Built by Aviators,
for the Aviation Community.
Wingspar Aviation was founded on a simple belief: everyone in aviation — pilots, technicians, controllers, and operators — deserves expert guidance from people who have actually been there. We're not a regulatory firm that learned aviation from a textbook. We're aviators who learned the regulations by living them, and we're here to help anyone navigating this industry find their path forward.
From the Flight Deck to the Consulting Room
Wingspar was built on 40 years of real-world aviation experience. Principal Consultant Courtnay Gooden has flown and operated across some of the world's most demanding aviation environments — from the Caribbean skies with Air Jamaica to the global routes of Emirates Airlines and the fast-paced world of Part 135 charter operations. With 14 jet type ratings and an aerobatic background rooted in the Citabria and Decathlon, his depth of airmanship is unmatched.
Alongside co-founder Ricardo Issa — ATP, with type experience spanning the DC-3, Embraer E190, Airbus A340, Learjet 60, Cessna Sovereign, and Citation X — Wingspar brings together a rare combination of international airline experience, charter operations expertise, and deep FAA regulatory knowledge.
Our approach is always the same: listen carefully, advise honestly, and guide confidently — whether you're earning your first certificate, transitioning careers, exploring aviation maintenance, or managing a complex flight operation. If it's aviation, we can talk about it.
Our Core Values
Safety First
Every recommendation we make is grounded in safety. We never cut corners, and we never advise our clients to either.
Earned Expertise
Our consultants hold active certificates and ratings. We stay current because the regulations do too.
Client-Centered
We listen before we advise. Your situation is unique, and our guidance reflects that — no cookie-cutter answers.
Clear Communication
Aviation regulations are dense. We translate them into plain language so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Meet Your Consultants
Courtnay Gooden is the driving force behind Wingspar Aviation. With 40 years of experience and 14 jet type ratings, his career spans some of the world's most respected carriers — including Air Jamaica and Emirates Airlines — as well as deep expertise in Part 135 charter operations. Beyond jets, Courtnay brings a rich piston background with an aerobatic foundation, having flown the Citabria and Decathlon. That combination of precision aerobatic training and high-level airline experience gives him a perspective on airmanship that few consultants can match.
Ricardo brings over two decades of hands-on aviation experience to Wingspar. He holds an ATP certificate and has flown a diverse range of aircraft — from the classic Douglas DC-3 to the Embraer E190, Airbus A340, Learjet 60, Cessna Sovereign, and Citation X. That breadth across piston, turboprop, and jet platforms gives him a rare, 360-degree view of the industry. Ricardo has guided hundreds of pilots and owners through FAA certification, aircraft purchases, and compliance challenges.
Ready to Fly with Confidence?
Schedule a free consultation and let's talk about where you are in your aviation journey and how Wingspar can help.