About North Central Aviation
A Local Team for Charter, Aircraft Management, and Detailing
Based at Anoka County–Blaine Airport in the Twin Cities, North Central Aviation flies on-demand charter, manages aircraft for owners, and keeps aircraft looking their best with in-house detailing. We fly charter throughout the continental United States, Alaska, Canada, and the Caribbean, and worldwide through partner operators.
Our Story
Every trip, every aircraft, and every client deserves our full attention.
Our team brings together experience in charter operations, aircraft oversight, maintenance coordination, and aircraft care to provide a more complete aviation solution.
Who We AreMission
We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of service and continuously improving each client's experience in aviation. We will make every effort to earn our clients’ trust and form long-term relationships through integrity, reliability, and safety. We will pay attention to every detail to ensure our clients’ satisfaction.
Vision
NCA aspires to be a recognized leader in FAA Part 135 charter in the markets it serves, growing responsibly every year while holding service to the highest standard.
Commitment
We're committed to clear communication and responsive service in every interaction. You always know who is handling your trip or your aircraft, and that every detail is taken care of.
Our Approach
How We Work.
Reliability comes from accountability, consistent processes, and a team that works together. It's how we look after aircraft, schedules, and clients every day.
Accountability
We take ownership of every detail and move quickly to protect schedules, standards, and service quality.
Business Focus
We operate with urgency and discipline while staying focused on the commitments we make to each client.
Project Execution
When schedules shift, we adapt with clear communication and steady follow-through.
Respect for Others
We value direct communication, professionalism, and a service style shaped around each client’s priorities.
Team Player
Our team works collaboratively across operations, maintenance, and service support to deliver better outcomes.
Why NCA
Why Clients Choose North Central Aviation.
Part 135 Since 2012
FAA Part 135 certificate JVWA272N, with direct oversight of every operation.
Two-Pilot Crews
Every flight has two pilots, and every pilot completes recurrent training at FlightSafety twice a year.
Photo: Simon De RudderFour Aircraft, One Joining Soon
Under our FAA Part 135 certificate, we fly a Pilatus PC-12, a King Air 350, and two Citation midsize jets, with a third Citation joining soon.
One Experienced Team
Charter, aircraft management, and detailing aligned through one operational partner.
Support Built Around You
We tailor our approach to the aircraft, the trip, and the owner's priorities.
Clear Communication
Proactive updates and one point of contact keep you informed without chasing anyone down.
Asset Preservation
Detailing and support services help maintain appearance, protect materials, and preserve aircraft condition.
Safety
A Record We Stand Behind.
Safety comes first in every decision we make. A Safety Management System and careful planning before each trip help reduce risk and keep everyone accountable.
See Our Safety Standards
- 0
- NTSB-Reportable Accidents or Incidents
A clean safety record across our flight operations.
- Gold
- ARGUS Rated
An independent, third-party safety rating.
- 2012
- FAA Part 135 Certificate
On-demand charter certificate held since 2012.
- 15 Months
- Building Our Safety Framework
A safety management framework built specifically for our fleet and operation.
Excel Eagle sketch by Jeff Ernewein, Atlantic Aviation line technician
Operations Team
Meet the Team Behind Every Trip.
The people who schedule your trips, coordinate maintenance, and pick up when you call.
Greg Krantz
Director of Operations · Excel/XLS & King Air
Greg manages NCA’s flight operations and safety systems. With 20 years in the Twin Cities aviation sector, he oversees Part 91 and 135 departments ranging from single aircraft to full fleet management.
Toby Batchelder
Director of Sales
Toby provides aircraft owners with cost analysis and financial oversight for fleet operations. With 24 years in the industry, he specializes in the logistical costs of operating fractional, jet card, and whole-aircraft assets.
Carly Dahl
Charter Manager
Carly coordinates the logistics and scheduling for NCA’s charter wing. An FAA-certificated aircraft dispatcher with over a decade of experience, she manages flight planning and concierge requirements within strict regulatory frameworks.
Alan Thyng
Director of Maintenance
Alan maintains the technical integrity of the NCA fleet. With 31 years of factory-trained experience, he provides maintenance forecasting and ensures every aircraft meets FAA regulatory and safety standards.
Melanie Sander
Charter Scheduler
Melanie manages travel support and ground logistics. She arranges in-flight requests, rental cars, and ground transportation, so the trip from the aircraft to your destination is planned ahead.
Sue Krieger
Accounting
Sue manages accounting and financial reporting for the flight department. She provides detailed support for client and vendor accounts, focusing on accurate financial processing.
Jenna Bellecourt
Detailing Manager
Jenna oversees detailing and appearance standards for the NCA fleet, specializing in finish quality and long-term surface protection. Working across both Part 91 and Part 135 aircraft, she keeps every aircraft clean, protected, and ready for the next trip.
Stuart Strand
Aircraft Detailer
With eight years of specialized experience, Stuart treats detailing as a technical form of preventive maintenance. He focuses on the long-term preservation of airframe finishes and interior materials, ensuring high-value assets remain in mission-ready condition.
Flight Crew
Meet the Crew in the Cockpit.
Every NCA trip is flown by two of these pilots, and each one trains at FlightSafety twice a year.
Bill Hackett
Chief Pilot
Excel/XLS & PC-12
A former U.S. Navy tactical carrier pilot and commercial captain, Bill brings extensive instructor and line-check experience to NCA. His background includes Part 121 and corporate operations in Learjets, Citations, and the PC-12.
Rodney Chess
Pilot
Excel/XLS
Rodney has 30 years of aviation experience and 4,000 hours in the CE560XL series. His career spans Part 135 operations, cargo flying, and flight instruction, with a focus on professional flight-deck standards.
Todd Hassel
Pilot
Excel/XLS
Todd served honorably in the United States Air Force for 20 years. After retiring from the Air Force, he spent 26 years as a pilot with Air Transport International, retiring as a Boeing 757/767 Captain. He currently flies the Citation Excel and XLS for North Central Aviation.
Hannah Holtz
Pilot
King Air & Excel/XLS
Hannah serves as a Safety Team Lead for North Central Aviation, supporting our Safety Management System (SMS) and mission-risk analysis. With a background in flight instruction in the Twin Cities, she currently operates the King Air 350 and Citation Excel and XLS.
John Hoeck
Pilot
King Air
John is a former Naval Aviator with experience in helicopters and transport aircraft. He joined NCA in May 2026 and currently flies the King Air 350.
Shelby Taylor
Pilot
PC-12
Shelby transitioned to aviation in 2019 and has since flown cargo, instruction, and corporate charter. She currently operates the Pilatus PC-12, focusing on flight deck safety and passenger comfort.
Charlie Igo
Pilot & Safety Officer
King Air & PC-12
Charlie is a professional pilot with a background in flight instruction and corporate charter. He operates a range of aircraft from seaplanes to turboprops, with a focus on safe flight operations.
Julie Doornink
Pilot
PC-12
Julie transitioned to professional flying after more than a decade as a flight attendant. With years of experience as a flight instructor, she focuses on safety, professionalism, and crew coordination. She currently operates the Pilatus PC-12 for North Central Aviation, bringing a passenger-centered approach to flight operations.
Put a Name to Every Call.
You've met the people behind your trips and your aircraft. Reach them directly for charter, management, or detailing.
