The Vision
In 2020, the Otter concept was born. Our two amazing and creative owners saw an untapped potential in the charter industry. They realized the need for a much higher level of customer service in a niche market. At Otter, we have set the highest of standards to create an unmatched level of customer service for our VIP clientele. We have a fleet of new, technologically advanced aircraft. Otter only uses highly trained, professional pilots and technicians. Our crew and staff attend countless hours of training each year to maintain their high level of knowledge on each aircraft, ensuring the utmost in safety. We believe in a culture of safety along with attention to detail, resulting in the best customer service in the market.
The Result
Experience private air travel at its finest with Grand Rapids' newest boutique and concierge air charter service. Enjoy our fleet of luxurious and technologically advanced Pilatus aircraft for the most relaxed and hassle-free private charter flight experience.
Because we recognize how valuable your time is, our team will ensure a simplified booking process and seamless point to point transportation. Avoid the lengthy check-in process, long security lines, and the inevitable delays with commercial airlines. Enjoy luxurious, private travel without the hassle and financial burden of ownership. We are committed to delivering an experience that's not obtainable anywhere else with our reliability, modern equipment, and experienced crews.
Recent News
Meet the Team
Josh Reckley
Welcome to Otter! I am the Chief Operating Officer for the organization. In addition to managing the company operations and development, I am one of two dual-rated (helicopter + airplane ATP) pilots and FAA-designated Check Airmen/Instructors for the company. Therefore, I provide training and/or checking for our line pilots to ensure standardization. I also might be a crew member on your next Otter flight. This operation has been a long time in the making; our team has put a tremendous amount of effort into it and we are excited to share it with you.
As I am a third-generation pilot, aviation has always been a passion of mine. I knew at a young age I wanted to be a part of this industry. My wife, Dana, and I have two wonderful daughters, Amelia and Scarlett “Piper”, both of whom are stuck with aviation-inspired names. Dana has been my biggest supporter throughout all the ups and downs of my aviation career (she’s amazing). As a family, we enjoy playing games, any outdoor activity, and listening to live music (I still play drums). Our next big family project is building a Lockwood Aircam from a kit. The Aircam is a really unique and fun flying airplane.
I graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aviation Flight Technology. Over the past 19+ years, I have been fortunate to experience a very diverse aviation flying and management career in both fixed and rotor-wing sectors. Most recently I was the former Assistant Chief Pilot of Amway Aviation on the S76, H130, and G550s.
I am so proud to be a part of this amazing group and very thankful to our Principals for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design the very best flight department in collaboration with such top-notch management team members. We look forward to seeing you on your next Otter flight!
Craig Agapie
As an Indiana native, I earned degrees from Indiana State University in both Professional Aviation and Aerospace Administration after being influenced by my dad, an aviation lover and airline mechanic. Following college, I flew cargo for seven years, was furloughed, and then started a nonprofit auto repair shop in downtown Fort Wayne. The shop grew exponentially and served many low-income families who relied on their vehicles to maintain a job and support themselves. When I left, the shop was in position to execute on our important goal of training youth who were aging out of the foster system. After two and a half years in the automotive industry, I returned to aviation through a local flight school teaching aerobatics part-time (a college love). The flight school wanted to create a Part 135 charter department to serve local clientele, and I joined full-time to develop and run the department as Director of Operations and Chief Pilot. We grew it from one Cirrus SR22T to five airplanes, including a jet and PC-12. I was thrilled to join Otter in the summer of 2021 and be part of such a great management team, and I am excited for what the future holds for this brand! My wife, Rachel, and I married in 2006 and have five boys: Stephen, Andrew, Daniel, Joshua, and Luke. My spare time is usually spent learning, often about cars or finances, or volunteering at our church.
Tim Roberts
Growing up in East Tennessee, watching medical helicopters, along with airplanes at the local airport, quickly gave me a love for aviation. I joined the United States Marine Corps right after high school and served five years as a CH-46 helicopter mechanic/crew chief. Toward the end of my time in the USMC, I met my wife, Rachel, while on board a US Airways flight, and we have now been married 22 years. We have two successful, beautiful daughters. Our oldest daughter attends Central Michigan University with her sights set on specializing in pediatric medicine, while our youngest is currently attending high school at West Michigan Aviation Academy with aspirations of one day becoming a professional pilot.
I received my fixed-wing ratings in Florida at Comair Aviation Academy in 2001 and a few years later obtained my helicopter ratings. Throughout my career, I have flown multiple types of airplanes and helicopters in several industries, including flight instructing, the airlines, utility work, air medical services, and for a corporate flight department. I am proud to be a part of the Otter family and truly enjoy flying both the Airbus helicopter and Pilatus aircraft for the company.
Jake Ansbach
I grew up in a small town in Eastern Ohio and started working on anything I was allowed (and sometimes wasn’t) at a young age. Immediately following graduation from high school, I departed for the United States Marine Corps, where my aviation journey began. During my time of a little over nine years in the Marines, I was lucky to hold positions such as CH-46 crew chief, weapons and tactics instructor, and quality assurance representative. My final squadron was Helicopter Marine Squadron One (HMX-1), where I was selected to serve as a Marine One Crew Chief responsible for the maintenance and operation of the President’s helicopter. After departing the Marine Corps, I worked multiple jobs as an Airframe & Powerplant technician in the helicopter EMS and corporate VIP sectors before being asked to help start up Otter Air Services in late 2020. It has been a busy but very rewarding journey ever since. Outside of work I love spending time with amazing and supportive family, which consists of my wife, Mollie, and daughters Paisley and Kinsley. As a family we enjoy many things, but in the summer, we try to spend as much time as possible on the water, boating and swimming.
Brittney Westdorp
Hi there! I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI and still live and love it here! Before discovering the world of aviation, I was a competitive and professional figure skater. I competed for 10 years around the country as a women's single skater and performed internationally for 9 years as a soloist. My competitive highlights are 4-time regional champion and 2-time US Figure Skating Championships competitor (top 20 ladies in the country). I skated professionally on a cruise ship for 8 years and was able to explore 39 countries and 20% of the world! Skating while the ship rocked, was something to get used to for sure! Now, figure skating and traveling are my greatest hobbies.
After a foot injury took me out of skating, I discovered the world of aviation and quickly found a passion for it. I worked for 2 years at an FBO, learning how operations work on the private side of the airport. Now, I am so happy to be working here at Otter with the best team while helping others explore the world!
Lizzie Molnar
I am a Michigan native, growing up on the little island of Grosse Ile, in southeast Detroit. Following my high school graduation, I moved out to Grand Rapids to study Business Management and Hospitality at Grand Valley State University. Over the course of my four-year degree, I fell in love with west Michigan. It’s safe to say I won’t be leaving! Previously, I worked in Holland where I was a wedding coordinator and then moved on to work as a marketing/events coordinator for Ada Township. In these roles, I quickly found a passion for working with people. As a recent graduate, I am excited to use my love for hospitality and start a new adventure in aviation!
When I’m not working, I love to boat with my family, travel to new places, and try new recipes in the kitchen. I’ve recently started baking sourdough and love getting to share with my family and friends!
I am super excited to be a part of the Otter team and coordinate your next flight!
Brent Corsbie
My aviation career started at Western Michigan University, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Flight Sciences and was then offered an opportunity to flight instruct for them after graduation. I then moved on to Northern Jet Management here in Grand Rapids, flying a variety of jets, and ending my ten years there as Assistant Chief Pilot and check Airman. An opportunity then arose to be Chief Pilot for a local company out of Holland Michigan, flying a Citation Excel. It was an amazing six years of my life, but when the opportunity for a Captain position at Otter Aviation presented itself, it was abundantly clear this was the company to work for, so now here I am back in Grand Rapids.
I live in Zeeland with my wife, Emily, and two kids, Ella and Luke. Faith and family are the two things I hold most dear in my life. In my spare time I love the outdoors. My passion is fishing, but hiking, and camping are high on the list as well.
It is an honor to be part of such an amazing company, and I look forward to traversing the country with you.
Maurizio LaFranca
I grew up in Kentwood, Michigan, after my parents immigrated from Sicily. My love of flying started with listening to stories from my “Nonno,” who was a pilot during WWII. Traveling to Italy every summer cemented my goal to become a pilot. After serving five years in the United States Navy, I attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Science. I initially started my career flying with United Express and then transitioned to corporate flying, holding positions as Chief Pilot and Safety Manager. I’m married with two daughters; my oldest attending Hope College and my youngest a sophomore in high school. We enjoy traveling and experiencing new cultures and food. In my spare time I enjoy golfing, skiing, and flying RC airplanes.
Brandon Paquet
I was born and raised in Mackinaw City, MI. After high school I joined the Air Force and became a crew chief. I worked on both heavy and fighter aircraft. It was a great skill to learn and it got me excited about aviation. When I left active duty I transferred to the Air Reserves and started pursuing my flight ratings.
My flying career started in the cargo industry flying out of Miami into Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. My wife and I wanted to start our family and we knew West Michigan was where we wanted to be. I took on the role of Chief Pilot for Tulip City Air in Holland. That was a great experience and it led me to my first corporate flying role for M and K Truck Centers. I’ve flown twin pistons, twin turbo props as well the Lear 45 and Citation Excel.
My wife Erin is a CPA for a local company and we have lived in Byron Center since 2015. We have three kids. Emma is in first grade and the twins, Elle and Finn, will start Kindergarten next year. When I’m not flying I’m spending time with them. I love being a Dad!
When I heard about Otter and what they were creating, I wanted to be a part of it. Both the PC-12 and PC-24 offer our clients a wide range of capabilities. Whether it’s a weekend to Mackinac Island or ski weekend to your favorite mountain, we can make it happen. I look forward to seeing you on the next flight.
John Shomler
John Shomler was born and raised in the Grand Rapids area. He is married to Jenna, and they have 1 son in elementary school. John has spent his entire flying career in West Michigan which began with flight instructing in Grand Rapids and flying charter at Tulip Air Service in Holland. After that he did a stent as a contract pilot with Meijer and then was hired as the lead pilot on a Citation M2 for Todd Wenzel for a couple years. Prior to joining Otter, John has spent the last 4 years flying a Citation X for UFP Industries.
John is very handy and loves to work with his hands during his off time. He and his wife bought a “fixer upper” on some property and is in the process of a complete remodel.
Ryan Huizinga
I am Ryan Huizinga, a pilot at Otter. Ever since I was child, I had dreams of becoming a pilot. After having the opportunity to fly in a small single engine airplane I was hooked. I studied aviation at Moody Bible Institute and went on to become a flight instructor. While flight instructing, I was asked to manage an airport in a town called Lima, OH. I enjoyed the challenge of running the airport, however I enjoyed the flying I was able to do on the side even more. I flew a couple of airplanes for customers as a side job, and, through that, I learned that flying a turbine was the most fun of all. I have been flying jets/turbines ever since, and I am thrilled to have a job that I deeply enjoy! I strive to make sure the passengers I fly have a truly great experience.
My wife and I have been married for almost 16 years. We enjoy going on bike rides on our tandem, serving in our local church, and having game nights. We have been blessed with three children, and it is a privilege to see their personalities and interests develop. Teaching one child to fly, going to sporting events, and reading bedtime stories at night are some of my highlights of being a parent.
Megan Stumbo
Hello everyone, I’m a West Michigan native, born and raised in Holland! After graduating from Holland Christian High school, I began flight training at the West Michigan Regional Airport, and I accomplished all my flight training there while pursuing my undergraduate degree. I’ve had the opportunity to serve as the Chief Flight Instructor for a local flight school and fly for two charter operators.
When I’m not flying, you can find me doing just about anything outside. I love to travel and am always looking for an excuse to get out to the mountains, especially during the ski season.
I’m very excited to be a part of the Otter team, and I look forward to flying you on your next flight!
Ron Tubbs
My name is Ron Tubbs and I am the Chief Inspector for Otter. I hold an FAA A&P Airmen Certificate with Inspection Authorization, NCATT AET, and multiple OEM maintenance training certificates (including OEM Master Technician endorsements). I am a lifelong aviation nerd and am blessed to have now been working professionally as an aircraft maintenance technician for over 19 years. My love for aviation started almost before I can remember. As a small child, I used to constantly look at the sky for airplanes with wonder at what made them able to fly through the air. As a teenager, I spent a lot of my free time at the local airport doing whatever I could to be near aircraft. Immediately out of high school I attended the School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) to get my A&P Airmen Certificate. I have been privileged to work on everything from a Piper Cub, to air ambulance helicopters, to military helicopters, to the amazing Boeing 747 in this fun-filled 19 years of being paid to be around something I love so much. For eight years earlier in my career I was in the Army as part of the Reserves and National Guard. As a guardsman I was able to be a part of Army Aviation as an Aircraft Powerplant Repairer (Engine Mechanic). In my time away from work I am blessed to spend life with my wife and best friend, Kat Tubbs, and our three children, Maddie, Daniel, and Jackson. We attend Lighthouse Community Church, and we are very close to both our families, who are almost exclusively within easy driving distance. During our summers we love to camp, spend a lot of time at the beach, out on our small fishing boat, canoe/SUP, and just spend time enjoying the adventures that surround these activities. When Kat and I have time to get away together, we love to travel and see new places and meet new people.
Ben Groenveld
Hello I’m Ben, a West Michigan native born and raised in the community of Byron Center. While working towards my business management degree at Grand Valley State University, I had the opportunity to ride along in a single engine plane, a Cessna 182. This piqued my interest in aviation and I made a total career switch. While finishing my degree I obtained my private pilot license. The second I graduated from Grand Valley, I moved to Georgia to complete the remaining pilot and instructor ratings. Once complete, I spent some time instructing aviation students in Georgia. Though the absence of cold snowy winters was nice, I missed my friends and family. I made the decision to move back to be a flight instructor in West Michigan. Since then, I have enjoyed advancing my career flying jets and turbines. Just recently I married the love of my life, Mariel, in September 2023. Our favorite hobbies include going on coffee shop dates, camping, hiking, and cooking together. I am incredibly thankful to have such a loving wife who is always there for me. We’re looking forward to our future together and all the blessings married life will bring!
Speaking of blessings, we have such a great group of people here at Otter. I am very grateful to be part of the “Otter family,” and I look forward to seeing you on your next flight!
Christian Koele
I was born and raised in Holland Michigan and have lived here ever since. I attended Holland Christian High school while also working on my private pilot license my senior year. I then attended Western Michigan Universities College of Aviation. I graduated with a degree in Flight Science after completing all my flight ratings and had the pleasure of flight instructing and flying a King Air as a contract pilot post-graduation. I then moved to the airline world, flying for Republic Airways as a First Officer on the Embraer 175. Although great experiences, it was evident that there was more this industry had to offer. When the opportunity arose, I knew Otter was a company I wanted to be a part of.
Outside of flying I love spending time outside golfing, fishing, or boating. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, especially in Northern Michigan. When Michigan does get cold, I enjoy snowboarding and snowmobiling. I also enjoy being a part of my church as a middle school boys youth group leader.
I’m honored to be a part of such an amazing company and work with a fantastic group of people. I look forward to flying with you soon!
Bryce Kaiser
My career path into the aviation industry has been pretty non-linear. Although I grew up as a missionary kid in Almaty, Kazakhstan around many pilots and mechanics, I had never really considered working in the industry myself. After getting my B.S. in Environmental Geology at Calvin College, I decided that rocks really weren’t for me, and I needed a more exciting (in my mind) career path. I was given the opportunity to attend the School of Missionary Aviation Technology to obtain my A&P Certifications. I was immediately hooked with the love of aviation I had seen in so many people growing up. Since getting my A&P I have worked in cargo, private business, and now, Otter Air Services.
As I was finishing at A&P school, I met “the girl next door” and ended up marrying my beautiful wife, Serena. Our faith is very important to us, and we enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, board games, and sports.
Dylan Hop
I am an aviation technician with a background shaped by a lifelong passion for flight. Growing up in Caledonia Michigan and encouraged by early experiences helping my father in the garage working on a myriad of vehicles, my journey into aviation began with an insatiable curiosity looking up to the sky. Following high school, I answered the call to serve my country, embarking on a ten-year career with the United States Marine Corps. During my time in the Marine Corps, I held various roles, from AH/UH-1 Mechanic, to UH-1Y Aerial Observer and Quality Assurance Representative, cultivating a deep expertise in aircraft maintenance and operations. The pinnacle of my military career was being selected to serve as a Marine One Crew Chief on the VH-60N with Helicopter Marine Squadron One (HMX-1), entrusted with the maintenance and operation of the President's helicopter.
Transitioning to civilian life, I applied my skills as an Airframe & Powerplant technician in the Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) sector, gaining invaluable experience across different facets of the aviation industry. In 2023, I embraced a new opportunity by joining the fantastic team at Otter, where I continue to flourish amidst the dynamic and rewarding realm of aviation maintenance.
Beyond the hangar, I find happiness in the company of my family. Together with my wife, son, and dogs, we enjoy our time on our homestead tending to our animals and simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
Chad Mosher
After over 25 years of airline and corporate flying, I am glad to have landed at Otter. I’m a Michigan native who graduated from South Christian High School. I attended Parks College of Saint Louis University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics. I’ve flown for Trans States Airlines based in St. Louis and Skyway Airlines based in Wisconsin, both of which have since been relegated to aviation history. I have also flown corporately for Meijer as well as Pridgeon and Clay, where I spent the last 19 years of my career, most recently as Director of Aviation/Chief Pilot. If you want flying stories, I’ve got decades of them—complete with happy landings.
Heidi and I have been married for about as long as I’ve been flying. We are thrilled to be the parents of two sons and two daughters, but not so thrilled that our nest is quickly emptying. Two of our kids are still school age, another is working in the biking industry, and our oldest is currently serving in missions.
When I’m not flying, look for me on a mountain biking trail (or trying to convince my wife that I need more bikes.)
Logan Naperala
I am from Muskegon, MI and was raised in Grand Haven/Spring Lake area, graduating from Grand Haven High School. I furthered my education at Western Michigan University, but finished my degree through Liberty University. I built my experience through flight instruction and then flew air ambulance missions, flying a variety of Cessna Citations. From there, I transitioned to private air charter flying the Embraer Phenom 300 and 100.
My wife Maggie and I still live in Grand Haven where we enjoy the beach, boating, and being involved with our church community. Our faith is the foundation to everything that we do and strive to make an impact with everyone we meet. Aside from flying, my hobbies consist of hunting, fishing, and just being outside.
It is truly a blessing to be a part of such a safe, thorough and wonderful company where I get the pleasure to share my passion with you!