of an aircraft. These include leaders in digital marketing, maintenance tracking, market research, technical representation, legal services, and others to ensure a successful listing and sale.
MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
In addition to marketing your aircraft through key digital channels, Zone 5 Aviation will partner with all private multiple-listing services to ensure your aircraft gets the visibility and exposure it deserves.
ADVOCATE REPRESENTATION
Prior to listing your aircraft, Zone 5 Aviation will conduct a site review, facilitate professional photography, and prepare a marketing package that identifies and differentiates the unique and valuable aspects of your airplane.
Zone 5 Aviation
Marketing
Process
The Zone 5 Aviation marketing approach accesses multiple marketing channels, advertising methods, and consumer behavior trends to properly assess and sell your asset. Our high quality, low-volume model allows for concierge level attention spent on communication and details of each transaction.
PHASE TWO:
MARKETING & CONTRACT NEGOTIATION
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REGISTER the aircraft with all private listing services
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DEPLOY marketing strategy
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LEVERAGE industry relationships to maximize visibility
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FIELD inquiries and facilitate site visits, records audits, and showings
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ADVISE on purchase offers, and negotiate key deal terms
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INTEGRATE with Seller’s legal counsel to assist with the negotiation of the sales contract
PHASE ONE:
PRELIMINARY AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS & MARKET ANALYSIS
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AUDIT aircraft records and compile detailed specifications
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ANALYZE maintenance or modification needs prior to sale
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OVERSEE preparation of aircraft exterior and interior staging for marketing
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PROCURE comprehensive professional photography
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DEVELOP aircraft marketing materials
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PERFORM detailed market research and identify comparables
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ADVISE on the marketing and pricing strategy
PHASE THREE:
CLOSING & DELIVERY
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SUPERVISE the buyers' pre-purchase inspection
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ENSURE the pre-purchase inspection conforms to the purchase agreement
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FACILITATE the correction of valid discrepancies per the terms of the technical acceptance
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ASSIST with the delivery of the aircraft to the closing location
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COORDINATE transfer of service programs and subscriptions to buyer
Consulting
Outside of our acquisition and marketing services, Zone 5 Aviation's broad experience in aviation operations and management allows us to provide consulting and advisory services in the following areas:
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4 CFR Part 135 certificate transfer and management.
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Aviation department safety and compliance audits.
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14 CFR Part 135 charter/manager selection, audit, and placement.
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Fleet planning and budgetary analysis.
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Aircraft hangar procurement, design, and project management.
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Oversight and management of capital improvement projects including full interior refurbishments, avionic upgrades, custom-designed paint schemes, and historically accurate WWII aircraft restoration.
Whatever your corporate aviation need, Zone 5 Aviation has the experience, resources, and relationships to provide informed advice and expert analysis.
Our team
SEASONED INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Zach Barborinas
Co-founder
Over 30 years ago, Zach started his journey in aviation with an introductory flight lesson. Since then, his enthusiasm for aviation has led to more than 20 years of experience in business aviation, including flight department management, aircraft operations, and international and domestic business aircraft transactions.
Trusted Advisor
As an active pilot flying internationally, Zach has both FAA Part 91 and 135 experience as an Airline Transport Pilot accompanied with turbojet type ratings in the Learjet 25/35/55 series, Hawker 700/800/800XP series, Challenger 600 and 605, and Falcon 7X. Zach has an extensive background of proactive international and domestic business aircraft operations, regulatory compliance, budgeting and owner-specific advocacy to properly navigate the dynamic nature of business aviation.
Zach is a graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, as well as an NBAA Certified Aviation Manager and FAA Certified Flight Instructor. He also serves as Board President of the Skagit Regional Health Foundation which advocates and fundraises for two hospitals and numerous clinics through Skagit and Snohomish counties.
Ryan Setting
Co-founder
After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Washington, Ryan started his aviation career piloting Learjets for a West Coast charter management firm. This led to multiple executive leadership roles in aircraft management, charter administration, and FBO operations.
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Trusted Advisor
In partnership with a group of key clients, Ryan formed Aerius Management in 2012. Founded on the principles of transparency and client advocacy, Aerius acts as a multi-family office in the administration and operation of business aircraft. Since that time, Aerius has become the largest pure Part 91 manager of business aircraft in the Pacific Northwest.
With more than two decades as a corporate pilot, Ryan holds turbojet type ratings in the Classic Learjet series, Learjet 60, Cessna 525, Gulfstream IV, and Gulfstream G650. Ryan holds an Airline Transport Pilot license, is an FAA Certified Flight Instructor, and holds an NBAA Certified Aviation Manager certification.
Over the course of his career, Ryan has built a broad portfolio of transactional experience in all categories of business aircraft. With his deep operational background, Ryan understands how the nuances of an acquisition affect the success of operational objectives.
Brad Wollen
Aircraft Sales Executive
Over 50 years ago returning from Vietnam, Brad received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from Parson College. Soon after, starting his career in aircraft sales at Cessna Aircraft Company based in Wichita, KS. Quickly finding success he transferred onto Denver, Colorado where he was assigned the district manager’s position covering the Rocky Mountain region in 1973.
Industry Veteran
Thereafter, Brad’s many years of sales included aircraft of all variants - singles, twins, turboprops and jets. Where a focus in Gulfstreams, Falcons, Challengers and Citations took hold through the 80’s and 90’s. His customer support and transactional travels spanned the globe leading to numerous VP Aircraft Sales jobs with companies such as Monarch Aviation (now West Star Aviation), Western Aircraft, and over 20 years at Modern Aviation (began as Flight Craft in 1996) at Boeing Field.
Brad’s tenure in aircraft sales has encompassed over 50 years experience and knowledge where he has become a dominant force in Pacific Northwest aircraft transactions.
Our Clients
DIVERSE INDUSTRY LEADERS
With a diverse clientele spanning various backgrounds, we cater to individuals and organizations seeking assistance in purchasing, selling, or consulting on aircraft. At Zone 5 Aviation, we hold our clients' privacy in high regard, and so refrain from listing their names here. However, we understand the importance of hearing from satisfied customers. Should you wish to connect with individuals who have benefited from our services in the past, we would be happy to facilitate those conversations. Simply contact us, and we will make the necessary introductions. Your satisfaction and confidentiality are our top priorities.