We specialize in solving problems, great and small - to keep your business moving and growing
Our experts have seen it all
-
Certification and Operating Authority
-
Repositioning, Delivery, and Lease Returns
-
Conformity and Adding Aircraft
-
Waivers, Deviations, and Exemptions
-
Operation Specifications and LOAs
-
Regulatory Conflict Resolution
-
Regulatory Violation Assessment
-
Post Accident Regulatory Assessment
ABOUT GCAP
John A. Blanco
Managing Director
With more than 40 years of experience as an aviation professional, John is a well-known leader in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Flight Standards Service (AFS). Since 1997, John built a solid reputation within the FAA and across the industry through his focus on problem solving and effectively balancing the FAAs dual roles in regulatory compliance and facilitating air commerce.
​
Prior to launching GCAP, John served in multiple leadership positions across the FAA including various field, division, and headquarters positions. In each position, John took on the most difficult assignments, and led efforts to resolve issues of national importance related to Operational Control, Pilot Type Rating Designations, significant FAA enforcement actions, illegal charter operations, aircraft smuggling, falsification, Experimental Exhibition aircraft, Voluntary Safety Programs, Quality Management Systems (QMS), aviation data systems, and data analysis, among many other things.
John's extensive experience, contributions, and contacts over the span of his career with the FAA and the commercial aviation industry serve him well in leading GCAP, and bringing in highly talented and qualified resources to the GCAP team.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
14 CFR Part 135 Flight Operations
14 CFR Part 135 Maintenance Programs
Commercial Operations (133 and 137)
14 CFR Part 145 Repair Station and Quality Control Programs
FAA Legal Interpretations
Regulatory Waivers, Deviations, and Exemptions
Executive and Corporate Operations
Conflict Resolution with Civil Aviation Authorities (FAA/CAA)
Safety Management Systems (SMS)
FAA Compliance and Enforcement
Operational Control and Air Charter Practices
NTSB Case Law and FAA Legal Practice
SERVICES
Aviation Consulting - General
Operational Planning and Assessment. Aircraft deliveries (domestic and international), repositioning, lease returns, changes in ownership or registration requiring special route planning or interim operating authority.
Regulatory Compliance Assessments. Conflict resolution, and assistance with response to civil aviation authority (CAA) inspections, investigations, and regulatory enforcement actions.
Preparation of Formal Response to CAA Inquiries. Inspections, investigations, and other regulatory matters involving regulatory compliance and safety.
Research, Analysis, and Preparation of Decision Papers. Application of FAA regulations, policy, legal interpretations, international standards, and NTSB case law, among other things.
Regulatory and Technical Assessments. Aircraft airworthiness standards, operational equipment, maintenance and operational requirements for all aircraft operated under 14 CFR parts 91, 125, 133, 135, and 137.
​
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Certification and Operation. Both commercial and recreational operations, experimental development projects, certification, and airspace issues, among others.
Safetey Management Systems (SMS)
Development and implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Part 135 Air Carriers and Part 91.147 Air Tour Operators, meeting 14 CFR Part 5 requirements.
​
Scaleable and cost effective SMS solutions that actually work for limited size and scope operators.
​
If you simply need template manual and tools or a more full service solution, our team can meet your needs through our Three Tier service options.
​
Tier I. Standard SMS manual and tools designed to meet basic 14 CFR part 5 requirements. You modify and work with FAA to gain approval.
​
Tier II. Customized SMS manual and tools designed to Meet 14 CFR part 5 requirements and the unique requirements of your operation. We customize and assist with gaining FAA approval.
​
Tier III. All of Tier II, adding active safety performance monitoring and measurement and voluntary safety reporting program management as outlined in 14 CFR part 5.71.
Audits, Assessments, and Evaluations
Our experts can identify errors, omissions, and opportunities in your operation and systems that will reduce liability exposure, increase productivity, and expand your growth opportunities. Some of the key areas we can help with include:
​
Record Keeping Systems. Ensure required records are complete, accurate, and retained as required by regulations.
​
Post Accident Regulatory Assessments. Liability and exposure assessment involving both operations and aircraft airworthiness requirements.
​
Changes in Ownership. Assets, valuation, liabilities, and FAA certification/certificate management requirements.
​
FAA Operation Specifications. Audit to ensure appropriate authorizations are issued for the scope of your operation.
​
Operational Control. Assessment of procedures ensuring compliance with OpSpec A008.
​
Aircraft Lease Agreements. Exclusive Use and Operational Control assessments.​
​
Part 119 Management Positions. Candidate Assessment, Evaluation, and Preparation
