About Us

Meridian Air Group was founded in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1997 with just two employees. The company purchased a 1976 Cessna 421C, primarily to support the family travel needs of the owner. Our headquarters was established at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, where today, we’ve been a participating business for over 13 years.

In 1998, Meridian obtained an Air Carrier Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office in Richmond. In the spring of that year, we started conducting unscheduled, on-demand aircraft charters for the public. Meridian began serving its first aircraft management client in 2000 with the addition of the first Pilatus PC12 aircraft. At the time, only 240 PC12s were operating worldwide. Within two years, we introduced the aircraft to our charter clients, subsequently adding additional aircraft to our fleet each year in 2003 through 2007.

In 2006, Meridian expanded the business interests to include services that support aircraft operations, such as fueling and maintenance. In the fall of that year, we opened a satellite location in the County of Louisa to operate our fixed-base services at Freeman Field; otherwise known as the Louisa County Airport. In 2007, Meridian reached aircraft assets under management in excess of 14 million dollars.

Staff

Our professional staff and expert maintenance crew are ready to serve you in the air and on the ground so that your experience with Meridian Air Group exceeds your expectations!

In Charlottesville

Steven A. Walters, President & Director of Operations

Steve has been with Meridian Air Group since the company’s founding in 1997. He is an Airline Transport Pilot as well as a Certified Flight Instructor.

All of Steve’s personal and professional flying has been done from Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport since 1989. In 1992, he started flight instructing including teaching prospective pilots for Piedmont Virginia Community College. Steve started his first full-time corporate aviation job in the spring of 1994.

Originally from the Washington DC suburbs near Vienna, Virginia, he graduated from Oakton High School in 1986 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in American Government from the University of Virginia College of Arts and Sciences in 1990. Prior to becoming a professional pilot, Steve served as the Operations Supervisor for UVA’s University Transit Service from 1990 to 1994.

Sanne Zimmermann, Office Manager & Charter Coordinator

Sanne is Meridian Air Group’s office manager and charter coordinator since 2008. She enjoys working with our customers to make their flight and aircraft management experience a truly enjoyable one and keeps our office organized.

She originally hails from Hamburg, Germany, where she graduated from the Corveygymnasium. She earned an engineering degree in clothing technology from the Fachhochschule in Sigmaringen, and worked many years in the clothing industry and the catalogue retailing business. When not at work, Sanne enjoys gardening, decorating, and cooking for her friends.

Christopher H. Replogle, Chief Pilot & Aircraft Manager

As the Chief Pilot of Meridian Air Group, Chris is responsible for the hiring, training, certification, and management of all flight personnel. He has worked as an aircraft manager with Meridian Air Group since 2003. Prior to MAG, his experience includes: lead flight-test engineer supporting both fixed-wing and rotary-wing flight test programs for the U.S. Navy; safety officer and instructor for a contractor providing flight training to Marine Corp. officer pilot candidates; and FAA designated Aviation Safety Counselor. Chris’ broad background in engineering, project management, and flight operations is an asset to MAG. A native of Virginia, he enjoys the outdoors, kayaking, skiing, piloting sailplanes, and academic pursuits.

Stephen N. Power, Director of Safety & Aircraft Manager

Stephen has been with Meridian Air Group since 2003 and currently serves as Director of Safety in addition to being a qualified line Captain. Originally from Forest, Virginia, Stephen graduated from the University of Virginia in 1996 with a degree in Foreign Affairs. His background includes a mix of corporate and airline experience. Outside of aviation, Stephen enjoys vintage audio, fitness activities, and history. Stephen lives in Charlottesville with his wife Karen and son Robbie.

Fitz-Hugh C. Morgan, Company Instructor & Aircraft Manager

Fitz-Hugh has been with Meridian Air Group since April of 2005 and serves as Captain on the Pilatus. He is a Charlottesville native who was introduced to flying at a young age through his father, who also flies professionally. His first flight training was in Waynesboro, Virginia, where he soloed on his sixteenth birthday. After graduating from Charlottesville High School in 1995, he attended the University North Carolina at Wilmington and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2000. After college, he started his formal training at ILM Aero in Wilmington, NC and completed his Commercial multi-engine ratings.

He became an instructor at Charlottesville Flight Center in June of 2003 and became certified to teach in the Lancair Columbia. Thereafter he became certified to teach in the Pilatus and most recently he became certified in the Falcon 20.

When he’s not flying he enjoys spending time outdoors. Fitz-Hugh is proud to be a part of such a quality flight department and looks forward to seeing you on a future flight.

James P. McGuire, Aircraft Manager

Jim came to aviation through a long line of aviators. His grandfather flew with Admiral Byrd in the Antarctic projects, his father was a career Air Force officer and flew P-47 Thunderbolts. Jim has over 17,000 hours of flight time in various aircraft, accumulated in aerial surveillance for oil companies, flying DH-7s for Atlantic Southeast Airlines, and various corporate jets. He has been flying the Pilatus PC-12 for Meridian Air Group since 1999.

When not flying, Jim enjoys time with his family, scale model aircraft and anything that involves aviation history.

Claiborne C. Craig, Aircraft Manger

A Charlottesville native, Claiborne learned to fly in Charlottesville and at Comair Academy in Florida. Claiborne has extensive background as a flight instructor and pilot of corporate turbo-prop aircraft in the area. He lives in Crozet with his wife and daughter. He joined Meridian Air Group in 2007.

Joshua C. Lindsey, Pilot

Heavily influenced by his father and grandfather who both served in the Air Force, Josh became interested in aviation at a young age. Although he claims not to remember it, Josh had his first airplane ride as a toddler in his grandfather’s classic Cessna 195. After moving from western Michigan to Virginia in 1998 he began his aviation career at the local FBO, and since that time has had the privilege to pilot a wide variety of aircraft from a Piper Cub to a Cessna Citation business jet. Josh is now an Airline Transport Pilot who loves flying as much as he did as a child. When not at the airport Josh enjoys playing music, the great outdoors, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Michael C. Mishler, Pilot

Michael started flying in 1990 and has accrued over 4000 flight hours inspecting gas pipelines, flight instructing, and flying for Meridian Air Group. Michael lives in Woodbridge Virginia with his wife Sara and his two children. He still actively flight instructs and enjoys outdoor activities with his family.

James B. Van Liew, Pilot

James B. Van Liew, Pilot, is a native of Charlottesville. Before working for Meridian Air Group he helped manage his family’s construction business. He is a graduate of Hampden Sydney College in Farmville, Virginia. Jim has been a pilot for Meridian Air Group since 2007.

In Louisa

Martin R. Dodson, Director of Maintenance & Service Manager

Martin is a 33-year veteran of the aviation industry, and has held his inspector-authorization certificate for more than 20 years. In addition to his duties as the Service Manager in Louisa, Martin is also the Director of Maintenance for our air carrier operations. Before coming to Meridian Air Group in 2007, he owned and operated two maintenance facilities and managed an FAA-certified repair station. In addition, he managed and conducted inspections for multiple aviation businesses in Virginia. He is factory trained in Pilatus aircraft, Diamond aircraft, and Pratt & Whitney PT-6 engines. When Martin isn’t hovering over an aircraft, he enjoys spending time with his wife at his home in Orange County and riding his Harley.

Tammy B. Daughtry, Office Manager & Parts Coordinator

Tammy joined Meridian Air Group in 2008 as an office manager and parts coordinator for our fixed based operation in Louisa, VA. She began her aviation career as a customer service representative with a local commercial airline and moved on to work for an FAA certificated repair station as an office manager for the maintenance department. She enjoys spending her spare time with family and friends.

Gregory J. Armstrong, A & P technician

Greg has been with Meridian Air Group for over two years as part of the maintenance staff at the Louisa location. With 15 years of aircraft experience, Greg is seasoned in repair and annual aircraft inspections. He is a native of Fluvanna County and in his free time he enjoys shooting and hunting.

Neil A. Milofsky, A & P technician

Neil is the newest member of Meridian Air Group’s mechanics, joining the crew in 2009. He is a commercial pilot with instrument ratings and has been flying for five years. Originally from Cincinnati, Neil and his wife live in Madison County. In his spare time he enjoys motorcycling and flying.

Charles D. Bailey, Customer Service Representative

Charlie D. Bailey is Meridain Air Group’s customer service representative who staffs the facilities in Louisa on the weekends. He provides all customer service including fueling, and maintains the facilities. He is a Central Virginia native, a licensed pilot, and has a deep history in aviation here in Virginia. Charles joined Meridian Air Group in 2008.