About
Providing unparalleled expertise and personalized solutions to simplify aircraft acquisition, management, and operation.
Thank you for your interest in visiting the About page.
What am I about? I should probably answer the question with an answer that prioritizes my existence. First is God, Marriage, Church, Family and the Friends that God has placed in my life. Aviation has been an avenue to meet so many of these great friends. If I had to define any passions in my life that I may have, it would probably be the priorities already listed.
The pictures below show my immediate family. I have been married for 43 years to my wife Kimberly. I wouldn’t be anything without her. We have two sons and two daughter in laws and they each have three children. The rest of the brothers and sisters and their families are also an important part. I am so blessed to have all of them in my life. The youngest is our grand-daughter. She’s less than two years old and she has everyone wrapped around her little finger.
Are you disappointed that you are fifth on the list? You shouldn’t be. I have long term relationships in my blood. I still talk to people that were in my junior high class on a regular basis. The exciting part about aviation is that it constantly provides an avenue to meet amazing people. I have precious friends that I have flown and grown with from the 1960’s and others that I have met even last week that I look forward to developing a long term relationship. Please know that if you need a dedicated servant of aviation that you can call me any time. I look forward to meeting you! Thank you for your time!!



Russ Bird, President of Global Aircraft Consulting, has been a prominent figure in the private and commercial aircraft industry for over 50 years. As the founder of Global Aircraft Consulting, Russ specializes in Embraer Aircraft and provides contract and mentoring pilot services (along with delivery service from the factory) for owner/operators. He is immensely proud of his company’s reputation for honesty, integrity, and exceptional service, which is built on a network of honorable and trustworthy relationships. Russ’s commitment to treating every customer with the utmost respect and personal attention is the cornerstone of his business philosophy.
Aviation Background and Business Development
Edwin R. Bird, Jr., widely known as Russ, began his aviation career in 1964, gaining hands-on experience with various business aircraft companies while in high school and college. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Technology with a minor in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston in 1973. After joining American Airlines in 1978, Russ quickly advanced to the role of Captain, flying a wide range of aircraft including the B707, B727, MD80, MD11, and B777. In 2006, he founded Global Aircraft Consulting, which officially launched in 2008. Under his leadership, the company has become a trusted name in the industry, specializing in Embraer aircraft acquisition, integration, and management, and assisting in over 40 deliveries of Phenom 100/300, Legacy and Praetor aircraft.
Pilot Experience, Organizations and Awards
Russ Bird’s pilot experience is extensive and distinguished. He has accumulated over 26,000 total flight hours, including 23,500 PIC jet hours, with significant experience in Phenom 100, Phenom 300, Legacy 450/500, and Praetor 500/600 aircraft. His career includes roles as Captain for American Airlines from 1985 to 2011 and Captain for Mid American Oil and Gas from 1976 to 1978. Russ also served as Captain/Copilot for Thunderbird Airways from 1972 to 1976. He holds type ratings in LRJET, FA10, B727, MD80, MD11, B777, EMB500, EMB505 EMB550, and has flown various other aircraft. Russ has been a Federal Flight Deck Officer and has never had any accidents, incidents, or FAR violations throughout his aviation career. He is actively involved in his community and is known for his dedication to service, integrity, and professional excellence.
Affiliations
National Business Aviation Association, Inc.
National Business Aviation Association, Inc.
1200 Eighteenth St. NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036-2527
Tel: (202) 783-9000
Fax: (202) 331-8364
E-mail: info@nbaa.org
Web: www.nbaa.org
The National Business Aviation Association, Inc., based in Washington, DC, is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan 501(c)6 corporation dedicated to the success of the business aviation community. For more than 55 years, NBAA has served this community through its leadership efforts at all levels of government and business, both in the United States and worldwide.
The Association represents the aviation interests of more than 7,000 companies that own or operate general aviation aircraft as an aid to the conduct of their business, or are involved with some other aspect of business aviation. NBAA Member Companies earn annual revenues approaching $5 trillion dollars – a number that is about half the U.S. gross domestic product – and employ more than 19 million people worldwide.
-
Embraer Jet Operators Association
Mark Stear, Executive Director
executivedirector@ejoa.aero
P: 513-876-JETS (513-876-5387) - Many resources are available to Embraer Jet Operators Association members including annual conventions, product and service discounts, a professionally-produced newsletter, and a dedicated website. Several membership classes are available:OWNER – Individuals who own at least 25% of a qualifying Embraer aircraft.
CORPORATE – The flight department of a business which operates at least one qualifying Embraer aircraft.
PRODUCT & SERVICE PROVIDERS – Businesses providing products and/or services to owners and operators of qualifying Embraer aircraft.
EMBRAER – Employees of Embraer Executive Jets who are approved for membership.