The Team
At North American Aircraft Brokerage, our team is passionate about aviation and committed to making the sales or acquisition process smooth and straightforward. With years of experience, we’re here to offer expert guidance and personal service every step of the way. Get to know the leadership of NAAB.
Halsey Schider
Partner & CEO
Halsey Schider began his aviation journey at the age of fourteen when he joined the Civil Air Patrol, sparking a lifelong passion for flying. Now, with nearly two decades of experience in the aviation industry, his enthusiasm for aircraft—particularly helicopters—has only grown stronger. Halsey’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, as he started his first business at age twelve, mowing lawns to fund his flight lessons at fifteen.
In 2017, Halsey transitioned into the world of helicopter sales, leveraging his extensive aviation experience to build a business grounded in his love for flying. Recently, he retired from his helicopter air ambulance role to meet the increasing demand for trustworthy and transparent aircraft brokerage services. As a key figure at North American Aircraft Brokerage (NAAB), Halsey is dedicated to serving clients with the same integrity and passion that have defined his aviation career. He is excited to expand NAAB and continue contributing to an industry he deeply loves.
Ian Swett
Partner & President
Ian Swett comes from a lineage of aviators, with his early passion for aviation inspired by his great uncle, a Naval fighter pilot during World War II, and his distant relative, James Swett, a US Marine Fighter Ace and Medal of Honor recipient. Ian began his own aviation career in the Marine Corps, where he served as a maintenance inspector and aircrew aboard Sikorsky CH-53 helicopters.
Ian furthered his aviation education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, all while attaining his professional pilot certificates. With 13 years as a helicopter pilot, Ian has accumulated extensive experience across various sectors, including flight instruction, tours, charter, and air ambulance operations. He has held significant roles such as Lead Pilot, Chief Flight Instructor, and Part 135 Check Airman.
As Vice President of North American Aircraft Brokerage (NAAB), Ian combines his broad aviation expertise with strong business relations skills, making him a key leader dedicated to providing clients with the highest level of representation.
Kyle Lokanc
Chief Financial Officer
Kyle Lokanc is a licensed Certified Public Accountant serving as our Controller and CFO, where he provides strategic financial leadership to support the company’s growth, operational efficiency, and long-term vision. He partners closely with executive leadership to deliver clear financial insights, strengthen internal processes, and guide key business decisions. In his role, Kyle oversees all aspects of the company’s financial operations, including financial reporting, tax strategy, forecasting and modeling, budgeting, internal controls, and cash flow management. He brings a disciplined, data-driven approach to evaluating performance, improving processes, and ensuring the organization is positioned for scalable and sustainable growth. Kyle has a strong background in audit, tax, and advisory services, with experience serving a diverse range of clients—from single-member businesses to billion-dollar publicly traded companies. His ability to translate complex financial information into practical, actionable strategies allows him to add value across both day-to-day operations and long-term planning. He holds degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University of San Diego and is a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Based in San Antonio, Texas, Kyle enjoys spending time with his family, road tripping, and staying active through basketball and volleyball.
Zach Whitehead
Operations Manager
Zach's life has been dedicated to aviation since the age of seventeen. He has been a helicopter and fixed wing pilot for 14 years, working in flight instruction, aerial photography, Grand Canyon tours, helicopter air ambulance operations, and electronic news gathering. Halsey and Zach have been friends for over a decade and co-workers at four companies. What started as a passion for the skies has transformed into a rewarding career that supports his wife and three young children. Zach's diverse experience in a wide range of airframes makes him a fantastic addition to the team. Zach gives our customers the peace of mind that they are being represented by someone with an intimate knowledge of not just the sales process, but the aircraft as well.
Gerrit schulze
Counsel
Gerrit Schulze is a Texas attorney and partner at Texas Suits, where he focuses on civil and commercial litigation with an emphasis on aviation, business, real estate, and construction-related disputes. Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Gerrit works closely with clients to solve problems efficiently and keep matters from becoming more complicated or more expensive than they need to be. Gerrit’s connection to aviation, particularly helicopters, runs deeper than just legal work. He began flying through the experimental helicopter community, first learning in a Rotorway JetExec. After earning his private pilot license, he transitioned into certified aircraft, flying a Schweizer before ultimately upgrading to a Robinson R44, which he purchased with the help of Sellacopter. Today, Gerrit flies two to three times per week and is as passionate about aviation as he is about practicing law. His firsthand experience as both a pilot and aircraft owner gives him a unique perspective when working with clients in the aviation space—especially those navigating aircraft purchases, sales, and operational considerations. Gerrit earned his Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law and his Bachelor of Business Administration from New Mexico State University. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
