Smart Aircraft Ownership Part 1: Expert Tips from PacTex Aviation’s Casey Cartusciello

In this special edition of Fly Wise Finance, AOPA Finance sits down with Casey Cartusciello, founder of PacTex Aviation, to talk about all things aircraft. From his roots in flight instruction and medevac flying, to building his own charter company and becoming an airline captain, Casey’s journey through aviation has been anything but typical. Now, with PacTex Aviation, he’s helping buyers and sellers navigate the complex world of general aviation with confidence, passion, and integrity. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced owner, Casey offers insight into what it really takes to make smart aircraft ownership decisions in today’s market.

AOPA Finance is Talking All Things Aircraft with Casey Cartusciello, PacTex Aviation

1. Tell us a little about your aviation background. What got you started in aircraft sales?
   
   I graduated from ERAU at the worst possible time to become a pilot, working my way through every small aviation job I could, including a mechanics assistant, fueling planes, and instruction. I then got the opportunity to help launch a medevac company, where I also flew Part 91 contract. Although the company didn’t last, we got the aircraft onto a 135 certificate, and I began flying medevac missions in Learjets and Hawkers.
   
   Eventually, I transitioned to charter flying, spending a few years in that world before jumping into the recovering airline market with Horizon. I upgraded to Captain in just six months—but then COVID hit, leaving me at the bottom of the seniority list, stuck on airport reserve. I definitely had the time to dive into something I’d always been drawn to: aircraft brokerage. That chapter eventually led to my dream role at Alaska Airlines.
   
   Even before I knew what it was, I was the kind of pilot who kept spreadsheets tracking aircraft performance, specs, and market values—just for fun. That curiosity evolved into a true passion at Horizon, and after a few years learning the ropes under a mentor, I launched PacTex Aviation.

2. How did PacTex Aviation get started? What would you like to tell AOPA members about your services?
   
   From the moment I could remember, I had an Excel sheet with every plane I wanted to own and the different characteristics of each. And as I started helping enough people buy and sell planes, I realized I had a real passion and skill with brokerage and decided to start. My time as a junior Captain at Horizon Airlines, sitting airport reserve, I realized this was the perfect opportunity. After a few years working under a mentor, I felt it was time to branch out to do things more in line with my vision. 
   
   We handle every step of the process, and truly, we sell peace of mind. We are committed to representing integrity in aviation in every facet. We’re building a one-stop shop for anyone from a first-time buyer to someone upgrading their fleet. We do this seamlessly through our nationwide network of regionally based brokers, all at the price of one working together as a team. 

3. What advice do you have for someone purchasing their first airplane?
   
   Take your time! Use a trusted brokerage service, one with experience and integrity, one with a large network of regionally rooted brokers. That way, you’re not missing out on deals and can get access to a much larger market share. It may seem that there are fewer airplanes out there listed, but a trusted broker knows where to find them. 

4. What does a typical PacTex Aviation buyer look like? Mission, profession, region?
   
   Our clients are as diverse as our services. They range from first-time buyers to those upgrading to a turbine fleet. Some are general aviation nuts flying back in the backcountry, and some are professionals trying to get to meetings more efficiently in a pressurized turbine. Since we have a nationwide network of brokers, our clients are, too.

5. What surprises your clients most when purchasing an airplane?
   
   The complexity of the process. The number of obstacles and potentially costly mistakes that could happen.

Continue to Part 2: Expert Tips from PacTex Aviation’s Casey Cartusciello to explore additional insights on aircraft ownership strategies.”

Great advice. Great rates. From helpful and responsive reps you can trust. Three good reasons to turn to AOPA Finance when you are buying or refinancing an airplane. If you need a dependable source of financing with people who are on your side, just call 800.62.PLANE (800.627.5263), or click here to request a quote.