Private air charter, sourced with a pilot’s judgment.
Founded by Micah Rutherford, a United States Air Force Academy graduate, former Air Force Special Operations pilot, and private aviation professional.
This is not a salesperson learning airplanes to sell charter. Rutherford Aviation applies professional flying experience to the aircraft, operator, crew, schedule, and operational details behind each trip.
Built by Micah Rutherford.
Micah Rutherford built Rutherford Aviation around a simple idea: private charter clients deserve guidance from someone who understands aviation beyond the sales process. A pilot knows what questions to ask, what warning signs matter, and why aircraft and operator fit matter just as much as the price.
Military aviation and professional charter experience shape how Rutherford Aviation considers aircraft suitability, operator credentials, runway requirements, weather exposure, performance considerations, and schedule pressure. The goal is simple: help protect you, your family, your clients, and your time with operational judgment behind the sourcing process.
- United States Air Force Academy graduate.
- Former United States Air Force pilot with Air Force Special Operations experience.
- Professional Part 135 pilot and charter operations experience.
- Professional experience evaluating aircraft performance, crew qualifications, operational risk, and mission suitability.
A simpler way to source private charter.
Built for business owners, assistants, families, and time-sensitive travelers who need clear answers quickly.
Tell us the mission.
Route, timing, passengers, luggage, pets, preferences, airport constraints, and schedule flexibility.
We source qualified options.
Aircraft type, operator, pricing, availability, crew duty, pilot qualifications, aircraft fit, and available safety information are reviewed.
You fly with clarity.
You receive practical options, operator details, trip notes, required disclosures, contracting steps, and support through the flight process.
The question is not only whether an operator checks the boxes.
Certifications, insurance, pilot qualifications, and third-party safety data matter. But good vetting also requires understanding what that information means in the real world.
Professional flying experience helps Rutherford Aviation evaluate crew experience, aircraft suitability, runway limitations, schedule pressure, and operational details with context that may not appear on a standard operator profile.
- Operator and aircraft suitability considered alongside price.
- Crew experience and mission fit reviewed where information is available.
- Operational questions evaluated with professional pilot context.
- Clear tradeoffs explained before you move forward.
Private aviation support for the trips that matter.
Practical private charter guidance without the clichés, pressure, or unnecessary complexity.
Executive travel
Efficient point-to-point options for owners, executives, assistants, and teams.
Family and leisure
Private aircraft options for vacations, events, and personal travel with less friction.
Time-sensitive trips
Responsive charter sourcing when the schedule matters and options need to be clear.
Artists and events
Support for entertainment, sports, tour, and event-related travel needs.
Empty-leg sourcing
Help finding repositioning opportunities when route and timing line up.
Multi-leg itineraries
Trip support for multiple stops, shifting schedules, and more complex logistics.
The right aircraft depends on the trip.
Aircraft are matched to the route, runway, passenger count, baggage, range, schedule, and operational considerations. The right aircraft balances safety, capability, comfort, and value for the trip.
Turboprop
Efficient regional travel, smaller airports, shorter runways, and practical operating costs.
Light jet
Fast business travel for shorter routes with efficient cabin comfort.
Midsize / super-mid
More range, cabin space, baggage capacity, and stronger cross-country capability.
Heavy jet
Larger cabins and longer range for coast-to-coast or international mission profiles.
Safety is not a badge. It is the first filter.
Rutherford Aviation arranges flights through FAA-certificated Part 135 direct air carriers. Depending on the mission and available information, the review may include FAA operating authority, aircraft suitability, insurance documentation, crew experience, third-party safety data, and known operational considerations.
- Flights arranged through FAA-certificated Part 135 direct air carriers.
- Operator and aircraft fit reviewed for the mission.
- Crew experience, currency, training standards, and proficiency culture considered where information is available.
- Insurance documentation considered when appropriate.
- ARGUS, Wyvern, IS-BAO, or other third-party safety information considered where available.
- Required broker and direct-air-carrier disclosures provided at the appropriate stage of the process.
Plain answers before you book.
Are you a broker or operator?
Rutherford Aviation is a charter brokerage. Flights are arranged through FAA-certificated Part 135 direct air carriers.
How much does charter cost?
Cost depends on aircraft type, route, timing, positioning, crew duty, airport fees, and availability.
Do I need a membership?
No. The focus is on-demand charter sourcing with no required membership.
Can you find empty legs?
Yes, when route, timing, and aircraft positioning make sense. Empty legs are opportunistic, not guaranteed.
What aircraft should I choose?
That depends on route, passenger count, bags, airports, weather, and schedule requirements.
Can you handle last-minute trips?
When operator availability exists, last-minute options can be sourced. Earlier notice usually creates better choices.
Need aircraft options for an upcoming trip?
Send the route, date, passenger count, and timing requirements. Rutherford Aviation will review available options and help you understand the best aircraft fit for the trip.