Team
[ OVERVIEW ]Mission‑minded aviation professionals focused on safety and sound decision making
PUREFLITE™ is led by career aviators who combine aircraft management experience with active flying expertise. Our team blends cockpit skill with real-world operational know-how and a concierge‑level approach, safeguarding your time and investment while ensuring every decision supports your mission and long-term goals.
[ HOME TEAM ]Meet the team
Founder | Managing Partner
Thomas D. Chaplin, ATP
In 2012, Thomas founded PUREFLITE™ to provide aircraft owners with pilot‑led oversight defined by operational precision and long‑term stewardship of each aircraft under management.
As a career aviator and private aviation entrepreneur with more than 26 years in the industry, Thomas holds single‑pilot type ratings in the Pilatus PC‑24 and Citation CE‑525 series of private jets and maintains currency in the Pilatus PC‑12NG/X. Drawing on pilot‑in‑command experience in more than 28 countries, Thomas offers a depth of operational knowledge and a global perspective that directly benefits PUREFLITE™ clientele.
Specializing in client relations, private aviation consulting, aircraft acquisitions, management, and crew recruiting, Thomas serves as a trusted advisor to discerning owners seeking disciplined, mission‑minded guidance. His focus today is simple: protect owner time and capital through conservative, sound decision‑making on every trip and at every major event.
Outside the cockpit, you will find Thomas spending time with his family around Lake Tahoe, enjoying wakesurfing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding.
With a master’s degree in business administration, Tatyana pairs her Fortune 500 global experience and human resources background with hands-on support for PUREFLITE™ clientele. She oversees accounting, budgeting, tax coordination, and documentation to ensure each ownership experience is transparent, well-organized, and financially sound, while also helping clients understand the numbers.
In addition, Tatyana supports day-to-day flight operations, from FBO arrangements to flight following and passenger ground details, helping keep each mission running smoothly and reducing the friction often associated with private aircraft ownership.
Beyond her operational role, she serves as a steady point of contact for owners, coordinating with flight crews, vendors, and advisors to maintain consistency and high-touch service across every account.
Outside of work, she enjoys vacations with her family, snowboarding in the Sierras, hiking local trails, and wakesurfing on Lake Tahoe, where she values time outdoors as much as the time she spends helping clients behind the scenes.
Managing Partner
Tatyana R. Chaplin, MBA
Kelly Don Smith, ATP/MBA
Managing Partner | Aircraft Appraiser
Kelly, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and veteran pilot, brings over 35 years of aviation experience to PUREFLITE™.
As a certified pilot in the Gulfstream GV/GVI aircraft and flight instructor, he has led complex missions and trained crews with a strong focus on safety and professionalism. His extensive experience managing and flying large‑cabin Gulfstreams, including the G550, provides valuable insight into demanding, high‑performance international operations.
As an ASA‑trained aircraft appraiser, Kelly specializes in detailed market analysis, valuation, and appraisal‑driven strategies to protect owner equity from initial acquisition through aircraft exit. His background in aircraft acquisitions, flight department formation, aircraft management, and sales provides PUREFLITE™ clients a sweeping view of both operational performance and long‑term asset value.
Outside of aviation, Kelly enjoys traveling with his family to Vail and Hawaii and spending time outdoors in a variety of activities.
Taylor R. Phillips ATP/MEI/BA
Client Relations | Business Development
Raised in an aviation family, Taylor entered the cockpit early. He began flight training at 15 and soloed his first glider at 16. In 2014, after earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Management from UNR, he launched his professional aviation career.
Drawing on experience as a chief pilot, private jet captain, and active CFI, Taylor supports clients with efficient aircraft operations and end‑to‑end services, helping ensure each mission is executed to a high standard.
Taylor contributes to PUREFLITE™ business development and client relations and is known for a disciplined approach that supports pilots and owners alike.
When not at the airport managing aircraft or in the cockpit jetting about, Taylor enjoys mountain biking, trail running with the family and golf.
Dominic Puntoriero, CFII/BA
Lead Associate
Holding a BA in Economics and Mandarin, Dominic first worked in financial consulting before committing to a full‑time career in aviation.
His flying began early, soloing helicopters at 16 and earning his rotor‑wing private at 17. In 2022, Dominic transitioned to fixed wing, adding instrument, commercial, single/multi, and CFI/CFII to his fistful of credentials.
He currently flies the venerable Pilatus PC‑12NG and serves as Second in Command in various jets, including the Pilatus PC‑24, pairing diverse experience with a disciplined, analytical approach.
Outside of PUREFLITE™, Dominic enjoys spending time with his wife, golf and, unapologetically, tennis.
Director of Media, at age 4.
Grace A. Chaplin, 10 years Old
Director of Media
Meet Grace, an aviation enthusiast who loves handling business and doing what she can to help the team.
A real tough cookie with big ideas, Grace refuses to be sidelined and insists on having an actual seat at the PUREFLITE™ table. You try telling her she cannot be on our website.
In her free time, Grace enjoys “networking” with friends, caring for her Yorkie, building with Legos, coding on her iPad, and crafting with tape - and she is always “so down” for Tahoe time with her parents and friends.
Owner‑focused support from a seasoned team
Expert team
From Fortune 500 finance to global military, airline, and business aviation jet operations, our team brings decades of real‑world aviation experience. Each member contributes focused strengths for practical, mission-tested support to owners.
Owner partnership
We stay close to owners and their staff, turning technical and financial details into clear choices. From first conversation through aircraft exit, you work with the same trusted people, not a rotating cast, so relationships deepen as needs and missions evolve.
Integrated support
Pilots, appraisers, and business professionals sit at the same table, keeping aircraft decisions and operations in sync. The team that helps you evaluate and acquire an aircraft is the same team that helps you crew, operate, and eventually exit it with confidence.
Disciplined approach
Checklists, training, and structured processes guide how we appraise, advise, and fly your aircraft. Our team is known for high standards, clear communication, and a hands‑on style that supports owners, clients, and their trusted advisors.