With over 45 years of experience in aviation, Phil Gibson is a highly accomplished executive specializing in flight operations, safety management, financial oversight, and strategic planning. His extensive leadership in both corporate and airline aviation has shaped a career defined by operational excellence, risk mitigation, and business growth. Phil’s expertise spans FAA Part 121, 135, and 91 operations, having held key roles as vice president of flight operations, director of aviation, and director of safety across some of the most complex aviation environments.
Phil’s leadership has been instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency, standardizing procedures, and optimizing financial performance in flight departments of all sizes. He has successfully navigated regulatory landscapes, developed safety management systems (SMS), and conducted in-depth profitability analysis to drive sustainable business outcomes. Whether implementing fleet additions, executing cost-control strategies, or strengthening safety protocols, Phil’s ability to identify weaknesses, develop solutions, and implement lasting improvements has set him apart as a leader in aviation.
Throughout his career, Phil has led large-scale aviation operations at both domestic and international levels. As director of flight operations and engineering at Omni International Airlines, he played a critical role in fleet expansions and operational transitions, ensuring seamless integration of new aircraft and technology upgrades such as the electronic flight bag (EFB) transition to iPads for Airbus 321 operations. His strategic initiatives directly supported the company’s growth and modernization.
In addition to his corporate aviation leadership, Phil has contributed to aviation education and industry best practices. As an adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he has developed and taught safety management and leadership courses to the next generation of aviation professionals. He has also been a speaker and presenter at industry conferences, including the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) and International Operator Conferences, where he has shared insights on risk management, leadership development, and aviation operations.
Phil’s expertise extends beyond flight operations and training into aviation consulting and auditing. As an operations auditor for Wyvern Consulting and ARGUS, he has conducted comprehensive evaluations of corporate and charter flight departments, ensuring compliance with the highest industry safety and operational standards. His ability to assess organizations’ strengths, weaknesses, and regulatory gaps has made him a trusted advisor in the aviation sector.
In his leadership roles at Stratus Management, Sevenjet, and World Class Jet, Phil was responsible for financial controls, hiring, and operational standardization, ensuring that flight operations met the highest industry benchmarks. He successfully implemented financial reporting processes, optimized hiring and retention strategies, and guided organizations through major audits, including IS-BAO Stage I and ARGUS Platinum certification.
Phil holds an MBA in finance from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Science in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has also earned multiple FAA type ratings, including GVII, GV, DA-50, LR-JET, B737, 757/767, and FK28, in addition to Certified Flight Instructor (CFII-ASMEL) and Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI, IGI) certifications.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Phil is passionate about mentoring aviation professionals, music, and culinary experiences. A drummer at heart, he aspires to play in a smooth jazz band. His commitment to continuous learning and contributing to the industry’s growth remains steadfast as he transitions into a new phase of his career, seeking board service opportunities where he can lend his strategic insights, operational expertise, and safety leadership to forward-thinking organizations.
Phil has previously served on the NBAA (National Business Aircraft Association) board and the Business Aircraft Management Agency (BAMA). He is also an active member of AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) and NATA (National Air Transportation Association), maintaining strong connections within the aviation community.
As he moves forward, Phil is eager to leverage his decades of expertise to help aviation organizations and startups optimize operations, enhance profitability, and achieve their long-term strategic goals. His ability to navigate regulatory landscapes, implement financial controls, and drive operational excellence makes him an invaluable asset to boards and executive leadership teams looking to elevate their aviation strategies.
Character: Phil Gibson is a principled and results-driven aviation leader with a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and ethical decision-making.
Knowledge: With over 45 years of experience in aviation operations, financial oversight, and safety management, Phil possesses deep expertise in regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and strategic planning.
Strategic: Phil excels in identifying operational weaknesses, implementing efficiency-driven solutions, and guiding organizations toward sustainable growth through data-driven decision-making.
Communication: As an experienced educator, speaker, and industry consultant, Phil effectively conveys complex aviation and business strategies to diverse audiences, fostering collaboration and informed leadership.
