OUR TEAM
The people behind Murfreesboro Aviation are more than experts—they’re passionate professionals who bring precision, dedication, and a shared commitment to keeping you safe and soaring, both in the air and on the ground.
The Heart of Aviation Excellence
Every flight begins with trust—and behind that trust is a team of extraordinary individuals who bring passion, precision, and decades of expertise to the skies. The people of Murfreesboro Aviation aren’t just experts in their craft—they’re collaborators, problem-solvers, and dreamers, united by a shared mission to ensure every journey is as safe as it is seamless.
From the mechanics fine-tuning each aircraft to the instructors guiding aspiring pilots, our team thrives on a culture of excellence. It’s not just about the work we do—it’s about how we do it: with unwavering attention to detail, a commitment to innovation, and a genuine dedication to the people we serve. Every repair, every lesson, and every consultation reflects our belief that precision and care are non-negotiable.
Behind every member of our team is a story of dedication and growth. Many of us started in different corners of the aviation world—some in military hangars, others in private airfields—but we all share a love of the skies. This diversity in experience enriches everything we do, allowing us to approach challenges with fresh perspectives and solutions rooted in expertise. Together, we’ve created an environment where knowledge-sharing and collaboration push us all to be our best.
But our story isn’t just about the work—it’s about the relationships we build. Whether we’re mentoring future aviators or helping seasoned pilots navigate complex challenges, we approach every interaction with respect, humility, and a shared love of flight. It’s this ethos that transforms our team into a family and our clients into lifelong partners.
What sets Murfreesboro Aviation apart isn’t just the caliber of our services; it’s the values we bring to every task. We believe in earning trust by delivering excellence, and we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards in safety, reliability, and innovation. It’s a commitment that extends beyond the cockpit or the hangar—it’s embedded in every decision we make, from the way we maintain our aircraft to the way we support our clients.
At its core, Murfreesboro Aviation is more than an operation—it’s a hub for collaboration and growth. It’s where experience meets enthusiasm, where technology fuels progress, and where dedication inspires trust. Together, we’re not just maintaining planes; we’re enabling dreams to take off, one flight at a time.
Looking to the future, we remain steadfast in our mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation. As our community grows, so does our responsibility to deliver exceptional service and foster the next generation of aviation professionals. It’s a challenge we embrace wholeheartedly, knowing that every success story, every safe landing, and every dream realized begins right here—with our team.
Jim Gardner
Owner
Jim is a former fireman and fire investigator for the City of Reno, Nevada and later as the owner of Cause and Origin Fire Investigations.
Jim holds degrees in Fire Science and Fire Management, and is a certified fire and explosion investigator.
Born in Chattanooga, TN, Jim enlisted in the Army at age 19 and served 4 years between Fort Hood, Texas and duty in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 1992 as an Armor Crewman and Tank Gunner. In 2011, after earning his private pilot’s license from Murfreesboro Aviation, he bought the company.
Since that time he has doubled the training fleet of aircraft, started a maintenance department, and substantially grown the business.
Since earning his private rating, Jim has added the ratings of multi-engine, instrument, and commercial pilot.
Veronica Patterson
Office Manager
Born in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, she relocated to El Paso, Texas, at the age of 13. In 2013, inspired by her sister’s enthusiasm for Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Veronica visited and immediately felt at home, choosing to make the city her own.
Family is at the heart of Veronica’s life. She shares a close bond with her sister, whom she considers her best friend, and they connect daily. As a devoted mother of three, Veronica actively supports her children’s diverse interests, including CrossFit, cheerleading, and Tae Kwon Do, ensuring a dynamic and fulfilling family life.
Beyond her family commitments, Veronica has a zest for exploration, seeking out new travel destinations each year to broaden her horizons. Her bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish enhances her ability to connect with a diverse clientele, embodying the welcoming spirit of our company.
In her role at Murfreesboro Aviation, Veronica is the cornerstone of our operations, ensuring our team stays organized, clients are satisfied, and flight instructors are ready to fly. Her bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish allows her to connect effortlessly with our diverse clientele, making her an invaluable asset to both our team and the community we serve.
Jerry Swick
Chief Flight Instructor
1936 Memorial Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Everyday Hours:
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Phone: 615-494-1900
Fax: 615-217-2010
For after hours call out: 615-604-9292
Have Questions? Let's Talk!
Whether you have questions about flight training, maintenance, or services, our team is here to assist. Drop us a message, and we’ll get back to you soon!