From running into burning buildings and performing chest compressions during CPR to closing multi-million-dollar jet deals, my career has been built on: Precision, Strategy, and Results.

My journey into aviation was anything but conventional. I didn’t take the direct or easy route—I took the one that forged my ability to make high-stakes decisions under pressure. Now, as the Regional Vice President of Sales and Acquisitions at Leviate Air Group, I make sure my clients get the best deals possible—because in the circles I run within, there’s no room for second place.

Where It Began: A Sport Of Love Shared By My Father

I was introduced to General Aviation by my Father, Tim Barber, and his best friend, Ralph Erb, an American Airlines Pilot who grew up across the street from my father in high school. It was on weekends that Ralph would fly down to Horace Williams Airport in Chapel Hill, NC to take us out for afternoons over Jordan Lake and the local colleges (UNC, Duke, & NC State).

We lived in the landing pattern, so I would run outside to see the plane coming in, watch Ralph giving a little hello with the waving of his wings, before jumping in the car to go fly.

The Early Years: Building a Foundation

In 2004 I began my college years at Lynchburg College studying Graphic Design, later expanding my knowledge into International Business at Liberty University. While my formal education provided a foundation, my real-world experience in emergency response honed the skills that would later make me a powerhouse in aviation.

I earned my EMT certification in 2004 and have spent the last two decades in emergency services—in EMS, Fire and Ski Patrol, where have taught and operated everything from a red toboggan, to an ambulance and 100’ ladder truck in Career and Volunteer capacities.

I ran the largest ski patrol on the East Coast at Wintergreen Resort, VA, from 2018 until 2021, overseeing north of 200 team members. In 2021 I was a finalist for the National Ski Area Association's (NSAA) Safety Champion and our patrol was awarded the NSAA's Best Overall Safety Program, beating out much larger and well known resorts throughout the US.

I don’t just understand pressure—I thrive in it. And, I still give back.

I have maintained my Medic and Firefighter certifications while serving as a member of the Wintergreen Resort Ski Patrol & Western Albemarle Rescue Squad (100% volunteer membership) in Crozet, VA. I have also spent time teaching Swift Water Rescue Technician courses across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In 2022, my worlds collided as I put my emergency medical skills to work mid-flight. I provided Advance Life Support (ALS) assistance to a passenger on an American Airlines flight from White Plains, NY, to Charlotte, NC, while on my way home from the NBAA Regional Event. Staying calm under pressure isn’t just a skill that I had from day one, but now it has become second nature.

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Passion for the Outdoors

Beyond my professional endeavors, I have always been passionate about the outdoors. Whether it’s a day on the lake, hiking through rugged trails, skiing down challenging slopes, or embracing the raw beauty of nature, I find adventure wherever I go. One of my most thrilling outdoor pursuits has been hiking & skiing Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington, an intense and rewarding experience that pushes both skill and endurance to the limit. The headwall of Tuckerman Ravine, with its daunting 55-degree pitch, is not for the faint of heart, but the exhilaration of carving down its face is unmatched. Reaching the summit of Mount Washington after such an intense climb, with nothing but sky above, is a reminder of why I push limits—both on the slopes and in business. Much like in aviation and emergency response, risk mitigation is key in outdoor pursuits. Preparation, assessment, and understanding of the conditions are critical when tackling challenging terrain and negotiating deals. Whether it’s monitoring avalanche reports before skiing backcountry slopes or ensuring I have the right gear for an extended hike, I apply the same level of strategic planning and calculated risk-taking that I do in my professional life. Being outdoors is not only a place of recreation for me—it is where I find balance, challenge, and inspiration.

Pivot to Aviation: From Saving Lives to Closing Deals

In 2012, I stepped into the world of business aviation with a start-up brokerage firm, founded by a strong broker whom I had known since we attended college together.

I started in business development and research, and expanded into charter brokerage and fleet planning soon after. I built a solid understanding of the deal work flow, expanded my knowledge or airframes and options, grew our network, & honed my negotiating skills.

Fast forward to today—I’m a Regional Vice President of Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions at Levitate Air Group, an IADA Certified Broker with the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), a member of the IADA NextGen Committee (a group focused on growth of the aviation professions under 40 years old), and the lead for the IADA NextGen Future Leaders Committee. I have closed deals across six continents, with my most active repeat clients based in Canada, Australia, and, of course, the United States.

Complex international transactions? Bring them on.

Leading the Way at Leviate Air Group

At Leviate Air Group, I don’t just manage transactions—I triage priorities, coordinate specialists, and ensure a successful handoff.

Every deal needs a power team, and I make sure my clients have the best: a broker supported by a team of researchers who get results, an aviation-specific attorney who anticipates every angle, a CPA who understands the intricacies of aircraft assets, and a finance team to ensure the dollar is utilized to the fullest potential, and more.

My job, as an IADA Certified Broker, is not only to ensure that no detail goes unnoticed, no value is left on the table, and no client walks away without knowing they got the absolute best deal available, but to educate each client through each step of the journey.

At Leviate, we believe in laying the groundwork before takeoff. To give you a 30,000-foot overview, we’ve created two short videos on YouTube—watch them when you have time and keep them handy for future deals.

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My work isn’t just about transactions—it’s about the long-term relationships and shaping the future of private aviation. That’s why I launched PrivateJetBS, a platform dedicated to industry insights, lessons learned, and straight-talk analysis of the business jet world. And, I am writing this "who I am" newsletter so that you know the person behind the words!

Buyers and sellers deserve transparency, and I make sure they get it.

Building Relationships Outside of the Boardroom

​Leviate Air Group is also the proud sponsor of the Roseland Polo Club at King Family Vineyards. My family spends almost every Sunday around the polo pitch, supporting the club and promoting industry and business—because in aviation and in life, it’s all about making the right connections. As my father told me as a child, "It is who you know that gets you there, however, it is what you know that keeps you there." Think about it!

Sponsoring events like these allows me to engage with our clients beyond business transactions, sharing in the activities they are passionate about and building relationships that extend far beyond the negotiating table. It’s about more than just aviation—it’s about community, trust, and being part of the experiences that matter most to our clients.

The Road Ahead

From the front lines of emergency response to the forefront of aviation sales, my career has been built on adaptability, precision, and a relentless pursuit of success.

Whether it has been managing a life-threatening emergency or structuring a complex aircraft transaction, my mindset remains the same: execute with skill, stay ahead of the curve, and never cut corners.

I am a dedicated husband and father of two. I met my wife through ski patrol—her father, a flight nurse with a tenue of over 30 years in the air, still patrols as well. Service and aviation aren’t just part of my career; they’re in my core values and family.

Aviation is changing, and so am I. But one thing stays the same—my clients will always have the edge.

Trust the Process, not the promises.

Michael Barber PrivateJetBS Newsletter Managing Director & VP, Sales Operations at jetAVIVA​ Mobile, WhatsApp, & Signal: +1.919.475.8506 ​​​​

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