Leadership

Gary Burdsall began his aviation career right after high school by attending flight school. He graduated from FlightSafety Academy in Vero Beach in 1977, finishing top of his class as a fully certified flight instructor. The academy provided him the opportunity to instruct commercial airline pilots from Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Uganda, Sweden, and many other countries.

After a year and a half as a senior instructor at FlightSafety Academy, Gary was hired as a Learjet first officer for the MGC Corporation in Melbourne, Florida. Since then, he has flown various types of jets, turboprops, multi-engine aircraft, and helicopters. In 1980, he was hired as Chief Pilot by Indian River Foods/Becker Holding Corporation.

During his early years in Vero Beach, Gary’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to identify a need for a jet air ambulance and air charter service for the Treasure Coast area. Inspired by Richard and William Becker’s success, he founded Able Aviation in 1987, which later became Able American Jets, and is now known as Able Jets.

Gary’s commitment to aviation safety led to his appointment as one of the first FAA Accident Prevention Counselors (APC) in 1981. He introduced the first FAA aviation safety seminars to the Treasure Coast area, conducting them monthly for over a decade. He maintained this role for many years and is now known as an FAASteam Representative.

Able Jets grew into one of the largest air charter, air ambulance, and ground ambulance companies in the United States. By 2001, it operated two FAA Air Carrier Certificates, 12 jets, four turboprop King Airs, 24 ground ambulances, and a jet engine overhaul facility. With five domiciles across the U.S., it transported patients and charter clients worldwide.