"During Operation Iraqi Freedom, I was directly responsible for the safe air passage of the US Presidential Staff, the US Secretary of State and numerous world leaders in a high risk war zone. I apply the same focus, critical thinking and concern for safety to my clients' aviation needs."
Bermun McGhee, Founder & CEO, Red Tail Aviation Holdings
Bermun McGhee Customized Edition of the Bell 206 helicopter
An aviation prodigy who graduated from flight school at the age of 19, Red Tail Founder & CEO Bermun McGhee is a visionary aviator, avionics expert and aviation business leader.
Flying is in Bermun's DNA. A US Army UH-60 (Black Hawk) Pilot and Warrant Officer at only 23 years old, Bermun was the youngest aviator serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom during his time of service (12/03 through 6/06). At the same time, his early accumulation of significant flight hours, many at high risk, also made Bermun one of the more experienced pilots in theatre.
Because of his prodigious expertise and energy Bermun was selected to serve as a member of the elite Presidential Detail, where he was entrusted with classified planning and operation of the highest value Iraqi Freedom missions. Passengers under his charge included members of the US Presidential Staff, the US Secretary of State, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander, leading US Congress members and foreign heads of state, ambassadors and dignitaries.
In this capacity Bermun was the major decision-maker with regard to when and where these highest of high value passengers flew, the type of aircraft, and the flight routes taken. He used his deep knowledge of avionic systems to maintain vital communications in encrypted mode throughout the process, and managed over 200 people and well over $50-million in aircraft.
Bermun's Iraqi Freedom service also encompassed the full range of Black Hawk tactical operations, including air assault, reconnaissance, gunnery, rescue, external load and fast rope operations. During his time in Iraq, Bermun flew more missions than any other pilot in theatre. He safely flew missions during all times of day and night (including under night vision systems) and under all types of meteorological conditions.
Bermun began his career as an avionics technician working on some of the most advanced commercial passenger aircraft (Boeing 757, DC-10, MD-11, Airbus 320, more) and corporate aircraft (Citation 500, 525, 550, 560 XL, 650). He later served as an Avionics Tech Lead for Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) modification for the 757 and 737, working closely with the FAA.
Upon his return from Iraq in mid-2006, Bermun founded Red Tail Aviation. His goal is to apply his unique expertise to develop custom aviation programs that ensure maximum efficiency and utmost safety to his public and private sector clients. Since that time Bermun has won and serviced over $15 million in contracts and hired the very best pilots, mechanics and core staff. Having established itself in the USA, Southeast Asia, the UAE and Africa, Red Tail is currently expanding into additional regions of the USA and Asia.
