Leadership

Stephen L. Avery, CEO

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Captain/Lt. Col. Stephen L. Avery, CEO of Avery Aircraft and Fuel Acquisitions, retired USAF pilot with 33+ years and 8,027+ flight hours, flew combat missions, Presidential Support, and commercial airlines worldwide. Holds AS in Aviation Management and BS in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle, multiple FAA licenses, and type ratings. Married with four children, he remains active in aviation leadership and global aircraft sales.

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J. Bruce Huffman

Sr. Executive Vice President

J. Bruce Huffman is a 50-year veteran of business aviation, founder and President of Flight Assurance, and an expert in operational management and compliance solutions. He has held senior leadership roles at Bombardier, Avolar, NetJets, and Drummond, accumulating over 15,900 accident-free flight hours with numerous type ratings. A graduate of Embry-Riddle and Boise State, he is Chairman Emeritus of The Distinguished Flying Cross Society and active in multiple aviation associations.

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Henry F. Smith, Jr.

Secretary and Treasurer | Chief of Plans & Routing

Henry “Hank” F. Smith, Jr. is a dynamic senior Air Force officer with 35 years’ experience in global airlift operations. Expert in crisis management, operational planning, and strategic airlift, he led deployment of US troops and equipment worldwide, developed tracking systems, and integrated National Guard/Reserve aircrews. He oversaw training, budgets, and sensitive material transport, maintaining a NATO Top Secret clearance. Holds a Masters in Aerospace Science from Embry-Riddle and a BS in Aviation Management.

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Capt. Mike Moghrabi (Ret.)

Chief of Aircraft Engineering

International Airline Captain (Ret.)

Aircraft and Acquisitions combines military precision and commercial excellence. We specialize in aircraft, helicopter, and military platform sales, providing trusted insight, operational expertise, and worldwide reach to buyers and sellers alike.

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Capt. Michael Rostami

Chief of U.S. & Corporate Aircraft Sales

Michael Rostami, founder of Sky Diamond Jets, brings over 20 years of experience in commercial and private aviation across multiple aircraft and global operations. With hands-on expertise and a strategic business vision, he is dedicated to operational excellence, building strong partnerships, and guiding Sky Diamond Jets toward sustainable growth and long-term profitability.

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Mr. Eugene de Lange

Chief of Int'l Aircraft Acquisitions & Sales

Eugene de Lange, born September 16, 1958, Pretoria, South Africa, served in the SADF from 1977–1985, rising from rifleman to 2nd Lieutenant and intelligence desk officer. He earned a BA(Mil) from SA Military Academy, taught at SA Army College, and worked in counter-espionage. Transitioning to civilian life, he led security operations, investigations, and managed high-risk evictions. Founder of Delbex Aviation, he now specializes in aircraft sales, charter services, and aviation security consulting.

LinkedIn Profile

Capt. Robert 'Bob' Ponce

Int'l Yacht Sales, MIA, FL

With 55+ years of aviation expertise, Avery Aircraft and Acquisitions combines military precision and commercial excellence. We specialize in aircraft, helicopter, and military platform sales, providing trusted insight, operational expertise, and worldwide reach to buyers and sellers alike.

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Mr. Trelok Suri

Int'l Chief of Helicopters & Jet Engine Acquisitions

With 55+ years of aviation expertise, Avery Aircraft and Acquisitions combines military precision and commercial excellence. We specialize in aircraft, helicopter, and military platform sales, providing trusted insight, operational expertise, and worldwide reach to buyers and sellers alike.

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Mr. Abdessamad Echarif (Shareef)

Arabic Linguist

Experienced linguist with expertise in Arabic (Maghrebi, Moroccan, North African dialects) and French, supporting US military operations. Served in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay translating classified documents, real-time communications, and advising US and coalition forces. Skilled in intelligence, cultural advisement, and field operations. Holds Secret Clearance with polygraph, strong analytical skills, and extensive experience in high-risk, austere environments. US citizen with proven operational and leadership capabilities.

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Colonel Tim Lewis, USAF (Ret.)

C-17 Special Ops

C-17 Special Ops, CHS AFB SC/ SES II DHS MIA Int’l Airport (Ret.)

With 55+ years of aviation expertise, Avery Aircraft and Acquisitions combines military precision and commercial excellence. We specialize in aircraft, helicopter, and military platform sales, providing trusted insight, operational expertise, and worldwide reach to buyers and sellers alike.

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Alan Cohn

C-17 Special Ops

Graduated from the University of Kansas in 1961 and completed U.S. Air Force Pilot Training in 1963, including C-130 qualification. In 1964, flew the Belgian paratroop drop in the Congo, earning the first of many Air Medals and helping rescue 800+ hostages in the year’s most outstanding Air Force mission. Flew 500+ C-130 missions in Vietnam, later typed in B-727, B-747, and DC-8, flying on six continents. With 7,700+ PIC jet hours, he led multiple FAA Part 135 operations and earned the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.

LinkedIn Profile

Colonel Tim Lewis, USAF (Ret.)

C-17 Special Ops

C-17 Special Ops, CHS AFB SC/ SES II DHS MIA Int’l Airport (Ret.)

With 55+ years of aviation expertise, Avery Aircraft and Acquisitions combines military precision and commercial excellence. We specialize in aircraft, helicopter, and military platform sales, providing trusted insight, operational expertise, and worldwide reach to buyers and sellers alike.

LinkedIn Profile

With 55+ years of aviation expertise, Avery Aircraft and Acquisitions combines military precision and commercial excellence. Our founder served as a Military Fighter and Black Ops Command Pilot before becoming an International Airline Captain, leading global operations for decades. Today, we leverage this experience to guide clients in aircraft, helicopter, and military sales, offering trusted insight, operational excellence, and worldwide reach.

Avery Acquisitions