https://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/...baker_aviation
(Baker is not a Canadian based company FYI)

Baker Aviation: A Veteran-Owned Company with a Commitment to Excellence

Over the past 3+ years at Baker, I’ve posted a lot of information about the company. I did the same when I first joined Southwest Airlines (SWA) back in ’99, when CompuServe and Flightinfo.com were the main forums for aviation discussions. When I left SWA and looked for a new opportunity, I found XO and shared my reasons for leaving what was once a great 135 operation (I almost got sued for it!).

I write for the lurkers—the pilots and aviation professionals considering their next career move. I’m paying it forward for all the help I received during my own transitions in aviation. In this post, I’ll try to shed light on what it’s really like to work at a small 135 operation, and why it can be hard to communicate the culture of a company through forums alone.

When I started at Baker, we had just 15-20 pilots and 3 airplanes. Since then, we’ve grown, and I’ve seen firsthand how Baker has matured, adapted, and evolved its business strategies in a way that’s typical of a well-run 135 operation. I’ve been in aviation for 45+ years, with experience in military, 121, and 135 flying. During that time, I’ve seen cultures develop, change, decline, and flourish. Some of my colleagues may have different perspectives, but I’m confident that readers can judge for themselves.

Leadership and Culture: Disrupting the Industry

Baker’s leadership—specifically our CEO and Director of Maintenance (DOM)—is nothing short of disruptive. They’ve chosen a different path than the vast majority of 135 operators, and for that reason, they’re not following the well-worn road to failure. Instead, they’re pioneering new business strategies that are setting Baker apart in an industry littered with companies that have faltered. They’re constantly challenging the status quo and innovating in ways that others in this space aren’t.

Their leadership demands a lot because, in this industry, anything less would be a failure. Operating within local, state, FAA, and federal guidelines requires precision and teamwork. We’re not just following regulations—we’re building a culture of excellence where clear communication and motivated employees are key to success.

It’s not just about safety and compliance, though those are non-negotiables. Success also comes from offering competitive pay, balancing work-life quality, and providing affordable healthcare and retirement options for those who want to stay long-term.

Hiring the Right People

Like any business, Baker has gone through its share of people to find the right fit. Some pilots and staff leave for personal reasons, and that’s okay. In fact, we celebrate those who move on to bigger opportunities—whether it’s at American Airlines, United, NetJets, or those rare unicorn P91 jobs.

However, some leave due to issues with integrity, work ethic, or overall fit. No harm, no foul—it’s just not the right match. That’s how things work in the real world.

A Glimpse Into Baker’s Internal Culture

No company is perfect, but I’m sharing some of our internal conversations to offer a glimpse into what our CEO and employees have built, and continue to improve upon. As a veteran-owned business with 70% of our employees being veterans, many of the values here will resonate with those who have served. And for those who have never served, it’s an opportunity to work alongside people with a strong commitment to excellence and leadership, regardless of background.

I hope this post serves to attract the highest quality candidates to join Team Baker, whether you're a pilot, maintainer, sales/ops, or support staff.

The Baker Experience

If you’re interested in a career with Baker, visit our website for job opportunities. Whether you’re applying for a pilot role, maintenance, or another area of support, be prepared to work harder than you might at similar jobs. You’ll face challenges, but you’ll do it alongside a team that’s equally committed to success. And, rest assured, your efforts will be rewarded.

No whiners, please!


Actual comments from Company Slack messages:

Praise from the DOM

Team - I just wanted to recognize the mx team for their hard work yesterday. We had 2 hard AOGs (one at 1am eastern time) and 2 possible AOGs that were all solved before I woke up today. We had guys driving 5-6 hours overnight to get to the jets and get them fixed while everyone is sleeping. Thank you to the hard-working MX team... And we should all be grateful that these guys and gals are always willing to answer the call. Nobody will ever compete with us!!

Praise From the CEO

Team - I just wanted to recognize the mx team for their hard work yesterday.. We had 2 hard AOGs (one at 1am eastern time) and 2 possible AOGs that were all solved before I woke up today. We had guys driving 5-6 hours overnight to get to the jets and get them fixed while everyone is sleeping. Thank you to the hard working MX team... And we should all be grateful that these guys and gals are always willing to answer the call. Nobody will ever compete with us!!

Baker Mx magic @BUY

James & the Burlington crew pulled off AOG to RTS in 3 hours and 7 minutes. At previous employers of mine, that'd be a 3 day ordeal! Give that bunch a raise!

Comments from Scheduler when asking for volunteers to cover a Calgary trip on short notice

Probably a total of 10+ people reached out including the ones above trying to make it work.. some of which that were ready to be at the airport in the next hour. This was a unique one, and I appreciate everyone having my back. Thanks all.

Sales folks praising our pilots for “saving his ass”

It’s obviously not my job to implement any pilots things. But today I got an email from a broker stating that we did not put catering onboard for a trip on 6/3 and the client is VERY upset. I went into the tail channel and the crew that day actually posted photos of the catering onboard and in a drawer rather than just stating they have it. (hats off to the JD and GF)
This really saved my ass with a broker that does alot of business with me. If you guys have the time in your pre-flight take a photo of the catering, I would appreciate it and if you don't have the time, I completely understand that too. Thank you for all you do every day!!!

Kind words from the pax

Before briefing the PAX this morning, I asked if they’ve been in a Citation X before’ they replied, “Yes, we only fly with Baker”. They were super nice as well! #rodeo
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Our customers broker met us at the plane this morning. She said the customer loves the Starlink and that they love working with Baker. She says, that, “we have become famous in the industry.” Let’s keep up the
good work, y’all!

Pilots praising Ops Support

Big shout out to Patrick and ops last night for going above and beyond to get us hotel rooms when there were none to be found anywhere around the rifle Colorado area because of all the evacuations due to the fires. Much appreciated !!

Praises from pilots to maintainers/DOM

I want to thank our outstanding maintenance crew both Burlington and Fort Worth. They drove about three hours one way to fix us overnight. Then the crew at Fort Worth led by Tim and James supported us with the quickest turn yet to a different tail number. Thank you all, what a great team.
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KUDOS ALERT Sam - MX tech- spent 4 hours repairing an INOP window shade. Sounds simple but it’s No small job. Just another stellar example of superb members of the Legendary James Gang technician crew!!

DOM Summary 24 hr snapshot – (some mx folks can’t hang with this, those who can hang make $150K+ with overtime)

@channel Good Morning Everyone ! We wanted to send out a message of the "24 Hours of Baker" news.

In the last 24 hours. We have had: 75 flight hours flown (Flight Platoon. Well Done), 24 hour schedule monitoring (OPS Platoon. Well Done), 4 ACFT being worked overnight to include 1 AOG and a 1 bird strike (MX Platoon. Well Done).

In regards to the AOG: OPS immediately rearranged the Schedule(Jawad, Jared. Well Done). Another crew flew to the AOG location and swapped tails (Benz, Grande, Curry. Well Done). Thus not cancelling the flight the AOG occurred on. The AOG was repaired in less than 14 hours (Mike C, Drew, Perez, Smith, David. Well Done).

We went AOG at 1500 hrs yesterday and RTS on that tail as of 0400 hrs central this morning. This ACFT will now pick up the swapped schedule line resulting in not cancelling todays flight from the swapped tail. Way to KICK ASS Everyone !!! The bird strike occurred at midnight, was cleaned by the PIC (Thanks Bellis, Barabe and Jared. Well Done) and verified a NON issue by 0100 hrs this morning with call\pics sent to DOM.

Conclusion: EXCELLENT WORK BAKER TEAM !!!! THIS IS WHAT SHINES US ABOVE OUR COMPETITORS. THIS IS A STANDARD 24 HOURS FOR US. THIS KICK ASS IS ALL INCLUSIVE, WHETHER YOU ARE ON OR OFF ROATION NOW. NO MATTER WHAT PLATOON YOU ARE ON, FROM CORPORATE PLATOON TO THE CAMMANDER AND EVERY PLATOON IN BETWEEN WE ARE ALL PART OF THE BAKER COMPANY. WE ARE THE BEST.

When one of the Baker OGs, FULL UP ROCKSTAR was diagnosed with terminal cancer, this was the response from the CEO:

Team- Thank you so much for your generosity. We raised $12,640.00 in a day. I added up everything from yesterday, I am matching the $12,640 and we are sending to Dan now. I will do another reconciliation and transfer in a few days in case there is anyone that still would like to donate. Thanks again.. I’ll pass along all the notes/messages to Dan's family also. (The final tally was over $36K to his family)

From one of our young Mx A&P’s sharing his thoughts about Baker

Sitting here reflecting on how freaking cool this job is some days. I’m extremely grateful for all the opportunities and adventures this job has lead me on.
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Many more I could post...Baker's raising the bar for 135 flying and for its employees.