Why Savvy Aviation

About Us

You bought a plane to take flight. We’ve got nearly two decades of maintenance expertise to help you soar.

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A Revolutionary Maintenance Philosophy

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A Nationwide and Worldwide Reach

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An Unparalleled Team of GA Maintenance Experts

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A History of GA Maintenance Innovation

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We advocate for aircraft owners’ best interests. Our maintenance is:

 

Simple
Data-driven
On-condition
Reliability-centered

We Advocate for Aircraft Owners
Around the World

Meet The General Aviation Experts Who Have Your Back

Senior Leadership Team

Mike Busch | A&P/IA

Founder & CEO
Mike founded Savvy Aviation in 2008 and since then has served as its CEO and chief evangelist. His involvement in GA maintenance began in the late 1980s as a tech rep and instructor for the Cessna Pilots Association. He subsequently earned his A&P certificate the hard way — by swinging wrenches on his Cessna 310 and a few other airplanes for 10 years — and earned his IA three years later. In 2008, he was honored by the FAA Administrator as Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year. He is the author of four books and hundreds of articles and videos about GA maintenance, and presently writes the monthly Savvy Maintenance column in AOPA Pilot magazine. He became a private pilot while in college in the mid-1960s, and subsequently earned instrument, commercial, glider, seaplane, CFI, CFII, and CFIME ratings. He bought his first airplane (a Cessna 182) at age 25, then upgraded to a Bellanca Super Viking, and finally to a Cessna Turbo 310 that he still owns, flies and maintains. Mike graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in mathematics, did graduate work in math at Princeton University and in business administration at Columbia University before relocating to California to become a senior computer scientist for a Fortune 500 company and later starting his own software company. He cofounded AVweb and served as its editor-in-chief for nearly a decade until it was sold to Belvoir Publications. He has lived on the Central Coast of California since 1980.

Adam Smith

VP Business Development

Adam Smith joined Savvy in 2013 and leads the company’s business development activities.

He has been involved in General Aviation in the UK and USA for more than 25 years, holding executive leadership positions with EAA and AOPA. A Private Pilot with an instrument rating and 25 years of flying experience, Adam is also an aircraft owner. Originally from the UK, he currently resides in Wichita, Kansas where he serves as President and CEO of the city’s Exploration Place science museum. He has 19 years of experience with aviation museums and historic aircraft operations.

Christopher Wrather Ph.D. | A&P

Executive Vice President

Chris serves as “consigliere” to Savvy’s CEO Mike Busch, and leads the SavvyAnalysis division of the company.

This includes engine data analysis, borescope interpretation, and the SavvyAI predictive analytics initiative. An A&P mechanic for 30 years and a pilot since age 16, Chris has owned a Cessna 170 and a Cessna 195, and currently owns a V-tail Bonanza. He holds a Doctorate in Statistics and Operations Research and was formerly CEO of a diversified public company.

Thanos Diacakis

CTO & Vice President of Software Engineering

Thanos oversees all software engineering for the technical systems Savvy employs for client service delivery.

An instrument-rated pilot since 2005 and former owner of a Cessna R182, Thanos is based in San Francisco with his family. He has over 25 years of experience in the software industry. Thanos also serves as a fractional CTO, guiding companies and teams in efficient software development, leveraging his extensive technical expertise.

Client Support Team

Colleen Sterling A&P/IA

Manager of Breakdown Assistance

Colleen joined Savvy in 2014 as an analyst, and currently heads up Savvy’s 24/7/365 breakdown assistance program.

Her expertise is in customer service, aircraft data analytics, and maintenance education. She is an A&P/IA who has maintained her own aircraft for 30 years,. She is an instructor in the Part 147 A&P training program at San Diego Miramar College. She’s an instrument-rated Commercial Pilot with 4000+ hours’ flight time. Colleen presently owns and maintains three airplanes: a biplane, a Lancair Legacy, and a Cessna Cardinal RG. She does aerobatics in the biplane and races the Legacyc for fun. She lives in San Diego and works as a Navy Operations Research Analyst. Colleen holds a BA in Physics from Dartmouth College and an MS in Applied Physics from The Johns Hopkins University.

Melissa Plumer

Manager of Operations

Melissa jointed Savvy in 2017 and manages the company’s day-to-day operations, a jack-of-all-trades position.

She’s an instrument-rated Commercial Pilot SMEL and a CFI, and owns a 1976 Cessna Cardinal. Melissa graduated from Colorado State University with B.A. in Music Therapy. Melissa spent nearly ten years as a flight attendant for a major airline, and also flew as a traffic watch pilot and served as a scheduler for a part 135 operation. She’s married to Eric, a private pilot. A part-time Zumba instructor for eight years, Melissa’s hobbies include wine, golf, piano and of course flying.

Kurt Lechliter

Manager of Technical Support

Kurt provides critical computer and website technical support at Savvy.

With 25 years of experience at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and Hewlett-Packard (HP) as a Business Analyst and Windows Server Administrator, Kurt brings a wealth of knowledge in IT and support services. Although he doesn’t have a background in aviation maintenance, his technical expertise is a vital component of Savvy’s client support, ensuring smooth and efficient technical functionalities.

Nilofar Barjan

Digital Record Analyst

Nilofar joined Savvy in 2019 to manage digitized maintenance records and related documents for SavvyMx clients.

She has an Aeronautical Engineering background with more than 15 years of experience in aviation, focusing on MRO and Digital Records. She currently resides in Bangalore, India, with her husband.

Specialist Team

Mark Colman

Avionics Manager

Mark joined Savvy in 2019 and serves as its chief avionics consultant–he prefers the term “airplane doctor.”

His 48 years of avionics maintenance experience includes 12 years in the U.S. Air Force as an Electronic Warfare Technician, followed by stints as a computer-based training designer/programmer developing code for Unix-based computer systems, a computer store owner, and a teacher of Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) classes. However, most of Mark’s experience has been as the President and General Manager of Depot Avionics, Inc., an FAA-approved Avionics Repair Station in Alamosa, Colorado. He’s also a private pilot SMEL with about 900 hours logged, currently working on his instrument rating, and owner of a 1956 Cessna 182 that he flies regularly in the Rocky Mountains. Mark grew up in Albuquerque, where he used to ride his bicycle to Albuquerque International Airport after high school to work on airplanes. He now lives in Alamosa, is married with two grown children (both with advanced degrees). Mark considers himself a geek and technology buff, has religiously attended the American Electronics Association convention and training for the past 26 years, and has become obsessed with aerial photography (the GoPro videos he makes from his 182 are breathtaking).

Dave Ridsdale | A&P

Avionics Specialist

Dave joined the Savvy team in 2023 as an avionics specialist, having worked in the avionics field since 1980, almost exclusively with GA aircraft for the past 20 years.

As an A&P avionics technician, he’s involved daily in all aspects of avionics work from troubleshooting to upgrades and major installations, and works as an avionics technician, shop manager and chief inspector. He has worked with experimental jets, corporate aircraft and all sorts of piston GA in the United States since 1996. In a previous life, Dave was an electrical engineer for 17 years in the British Royal Air Force. He was born, raised and schooled in Leeds, England, and joined the RAF at age 16 and served for 17 hectic and exciting years before leaving in 1996 and relocating to the U.S. He worked on corporate aircraft in Van Nuys and Long Beach, California before moving in 2006 to Ashland, Oregon where Dave and his wife now run a small GA avionics shop. When not working on airplanes, Dave is a keen fly fisherman with a penchant for repairing antique clocks.

Scott Wasmer | A&P

Avionics Specialist

Scott joined Savvy in 2023 as an avionics specialist.

Born in Canada and raised in a number of states in the U.S. (his dad was in the U.S. Air Force), he always loved Alaska the best. After serving in the U.S. Navy for 20 years on the flight decks of several aircraft carriers, Scott retired in 2003 and has been involved with GA avionics ever since. He worked as an avionics repairman for about three years, then moved into maintenance management including becoming Director of Maintenance for various part 135 air taxi operations in Alaska, then spent several years teaching in the Aviation Technology Department of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Scott holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Liberty University. He currently operates a small business, Aurora Aerotech LLC, providing a variety of technical services for aircraft owners and operators in Alaska, including a contract as the Chief Mechanic for the flying club on the local Air Force Base. Scott’s wife just graduated from nursing school, and the two of them are deeply involved in community activities and with their dogs.

Ryan Dickerson | A&P/IA

Engine Specialist

Ryan joined Savvy as an account manager in 2015, and now serves as a consultant on piston aircraft engines.

He’s been an A&P working on GA aircraft since 2001, an IA since 2004, and is presently a principal in a leading piston engine repair station. An aviation enthusiast his entire adult life, he earned his A&P at the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Broomfield, Colorado. Ryan is a private pilot working on his instrument rating, and a partner in a Cessna T210N and a Piper PA-28-140. He’s also in the process of converting a Piper PA-22 to a Stretched Pacer with a 180 horsepower engine (which we understand should enable it to hover in ground effect). A Colorado native, he is married with two adult children.

Maintenance Team

Jeff Iskierka | A&P/IA

Technical Director

Jeff spent a decade as Director of Maintenance of Twin Cities Aviation in Minneapolis before joining Savvy full-time.

He started as its most senior account manager, subsequently promoted to the position of Technical Director. He’s a nationally known Cirrus expert, having been immersed in Cirrus maintenance since 1999. Between 1990 and 1994, Jeff served in the U.S. Air Force as Crew Chief on the F-15 fighter. In 1995, he went to work as an A&P at Cheyenne Aerotech where he earned his Inspection Authorization (IA) in 1998. Later, he became DOM for Twin Cities Aviation and then joined Savvy. Jeff is a VFR private pilot and has logged time in the Cirrus SR20 and SR22, Cessna 150 and 172, and Piper Warrior and Arrow. Jeff lives in a suburb of Minneapolis, has three grown children, and has been a volunteer firefighter for nearly 20

Eric Svelmoe | A&P/IA

Manager of Quality Assurance and Training

Joined Savvy in 2011. Worked as an account manager until taking on current roll in 2022. A&P/IA.

Over 30 years experience on wide range of GA aircraft. Specialized skills in engine overhaul, electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, and aircraft painting. Commercial Pilot License, Mutli-engine, Instrument Rating. CFI (not current). Most of my 6000 hrs of flight time were maintenance related. Test flights, picking up and delivering aircraft. I flew almost everything that I worked on. Born and raised in the Philippines. The mission that my parents worked for flew Helio Couriers and I fell in love with airplanes at a young age. College degree and A&P license in San Diego, where I spent most of my aviation career. Moved to the Pacific NW in 2008 and now live in Everett, north of Seattle. Divorced and available! 5 wonderful kids! Totally in love with my new home in the north where hiking has become my favorite past time.

Brandon Thompson | A&P/IA

SavvyQA Service Manager

Brandon joined Savvy in 2020, and heads up the SavvyQA consulting program. 

He earned his A&P/IA in 2007 and his IA in 2010, and has special expertise in composite aircraft and diesel engines. Brandon is co-owner and Director of Maintenance at Absolute Aero in the San Francisco Bay Area, a Diamond and Epic Service Center. He was born in Portland, Oregon and relocated to the Bay Area in 1997. He’s married with five children.

Tony Barrell | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Tony joined Savvy in 2011 and is one of the company’s most senior account managers, with special expertise in Circus, Cessna and Piper aircraft. 

Tony has more than 35 years experience at the maintenance facility at Ohio State University Airport, including a long stint as Director of Maintenance of that facility. He grew up and attended high school in Baltimore, Maryland, there, joined the U.S. Navy in 1979 and worked on F14A fighter jets, both airframe and hydraulics. He now lives in rural Ohio, is married with two grown children, six grandchildren and one foster son.

Tom Cooper | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Tom joined Savvy in 2010, bringing more than three decades of diversified GA maintenance experience as an A&P/IA. 

Factory trained in Cirrus SR-series airplanes and Pratt & Whitney PT6 engines. Previously owned and operated Mustang Aviation in St. Augustine, Florida. He’s been a private pilot since 1998 with more than 900 flight hours logged in piston singles and light twins. Previously owned a Beechcraft Dutchess and a Grumman AA5B Tiger. Tom was born and raised in Prince Edward Island, Canada, attended grade school, military school, and Rothesay Collegiate School, and served as ground crew for DC3s in Alert Canada (the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited place), and sailed in the Canada Summer Games. Ultimately, however, he had his fill of the cold and relocated to northeast Florida, ultimately becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018. Tom and his wife Arlene presently live aboard their beautiful motor yacht, a Mainship 45 Trawler, moored south of Jacksonville, Florida.

Paul New | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Paul has been part of the Savvy team since the company started in 2008, 

He has special expertise in Cessna 210s and TTxs, Cirrus SRs, major sheet metal and composite structural repairs, electrical systems and engine monitor data analysis. He’s been involved in GA maintenance since his grade school days performing aircraft structural repairs as a hobby with his dad which eventually turned into the family business. Paul has owned and operated Tennessee Aircraft Services in Jackson, Tennessee since 1986, a Cessna and Cirrus Authorized Service Center. He’s an active instrument-rated private pilot with over 3,000 hours mostly in high-performance piston singles and light twins. Paul was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas and lived there through grade school, then attended junior high in Huntsville, Alabama and high school in Jackson, Tennessee where he still lives and works. He earned a degree in Avionics Technology from Southern Illinois University and so is not scared of electrons. He started and operated two avionics shops before moving back home to Jackson, Tennessee to continue the family business in 1986. Paul is married with three grown children and four grandchildren.

Moiz Khan | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Moiz joined Savvy in 2009 and has been one of its most prolific account managers, with special expertise in Cirrus, Cessna and Diamond airplanes as well as helicopters.

He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Management and a minor in Business Administration. Moiz has been active in general aviation for his entire adult life, and really enjoys working with his many SavvyMx clients.  

John Fletcher | A&P/IA

Account Manager

John joined Savvy in 2021 after retiring from the aircraft maintenance operation at Ohio State University Airport. 

He earned his A&P in 1988 and went to work for Electrosonics, and earned his IA in 1990 after moving to OSU Airport where he specialized in welding, sheet metal work. When OSU became a Cirrus Authorized Service Center, John became lead technician for the shop’s CAPS (parachute system) program. John also ran a small shop, Aviationworks, in Central Ohio from 1996 to 2005 and a small shop at Millionaire Columbus from 2005 to 2008 and and then rejoined OSU in 2009 and worked there until his retirement in 2021. John is a private pilot and has owned a 1946 Aronca Chief and a Cessna 150. He also got into “hot-rodding” his 2004 Mustang GT. John served in the U.S. Air Force for three years as a maintenance specialist on the C-130. He holds degrees in Electronics Engineering and Aviation Maintenance Technology from Columbus State Community College.

Mark Reed | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Mark brings five decades of experience as a military aircraft mechanic and a civilian A&P/IA and private pilot to his role as Savvy account manager. 

He was born in Alton, Illinois, and upon graduating from high school in 1975 he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Dyess AFB as a crew chief on the Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he worked for Abilene Aero in Texas working on GA airplanes and served as the shop’s Director of Maintenance for 20 years before joining Savvy.

Bob Reau | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Bob joined Savvy in 2021. He grew up in northern Ohio, attended Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, and graduated with an associate degree in applied science. 

In the late 1980s he worked at Rockwell International on B-1B bomber production. In the mid 1990s he served as Director of Maintenance at Midwest Corporate Air in Ohio. Bob lives in central Ohio with his wife and dog. He has two grown children and four grandkids.

Patricia Burch | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Patti is experienced in all facets of airplane and helicopter maintenance including engine rebuilding and avionics installations.

She’s an A&P/IA and has been involved in light airplane and helicopter maintenance for over 50 years. Patti owns East Texas Flying Service in Mineola, Texas, a full service maintenance facility. She holds ATP & Commercial Pilot certificates in SMEL, SMES and helicopters, and is also a CFI and retired Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)as well as a builder of experimental aircraft. After graduating from high school in 1967 and attending some college, Patti has studied aviation maintenance and operations ever since and claims she’s still learning something new every week.

Steve VanderValk | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Steve joined Savvy in 2012, and has special expertise with twin Cessna and Cirrus aircraft. 

After deciding not to pursue an accounting degree, he attended A&P training at Teterboro School of Aeronautics. He has worked in general aviation since 1982 after having earned his A&P, and subsequently earned his Inspection Authorization (IA) in 1985. In 1996 Steve founded Paragon Aircraft Service, Inc., a general aviation maintenance shop and Cessna and Cirrus Authorized Service Center. He was born, raised. and continue to live in northern New Jersey. He’s married with three grown sons and eight grandchildren.

Randall Ells | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Randy joined the Savvy team in 2023 with extensive Cirrus and Garmin experience

He also has a huge range of GA maintenance knowledge accumulated during his 17 years in aviation maintenance, 15 of them focused on GA. He’s an A&P/IA and a private pilot currently working on his instrument rating. He operates an authorized Garmin Dealer Service Center with a wide range of capabilities, and is very proficient with both Garmin and Avidyne platforms. In addition to his expertise in avionics, Randy is factory trained and certified with Cirrus Aircraft SR-series, Continental Motors, Twin Commander, Textron Premier 390, and has experience with many other GA makes and models. He grew up and graduated Highschool in Westfield Indiana, where he lived for 36 years before recently relocating to Crestview, Florida where he currently lives and has his shop. He earned an Associates Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology and an A&P certificate from Vincennes University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Randy is married with two kids in elementary school, and is involved with SWAN Aviation Ministry with a mission to train the next generation of aviation professionals to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through flight.

James Watson | A&P/IA

Account Manager

James joined the Savvy team in 2020 as an account manager with special expertise as a builder/overhauler of Continental and Lycoming engines. 

He’s worked in aviation maintenance his entire adult life, and is an A&P/IA with 15 years experience. In 2015 he founded his own engine overhaul shop, Watson Aero. James is also factory trained in Cirrus aircraft. He graduated Jefferson County High School in his hometown of Louisville, Georgia in 2009, and still lives there with his wife (who works with him at Watson Aero) and son.

Joshua Pusser | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Josh joined the Savvy team in 2020, with special expertise in prebuys, engine monitor installations, and modifications. 

He’s been involved in GA maintenance for over 25 years as an A&P/IA, aircraft broker, and an instrument-rated private pilot for more than 20 years. He has completed Phenom, Citation CJ, AEA, and ABS maintenance classes. Josh enjoys teaching aviation maintenance, continuing education, and major projects. He has bought and sold many aircraft and currently own five airplanes. He grew up in a small town in South Carolina, graduated from Clemson University with a BS in Business Management and a minor in Aerospace Studies. He was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and served as a mobility officer. Subsequently he worked for several FBOs before starting his own shop in 2014. Josh lives in Erwin, North Carolina with his wife and two kids.

Dale Jordan | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Dale joined the Savvy team in 2021. He has been working in GA maintenance for over 35 years

He has experience ranging from light maintenance to full annual inspections and STC installation on a wide range of GA aircraft, including complete restorations on fabric-covered aircraft. He is currently Director of Maintenance at Southern Aviation, a Diamond Aircraft Service Center in Salisbury, North Carolina. Dale earned his A&P while serving in the U.S. Air Force while attending the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University satellite school at Langly AFB, and has held his Inspection Authorization (IA) for the past 14 years. He’s been a private pilot since 2007. Born and raised in North Carolina and married to his soul mate for 20 years, Dale also owned a martial arts studio and holds a 4th degree Black Belt.

Bob Coffman | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Bob has been a Savvy account manager since 2021. He has been an A&P/IA operating a small shop in Bigfork, Montana specializing in GA maintenance and restoration since 1997. 

Prior to that, Bob served in the U.S. Air Force as a F-4 and F-15 pilot, and as a captain for American Airlines flying the Airbus 320 and Boeing 727, 757, 767 and 777. He’s also a CFI and has owned several GA airplanes. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Denver and served as a Physicist for the Hughes Aircraft Company. He grew up primarily in western Montana, is married with two daughters and five grandchildren, and currently lives part of time in Florida and part of my time in Montana.

Cameron Smith | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Cameron joined Savvy in 2021, bringing wide experience in GA piston maintenance 

That experience ranges from antique biplanes through legacy aircraft from the 60s, 70s and 80s up to Cirrus Aircraft (where he worked at the factory on both experimental and production airplanes). He’s been an A&P since 1997 and an IA since 2003. He holds an associates degree in aviation maintenance from Colorado Aero Tech. Cameron’s work experience includes antique restoration, engine overhaul, sheet metal repairs and composites. He has lived in Minnesota and Wisconsin most of his life, and currently resides in northwest Wisconsin with his wife and four sons.

Logan Parr | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Logan joined Savvy in 2023 as an account manager, with special expertise in on-call AOG maintenance on a wide range of piston and turbine GA aircraft as well as air carriers.

He’s also a private pilot. Logan grew up in Mitchell, South Dakota, earned his A&P at Lake Area Technical School in Watertown, South Dakota, and now serves as lead mechanic at Elite Aircraft Services in Sioux Falls. He and his wife spend their free time outdoors with their horses.

Wayne Lohmeyer | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Wayne joined Savvy in 2021 as an A&P/IA with special expertise in Cessna and Beechcraft airplanes and is Rotax factory-trained through heavy maintenance.

He restored his first aircraft in 1999, and has been doing inspections, engine work and fabric covering on GA aircraft ever since. Wayne began flying at age 15, has owned 17 different aircraft and flown 25 different makes/models. His pilot ratings include commercial, instrument, gyrocopter and hot air balloon. Although aviation is Wayne’s passion, he spent 40 years as a computer professional before deciding to convert his avocation to his vocation and focusing on aviation maintenance.

Jeff Simon | A&P/IA

Account Manager

Jeff joined the Savvy team in 2021 as a SavvyQA specialist, with special expertise with Beechcraft and experimental amateur-built aircraft. 

He’s an A&P/IA mechanic, pilot, Bonanza owner and experimental aircraft builder who has spent the past two decades promoting owner-assisted aircraft maintenance. He created the first inspection tool for geared alternator drive couplings (ApproachAviation.com). Jeff is also the creator of SocialFlight, the free mobile app (iOS and Android) and website (www.SocialFlight.com) that maps more than 20,000 aviation events, hundred-dollar hamburger destinations, and also offers educational aviation videos.

Dave Pasquale | A&P/IA

Account Manager & Borescope Guru

Dave joined Savvy in 2016 as an account manager with special expertise in borescope interpretation, wood, fabric, and paint.

He’s an A&P/IA with 27 years experience, and for the past seven years owner of Pasquale Aviation in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He’s a lifetime member of the American Bonanza Society and a graduate of the ABS Maintenance Academy. Prior to starting his own shop, Dave worked for Witmer’s Aircraft Service for 18 years where he specialized in woodwork, fabric, paint, and restoration work, and spent two years working at a Cirrus Authorized Service Center. He grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania, started building plastic model planes at age five, built and flew RC model airplanes starting at age 10, taught himself B&W photography in 1997 and switched to digital photography in 2007. Dave graduated from Reading’s Exeter Township Senior High in 1994 and from Upper Bucks County Aviation Maintenance Technical School in 1997.

Analysis Team

Joe Godfrey

Director of Analysis

Joe has been with Savvy since the company’s inception in 2008 as its very first data analyst, and now trains and supervises Savvy’s analysis team. 

He also edits Savvy’s monthly newsletter and writes the monthly Puzzler column to help owners interpret and understand their engine data. He’s an instrument-rated private pilot and has owned and maintained his Bellanca Viking since 1990 and installed a field-overhauled engine in 2001. Since 2020, Joe has been coordinator for the IMC Club at Palomar Airport. His diverse background includes 35 years as a professional musician and music producer, followed by 15 years as a college professor and program chair (Dean). Joe holds a BA in Music, BS in Marketing, and MA in Education. Having lived and flown in Cincinnati and Chicago, he now resides in Leucadia, California.

Ray Eaker | A&P/IA

Assistant Director of Analysis

Ray joined Savvy in 2019 as an analyst, and was promoted to Assistant Director of Analysis in January, 2022.

He earned his A&P in 1993. He founded Volo Aero, LLC, providing maintenance services and avionics upgrades on fixed wing GA aircraft. Ray is a VFR private pilot and builder of a Vans RV-7A with dual Dynon HDX EFIS. He grew up in west central Pennsylvania and served for five years in the U.S. Army as a Blackhawk Crew Chief/Mechanic/Gunner, including more than three years in the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Regiment. Ray holds a BS degree in Information Technology. He’s married with two adult sons and one grandson.

Paul Kortopates | A&P/IA

Senior Analyst & Mooney Guru

Paul joined Savvy’s analysis team in 2017, and is the company’s resident expert on all things Mooney, with additional expertise in turbocharging systems.

He started flying 33 years ago, and is a Master Instructor CFI/CFII specializing in Mooneys and Bonanzas, and is a MAPA PPP Instructor. Paul has owned turbocharged Mooneys for more than 20 years and has extensive experience flying internationally throughout the continents U.S., Alaska, Canada, Bahama’s, Cuba, Mexico and Central America. Now retired as chief engineer at a large DOD contractor, he’s a passionate aviation educator, serves as the CFI for his local IMC Club chapter, president of the San Diego Aviation Safety Counselors, Lead FAASTeam representative, and Aviation Adjunct Instructor at San Diego’s Miramar Community College. Paul is also a past Acclaim instructor for Mooney International. Paul holds advanced degrees in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. Paul is married to another pilot and lives in Southern California.

Stephanie Schledorn | A&P/IA

Senior Analyst

Stephanie joined Savvy’s analysis team in 2020, bringing a wealth of experience as an A&P/IA and commercial pilot. 

She originally wrenched on the planes in her family’s airborne powerline patrol business responsible for patrolling high voltage transmission lines in five states. She subsequently went to work for a part 147 Repair Station to gain the necessary experience to earn her A&P. She continued working for others, then eventually started her own maintenance shop and earned her Inspection Authorization. Stephanie owns two airplanes, a Super Decathlon and a Cessna 172. Before getting involved in aviation maintenance, she had a 27 year career at a police department in Oklahoma, where she retired at the rank of Captain. She lives on 60 acres in northeast Oklahoma.

Chris Brandon

Analyst

Chris joined Savvy’s team of engine data analysts in 2023 after owning and managing a small GA maintenance shop for three years.

He has always been very involved in the maintenance of his own C177B as well as customer aircraft under A&P/IA supervision. He earned his private pilot certificate while in high school, and subsequently added commercial and instrument ratings. Just out of college, he started building a VariEze, and although he didn’t complete that project he is committed to building an experimental amateur-built airplane someday. . Chris grew up in upstate New York, and holds a BS degree in Civil Engineering and an MS in Computer Information Systems. His career started in transportation engineering but I quickly migrated to the computer industry. After retiring from the corporate world, he held a variety of aviation-related jobs (not to mention bus driver, pinball machine store assistant). Chris and his wife live in a suburb of Boston, have two kids and two grandsons.

Tom Mitchell

Analyst

Tom joined Savvy’s analysis team in 2023. He’s an instrument-rated private pilot with over 1,200 hours logged. 

For the past 15 years he’s been involved with owner-assisted maintenance on various high-performance turbocharged aircraft including the Piper PA-28R-201T and the Cirrus SR22TN. Tom holds Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering with several patents in the engineering field.

Kevin Simmons | A&P

Analyst

Kevin joined Savvy’s analysis team in 2023, specializing in Cirrus aircraft. 

He’s been a Cirrus SR22 owner since 2003, doing most of the maintenance himself under the supervision of an experienced A&P/IA. He’s an instrumented-rated private pilot with more than 2,000 hours logged (1,600 in the SR22). Keven grew up in Melbourne, Florida, graduated from the University of Florida Medical School, did his residency in anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University, and spent 33 years as an anesthesiologist until his retirement from medical practice in 2018, at which point he immediately went back to school to earn his A&P certificate in 2019. He lives in Melbourne, Florida with 19 rescued cats.

Adam Goler

Data Scientist

Adam joined Savvy in 2022 as a data scientist involved in the SavvyAI predictive analytics program. 

He’s a CFI/CFII teaching in Prescott, Arizona and, although not an A&P, he’s spent the entirety of his CFI career attempting to demystify maintenance for student pilots, owners, and his fellow flight instructors. Teaching has always been his passion which he finds extremely rewarding and fun. Adams interest in aviation started as a small child flying with his father. He grew up fascinated with science and eventually earned a PhD in physics and spent the better part of a decade in research and development for the semiconductor industry before joining Savvy. He became a pilot in 2020 just before COVID, and eventually worked his way to CFI/CFII. Meanwhile, I served for eight years as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Adam admits to constantly pestering his wife and children with too much information about airplanes.

Our History of Innovation in General Aviation Maintenance,

creating a more evidence-based, cost-efficient, and hassle-free experience for owners.
2008
2008

Savvy launches SavvyMx, providing professional maintenance management to GA aircraft owners, ensuring top-notch care and cost savings.

The founder of Savvy Aviation, Mike Busch, is named FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year.

2010
2010

Mike Busch initiates an EAA webinar series

educating aircraft owners and empowering them to make informed maintenance decisions.

2011
2011

Savvy introduces a free e-newsletter providing maintenance advice to over 25,000 monthly readers.

Click here to join the list.

2012
2012

The Savvy Platform is launched, providing unlimited archiving, visualization, and analysis tools for digital engine monitor data.

Today, over 10 million flights have been uploaded for analysis.

2013
2013

SavvyAnalysis is now available

offering affordable engine monitor data review by experienced analysts, pinpointing engine-related issues before they become costly problems.

2014
2014

SavvyPrebuy is launched offering nationwide services that protect GA buyers from unforeseen issues and safeguard their investment.

2015
2015

FEVA™ 1.0 (Failing Exhaust Valve Analytics) is added to SavvyAnalysis Pro

providing advanced warning of exhaust valve failure and preventing costly engine damage.

2016
2016

SavvyQA and breakdown assistance are launched

offering owners easy access to expert maintenance advice and reliable assistance to ensure peace of mind.

2017
2017

SavvyAnalysis introduces automated Report Cards and Trend Reports

benchmarking engine parameters and identifying trends to aid owners in optimizing maintenance and improving engine longevity and performance.

2018
2018

Mike Busch publishes his second book

"Mike Busch on Engines" equips owners with essential knowledge about aircraft engines.

2019
2019

FEVA™ 2.0, an enhanced predictive maintenance system using machine learning technology, is launched.

Mike Busch releases his third book, "Mike Busch on Airplane Ownership (Volume One)."

2020
2020

Savvy offers free Breakdown Assistance during COVID-19 to support owners during challenging times.

Mike Busch publishes his fourth book, "Mike Busch on Airplane Ownership (Volume Two)," and the audiobook version of "Manifesto."

2022
2022

Savvy conducts pilot testing of Project GADfly™

a cutting-edge anomaly detection model, on thousands of Cirrus SR22 airplanes, incorporating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning.

Be savvy and safe

When you work with our aviation maintenance experts and data analysts, we’ll look out for you, your airplane, and your wallet. We’ll help you minimize maintenance-related downtime and expenses, prudently defer the work that can wait, or decline the work you simply don’t need. In fact, Savvy will almost certainly save you far more in reduced maintenance costs than what you’ll ever pay in annual subscription fees.