Every Jet OUT aircraft carries a story, and our newest intake — delivered in August 2025 — carries one that is especially meaningful to our Director of Maintenance, Gary Bavuso.
For Gary, aviation has always felt like a calling. His passion first sparked years ago at an EAA fly-in, where the energy and excitement of flight drew him in for good. But as his journey unfolded, it was the encouragement of his wife, Michele, that made all the difference.
“Around the time Michele and I were married, I wasn’t sure if continuing A+P school was a good choice,” Gary recalls. “But she encouraged me to stay the course, even though it was tough for us at the time. I am forever thankful for this, as it has led to a long and rewarding career in what has felt like my calling.”
That’s why the number 897 is so significant. It represents August 1997, the month Gary and Michele were married. This tail number is more than an identifier on an aircraft — it’s a tribute to his wife’s fun-loving spirit, their enduring friendship, and the beautiful family they’ve built together.
Gary joined Jet OUT five years ago after being connected through a mutual friend to our Founder, Joe Crivello. What started as an interesting opportunity quickly became a passion project.
“Aviation is full of challenges, and Jet OUT offered the chance to be part of something new and exciting,” Gary says. “Over the years, I’ve been most proud of building an exceptional team in our maintenance department. My coworkers are smart, driven, and inspiring — it’s what makes coming to work so rewarding.”
When he’s not leading Jet OUT’s maintenance team, Gary is all about adventure. He’s a motorcycle enthusiast, an avid outdoorsman, and even a diver who has swum alongside sharks in several countries. Recently, he took his love of the open road to new extremes — riding his motorcycle all the way to the Arctic Circle.
And when it comes to travel, Gary has no shortage of favorite destinations. At the top of his list is New Orleans, a city he visits several times a year for its vibrant energy and culture.
For Gary, N897NE is more than Jet OUT’s newest aircraft — it’s a reminder of where his career, his passions, and his family intersect. It honors the decision to keep pushing toward his dreams, the unwavering support of Michele, and the adventurous spirit that continues to define his journey.