ESTABLISHED IN 1991
We specialize in the sale, brokerage, and acquisition of “Prime Condition” airplanes.
We buy, sell, and broker a wide variety of aircraft but are renowned for our expertise in Beechcraft Airplanes. Carolina Aircraft is the #1 Reseller of Beechcraft Bonanzas and Barons.
Carolina Aircraft initially specialized in buying and selling all Beechcraft airplanes due to George Johnson’s expertise selling the full line of New Beechcraft Airplanes from 1977 – 1991. Our logo incorporates the first aircraft we purchased and sold, a King Air 300.
In 2004, we split the company to allow us to focus on Bonanzas and Barons and formed Carolina Corporate Jets to specialize in Turbine and Jet Aircraft. Tony Ryan is president of our sister company Carolina Corporate Jets, Inc.
Whether you are buying from our current inventory or looking for a particular model, we will assist you in obtaining the “best” airplane for your money. With our proven track record we can also assist you in the sale of your airplane. We want you as a long-term customer. Your repeat business is more important to us than just one sale.
GEORGE JOHNSON “THE BONANZA MAN”
As president of Carolina Aircraft, Inc., George Johnson, “The Bonanza Man”, has been selling Beechcraft Airplanes since 1977. Working for Air Service, a Beechcraft Dealer, George was one of the top New Beechcraft salesmen in the USA. As a New Beechcraft Salesman George earned numerous achievement awards such as: Salesman of the Year – 1984 (most new Beechcraft airplanes sold), 1987 (most new Beechcraft King Airs sold) and in 1986 (most new Beechcraft Bonanzas sold). He has been awarded the Professional Beechcraft Bonanza Salesman Award, The Olive Ann Beech Award, and the Beechcraft Executive Salesman Award. George was recognized as a Beechcraft “Blue Chip” Salesman for 10 consecutive years.
In 1991, after Air Service was acquired by US Airways, George formed Carolina Aircraft, Inc. to specialize in “prime condition” Pre-Owned Beechcraft airplanes. Originally Carolina Aircraft sold all Beechcraft Models, however, George split the Company in 2002 and formed Carolina Corporate Jets, Inc. with Tony Ryan to handle all Turbine and Jet Aircraft Sales. Tony Ryan was named President of Carolina Corporate Jets, Inc. and George was able to specialize in Beechcraft Bonanzas and Barons.
George has a “Special Love” for Beechcraft Bonanzas and Barons. He is known worldwide as “The Bonanza Man” for his expertise in this market. If you plan to buy or sell a late model Bonanza or Baron, George is the man to call. Our team at Carolina Aircraft knows the Bonanza and Baron better than anyone but the factory.
George holds a World and US Speed Record that he set in 1985 flying a Beechcraft Baron 58. He has attended Factory flight and sales schools on all models of Beechcraft Airplane from the Skipper to the Beechjet.
George earned his BA from Catawba College, Salisbury, NC and his MBA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is on the Business Advisory Board for the Catawba College, Ketner School of Business where he served as an Adjunct Professor of Business. He is also on the Aviation Advisory Board for Guilford Technical Institute. George is Vice President of Carolina Corporate Jets, Inc. and President of NexGA Aircraft, Inc. He is also a partner in Triad Aviation Academy. George is married and has three children who have worked for Carolina Aircraft. His youngest son, Adam, currently films and edits the Carolina Aircraft, Inc. videos and takes marketing photos.
BRYAN TUTTLE
Bryan’s earliest memories of aviation were when his father Bryan would take him to the W-S airport at night to watch the airplanes. He says he was fascinated. From the time he was 15, Bryan decided he wanted to learn to fly but didn’t get the opportunity until his early 20’s. Bryan attended the Aviation Management / Career Pilot Program at Guilford Technical Community College while working for Piedmont Aviation & taking flying lessons at the same time. He earned his private pilot certificate in May 1993 and has added multi, commercial and instrument ratings since. In 2003, Bryan flew corporate for Aviation Management Group out of Raleigh, NC and enjoyed flying aircraft such as the King Air B200, C90B, Citation II & Citation III. After three years there, he decided that he wanted more time at home with his family and took the opportunity to move back home to Winston-Salem and join the sales team at Carolina Aircraft, Inc. He enjoys spending free time with his beautiful wife and three wonderful little girls. When not doing that, Bryan enjoys playing golf and is actively involved in his church.
WILLIAM BYRD
Will first caught the flying bug at the age of 5 when his father, a former Marine Corp Aviator, took him up for his first flight. He has been hooked ever since and joined the Carolina Aircraft team during his last semester in college. William earned his Bachelor of Science in Business and Entrepreneurship from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he also received Disciplinary Honors for his research in Cyber/Electronic Operations and Warfare from the Lloyd International Honors College. He served as the President of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization and Council Member to the Entrepreneurship Cross-Disciplinary Program at the University and continues to be active in the entrepreneurship community. William is an Instrument rated pilot and specializes in “Classic” Bonanzas and Barons. Will also provides various administrative, sales support and marketing for the company. When Will isn’t taking to the skies he enjoys traveling, motorcycling and real estate investing. Will is conversant in German and Spanish.
