"Grant Jacobson, his copilot Gary Standifer, and Texas Jacobson Aviation provide a tremendous service to the passengers of Angel Flight South Central. Their dedication and generosity continue to amaze us," says Tim Dammon, Angel Flight's President and CEO.
Based in Austin, Texas Jacobson Aviation, Inc (TJA) was founded in August, 2010, by business man Grant Jacobson. Their sole purpose: to take Mr. Jacobson’s passion for flying and pair it with his desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Grant inherited his love of flying and his philosophy of helping individuals rather than large organizations from his father, Harvey. Harvey Jacobson was a successful entrepreneur and business man who passed away in 2010, leaving Grant the means to be able to give back in an impactful way.
Mr. Jacobson approached Angel Flight South Central (then Grace Flight of America), an organization that works with those in need to provide air transportation when conventional transportation is not an option, and offered his help. In the two years since that offer was made, TJA has flown over 500 missions on behalf of Angel Flight South Central patients. Grant has personally flown on every trip and takes great pride in his company’s true philanthropic focus. “I love to fly and I have been very fortunate in life. I need to give back and this is my chance to do something meaningful that most people and companies don’t have the resources to do”, Grant said. He continues to be touched by the lives of those that TJA flies. “It is an amazing thing, to see the determination and spirit that many of our passengers have, and an honor to be able to serve them” says Gary Standifer, Senior Pilot.
TJA extended their charitable aviation partnership in the summer of 2011 with Mercy Medical Airlift’s Air Compassion for Veterans division, with hopes of providing more support to our veterans. The symbiotic relationship has allowed TJA to further expand their efforts to support our men and women in uniform.
In January of 2012, TJA added a new Cessna aircraft, the Citation X. Named the Shiksa Goddess, the newest member of the TJA family is the fastest civilian aircraft in the sky, cruising just shy of the sound barrier at Mach .92. Patients are treated to a first class travel experience, complete with beverage service, a well stocked DVD library, and plenty of room to stretch out and relax for a minute from their often turbulent lives.
Grant lives in Austin and spends the majority of time flying missions. He and his co-pilot Gary Standifer fly four days a week, often bringing some humor and comedic distraction to their passengers. Grant has an MBA from Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business Management, a vibrant personality with what many have called that “Hollywood blinding smile,” and enjoys spending his free time with friends or a good book.