By Randy Bable
President / Runway 10 Aero Brokers

As aircraft brokers, we’re in the business of connecting dreams to reality. Whether it’s helping a first-time jet buyer or assisting a charter company with fleet expansion, there’s real satisfaction in playing a trusted role. But every now and then, we come across a situation that reminds us of the importance of vetting with a sharp eye and a cautious hand.

Recently, I was approached by someone claiming to own a fleet of charter aircraft and seeking financing for expansion. The pitch was confident, supported by a polished business plan, a proposed acquisition strategy, and impressive claims of existing assets and clientele. On paper, it all looked sound. I’ve seen deals move forward with less.

But here’s where things started to unravel.

Despite claims of owning multiple aircraft totaling in the tens of millions, there were no FAA registration records showing ownership by the individual or their company. Further inconsistencies began to surface: no fixed business address, no verifiable client list, and no website or online presence of any substance. Even the professional relationships named as part of their “team” couldn’t be validated.

I did what any responsible broker would do: I submitted the file to a couple of reputable lenders to test the waters. The response was unanimous: “The numbers don’t add up.” Every lender flagged the same red flags. Some even pointed out that they had seen similar attempts before—well-drafted business plans covering up a lack of operational substance.

At first glance, it was easy to want to believe the opportunity was real. And that’s the cautionary tale here.

In an industry where relationships matter and credibility is currency, we owe it to ourselves and our peers to stay vigilant. Just because someone speaks the language of aviation or presents a document that looks the part doesn’t mean the foundation is solid. We must:

• Always verify aircraft ownership through FAA records.
• Confirm the business entity has an operational base and proper certifications.
• Follow up on references and validate claimed professional associations.
• Question inconsistencies, even if the person across from you is charismatic and convincing.

This experience didn’t lead to a deal, but it did serve as a valuable reminder. We are gatekeepers to a high-stakes industry, and we have a responsibility to apply the same rigor in verifying our clients as we do in servicing them.

To fellow brokers, lenders, and aviation professionals: don’t ignore your gut. If something feels off, dig deeper. Trust, but verify. And when the numbers don’t add up, be willing to walk away.

We work in an exciting industry, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of deception. Stay sharp, stay honest, and let’s look out for each other.