I’m Levi Stockton, and here’s my story of how my childhood dream grew wings.

My aviation journey began in the skies between Seattle, Washington, and Fairbanks, Alaska, visiting my father as an unaccompanied minor. I proudly sported a sticker that identified my special status. Flying without my parents ensured I was the first passenger to board and the last to deplane—always in the capable hands of a flight attendant who handed me over between parents. For me, the best part of this was the boarding process. Almost every time, I was introduced to the pilots and given the opportunity to see the cockpit—and sometimes, I even got to sit in one of the pilot’s seats. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be a pilot and ensure those experiences never ended.

After high school, I pursued this dream at the Sierra Academy of Aeronautics in Oakland, California. From a fledgling student to a flight instructor, I honed my skills, guiding future pilots in the Air China and Korean Air programs. This phase of my career was as rewarding as it was formative.

My next chapter saw me at the helm of a Metroliner SA227, transporting cargo and navigating the challenges of commercial aviation, with most flights flown single-pilot. These experiences were critical in shaping my understanding of the aviation industry’s intricacies. After cargo, I moved on to a regional airline based on the East Coast, supporting United, American, and US Airways. After a year at the regionals, a pivotal moment came when I accepted a King Air 350 captain position in Southern California.

This role involved more than flying; it entailed managing operations and liaising with a charter and management company. It was here that the seeds for my own venture, Advanced Air, were sown. Partnering with my then-employers, we embarked on an ambitious journey to redefine aviation services.

Our business philosophy was clear: to create a versatile fleet capable of fulfilling various missions, all stationed at our base in Los Angeles, at the Hawthorne Municipal Airport.

Today, Advanced Air is a world-class aviation company servicing the charter market worldwide and our regional airline service in the Southwestern US. We have developed the Hawthorne Municipal Airport with over 200,000 square footage of hangar space housing our award-winning FBO, Jet Center Los Angeles, keeping us at the forefront of aviation opportunities with our diverse suite of aviation products.

Our staff of over 150 across the Southwest and fleet of 17 varied aircraft, including Pilatus PC 12s, King Air 350s, King Air 360s, Learjets 75, Challenger 300s, Dornier 328JETS, and Gulfstream G550s, is a testament to our commitment and vision. Together, we fly over 15,000 hours annually while maintaining a perfect safety record.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that dreams, no matter how large, can be the blueprints for extraordinary achievements. For those who have flown with me and the Advanced Air Team—both literally and metaphorically—I am eternally grateful.

Welcome aboard!