Company History
Jay’s Aircraft Maintenance History
Jay’s Aircraft Maintenance, Inc. (JAMI) is a Limited Service FBO specializing in piston powered General Aviation aircraft weighing less than 12,500 lbs. We are a Part 145 Certified FAA Repair Station, Cessna Aircraft Service Center, and have been operating at John Wayne Airport (JWA) since 1978. JAMI was founded by Jay Ghanbarzadeh, who has been an IA aircraft certified mechanic since 1971 and private pilot since 1979.
Through years of stellar workmanship and attention to detail, JAMI has grown steadily and in 1990 was able to secure a ground lease at JWA allowing JAMI to individually fund and construct two hangars located on the South West Side of JWA. JAMI growth exploded backed by satisfied customers and industry recognition. By 1997 JAMI needed to expand further into a self-funded, 36,000 sq. ft., four hangar operation. Upon completion of the construction, JAMI secured an additional lease of 20 years.
Principles
The principles that have carried JAMI from a small one man operation into the respected and “go to” maintenance facility at JWA, are the same principles that will continue our success in conjunction with JWA and the GAIP.
- One on one customer interaction
- Always available mentality
- Team approach
- Long term vision
- Stable and common leadership
Jay’s Aircraft Maintenance (JAMI) is guided by sustained long term principles that have translated into our previously mentioned long term success. Since the company is a family business, every customer is treated as so. Timely response and availability to maintenance requests has been one of JAMI hallmarks. Since the complexity of aircraft requires specific knowledge and understanding, each customer is personally briefed on which avenues of remedy would lead to the customer’s desired outcome. Long term aircraft health, cost, down time, and safety are discussed for every service regardless of type. This team approach mentality assures that every person involved is on the same page regarding the aircraft, with safety being the most important issue communicated. This approach has been used by Jay since founding JAMI and has since been exercised by Amir Ghanbarzadeh who has reinforced this mentality throughout the company. Furthermore, since Jay and Amir are both pilots they can converse with fellow pilots in a language that builds trust and understanding creating a rapport that is not easily duplicated.
Operations
Typical operations for JAMI are many. Complete aircraft repair from engine removal and installation, annual inspections, major airframe component replacement, to tire and oil changes are what built JAMI for the last 40+ years. While the core of our company is specialized in maintaining and repairing General Aviation piston powered aircraft, as a Limited Service FBO we also provide hangar space and short term tie-down availability. When JAMI expanded for the second time in 1997 the two additional hangars built, were used partially for aircraft storage. After numerous inquiry regarding available hangar space, JAMI allowed the two recently constructed hangars to be used as aircraft storage. Furthermore, JAMI operates/maintains roughly 10-12 tie down spaces that are located directly on our ramp adjacent to our hangars. These are primarily used for aircraft that are being repaired for prolonged periods of time, as well as customers that fly in from nearby airports for repairs and routine maintenance. JAMI adapted to the increase in hangar demand and has successfully collected revenue from aircraft storage for the last 20 years.
JWA Experience
As the incumbent Limited Service FBO at JWA since 1990 we have had the pleasure of working with JWA Operations, JWA Fire Authority, JWA Sherriff, and various other associated airport personnel. JAMI has also been active in the community working with Orange Coast College and the Aviation Technology Program, Orange County Pilots Association, and The Girl and Boy Scouts of America. We’ve frequently worked with JWA in regard to general aviation planning and recommendations since our specialized knowledge of piston powered aircraft is usually different than most General Aviation aircraft.
Starting as small one man operation working out of a shipping container located on the East Side of the field to a bustling four hangar corporation operating on 36,000 ft² of county ground leased land, Jay has grown JAMI into a well-respected and trusted Limited Service FBO. With over 40 years of aviation experience Jay’s reputation speaks for itself among clients and peers within the industry.