Denise Wilson, CAM, President and Chief Pilot

Denise Wilson founded Desert Jet with the intent of bringing the desert’s corporate flight departments together as a cooperative to reduce the cost of aircraft operating expenses. This cooperative expanded to fill the need for a quality private jet charter service in the region. Denise’s experience includes both flying and management positions for several airline, charter and corporate flight departments. Her expertise is in the efficient managing of flight departments and implementing programs to enhance the safety of flight operations. She also provides turbine transition, initial operating experience and standardization training for pilots new to aircraft type. Denise is qualified by the National Business Aviation Association as a Certified Aviation Manager (CAM). She has approximately 6000 hours of flight experience, with over 2000 hours of pilot in command experience in Citations alone. She has type ratings in the Citation 500 and 525 series, Gulfstream III, Boeing 737 and the Saab 340. Denise attended the University of Southern California where she majored in Music Performance (Oboe), and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and minored in Aviation Safety.

Rob Wilson, Director of Operations

Rob Wilson’s forte is standardization of training, ensuring that every Desert Jet pilot brings the same level of polish and professionalism to the flight deck for every flight. His aviation background includes serving as a Captain, Check Airman and standardization pilot for an airline, as well as various management positions for several charter and corporate flight departments. Rob has over 9700 hours, 8400 of this as pilot in command. He has type ratings in the Citation 500 and 525 series, Saab 340 and the Westwind. Rob attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he majored in Professional Aeronautics.

Mani Ott, CAM, Director of Safety and Management Services

Mani Ott is involved in all aspects of the operation, focusing on identifying business opportunities for Desert Jet. Additionally, as Director of Safety he oversees Desert Jet's Safety Management System. Recognized in 2004 by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) as one of the first Certified Aviation Managers (CAM), Mani has served as Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, and Flight Department Manager for several corporate and charter flight departments. Mani has more than 6500 hours of experience, with nearly 3000 hours of pilot in command experience in Citations alone. He has type ratings in the Citation 500 series and Lear Jet. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History from the University of Arizona, where he attended on a football scholarship. He won team awards for Best Lineman, and Most Versatile Player, along with All-Pac 10 honors at Center, for Dick Tomey's "Desert Swarm" teams of the early 1990's.

Melody Tharp, Director of Flight Control Operations

Melody Tharp is the front line with our clients, providing charter quotes, booking flights and making all detailed arrangements for flights while providing the highest levels of professionalism and personalized service. From ensuring that the perfect meal is onboard each flight to arranging the most special of requests, no detail escapes her scrutiny. In addition to her duties coordinating flights, Melody also oversees Human Resources, Accounting and all aspects of daily office operations.