Z·AERO LLC

Jay has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Idaho.  He has 13 years of aerospace experience.  Jay was afforded a unique opportunity with his first employer, Quest Aircraft Company where he was given responsibilities which are normally reserved for seasoned engineers.  At Quest he worked on landing gear, static and fatigue certification testing, and as a project lead.  Because of these efforts, early in his career, he received his DER (Designated Engineering Representative) for the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) delegated in Structures, including Fatigue and Major Repair and Alterations.

In 2014, he started Z·AERO LLC as a full-time venture, responding to several clients’ desire for his assistance with flight test instrumentation, engineering analysis, and general certification efforts.  He has extensive experience in engineering analysis and technical writing and he has established a good working relationship with the FAA.

Jay’s creative and detailed mind enables him to visually conceptualize a design concept or analytical approach, so the end-result embodies and reflects what was understood and optimized upon conception.  Jay’s engineering work is enhanced by his practical experience.  He installs strain gauges, sets up data acquisition equipment, and does other hands-on work in the shop as needed; he works extensively on his own motorcycles and cars.

Jay has flown solo, and would love to get back in the pilot’s seat but has yet to make that happen, as he spends most of his waking minutes at work, or with family.  He is passionate about motorcycles, both dirt bikes and road bikes, vintage and new, and road and mountain biking as well.  Anything with two wheels turns him on; music, espresso and beer get him excited as well.