Team
[ OVERVIEW ]Mission minded, aviation professionals.
PUREFLITE™ is led by career aviators who both manage and fly the aircraft they oversee. Our team blends cockpit experience with real-world operational know-how and a concierge‑level approach, safeguarding your time and investment while ensuring every decision supports your mission.
Meet the Team
Founder
Thomas D. Chaplin, ATP
As a career aviator and private aviation entrepreneur with over 26 years of experience, Thomas holds single-pilot type ratings in both the Pilatus PC-24 and Citation CE-525 series private jets and maintains currency in the Pilatus PC-12NG/X. Having flown as pilot-in-command in more than 28 countries, Thomas offers wealth of operational and regulatory expertise with a global perspective that directly benefits our PUREFLITE™ clientele.
Thomas specializes in private aviation consulting, client relations, aircraft acquisitions, management, and crew recruiting, acting as a trusted advisor to discerning owners. Outside the cockpit, you will find him spending time with his family around Lake Tahoe, enjoying wakesurfing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding.
Tatyana R. Chaplin, MBA
Managing Partner
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™ owners.
She oversees accounting, budgeting, tax coordination, and documentation to ensure each ownership experience is transparent, well-organized, and financially sound.
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.
Outside of work, she enjoys vacations with her family, snowboarding in the Sierras, hiking local trails and wakesurfing on Lake Tahoe.
Kelly Don Smith, ATP/MBA
Partner / Aircraft Appraiser
A veteran U.S. Air Force pilot and United States Air Force Academy graduate, Kelly brings 35+ years of aviation experience to PUREFLITE™. As a PIC‑typed pilot and instructor in the Gulfstream GV/GVI series, he has led complex missions and trained crews to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
As an ASA‑trained aircraft appraiser, he specializes in detailed market analysis, valuation, and appraisal‑driven strategies to protect owner equity across jets and turboprops, from initial acquisition through aircraft exit. His background in flight department formation, aircraft management, acquisitions and sales provides PUREFLITE™ clients a sweeping view of both operational performance and long‑term asset value.
Outside of aviation, Kelly enjoys working out, traveling to Aspen with his family, and spending time outdoors, especially in the mountains.
Dominic Puntoriero, BA, CFI, CFII
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.