Our Team - Propel Aviation Sales & Services

Joel Valle

Co-Owner

Right out of high school, Joel began his maintenance training at George T. Baker where he earned his A&P license in 1991. He began working on small Cessna and Piper aircraft for a local flight school and within four short years he was able to obtain his IA (Inspector Authorization) license. Joel founded J.V. Air Maintenance in 1996 and built his company from the ground up to become a cornerstone of maintenance in KTMB. In 2020, J.V. Air & Propel Aviation teamed up with Joel and his crew to start the next chapter of our growth together. In addition to the day-to-day work Joel does at Propel, he is also the Director of Maintenance for several FAR135 operators.

Favorite Aircraft: LearJet 35

Jimmy Lockhart

President

Jimmy Lockhart began his aviation career in 1997 working for Africair, Inc in their warehouse. Over the years he grew through the company and was approach by management to spearhead their newest endeavor, a domestic Cessna Service Station. He jumped at the opportunity to create Propel Aviation Sales & Services in 2006 and he worked tirelessly to ensure the company’s success. Now, fifteen years later, armed with a much larger and more professional facility, he is attempting to create Propel version 2.0. Moving the company forward towards the next tier of first-class Repair Stations and propelling us forward.

Favorite Aircraft: Cessna Caravan

Joe Dougherty

Chief Inspector

Joe obtained his A&P License in 1990 from George T. Baker and has been working in Aviation ever since. During his time in Aviation, Joe has traveled the world repairing aircraft from the Caribbean to Africa and Germany. In 2006, Joe obtained his Inspector Authorization License (IA) and has been working as our Chief Inspector ever since. We are privileged to have had Joe working for our group of companies since 1994.

Favorite Aircraft: Cessna Caravan

Nikolce Popovski

Avionics Manager

Nik has been in love with airplanes and electronics his entire life. He had his first solo flight in 1973 and earned his wings in Europe in 1979. Nik licensing include a private pilot, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and his most prized license glider. He actually flew a glider for an entire 8 hours and 15 minutes on one occasion. His love for electronics came as a young boy building and operating ham radios which he still does to this day. Nik’s keen sense of electronics and his passion for flying make him a remarkable Avionics Technicians. Nik also holds an FAA A&P with IA license.

Favorite Aircraft: Citabria

Odalie Calderon

Service Writer

With more than 15 years of aviation experience, Odalie has progressed through Propel Aviation as our former Warehouse Operations Supervisor to our lead Service Writer for our Repair Station. Through her experience building our warehouse, she has cultivated relationships at every level that today allow her to shine in our Customer Service Department. Odalie believes in the power of Customer Service because communication is the bridge to all relationships and opens the line of communication between clients, customers, and businesses to get the job done.

Favorite Aircraft: Cessna 207

Tiffany Sopczak

Accounting Manager

Tiffany graduated with distinction from Nova Southeastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She joined Propel in early 2010 as an Accounting Assistant and quickly grew within the company. Since then, her position has grown to incorporate human resources, controlling all corporate finances, and managing the office.

Favorite Aircraft: HondaJet Elite