Talented Professionals and A Personal Touch

Meet the talented professionals who bring expertise, dedication, and a personal touch to every RAI Jets experience. From skilled pilots to experienced maintenance staff and attentive customer service, our team is committed to providing you with the safest, most reliable aviation services.

Our Leadership Team:

Becky Riley-Bakeman

President

Becky, President of RAI Jets and the youngest of the Riley siblings, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success. Previously serving as Vice President overseeing marketing and sales, Becky stepped into the role of President during the 2009 economic downturn, spearheading a corporate restructuring and rebranding effort that ensured the company’s resilience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Mississippi and brings her expertise and leadership to every aspect of the business. Becky resides in Sturgis, Michigan, with her husband and two children.

David Riley

Director of Operations

David, the Director of Operations at RAI Jets, started working in the aviation business as a teen and has been helping lead the operation since 1990. David has an education in aviation management from Western Michigan University, and is also certified as an ATP (airline transport pilot) with over 4,370 total flight hours. He lives in Three Rivers, Michigan and enjoys spending time with his wife, Karen, and his son Bo.

Brian Riley

Chief Pilot/Captain

Brian is the Chief Pilot/Captain at RAI Jets and an experienced career aviator. He began his career in the Army as a helicopter pilot, and served for ten years in the Michigan Army National Guard, where he was a Pilot in Command and instructor pilot. He holds more than 9,500 total flight hours, and is certified as an ATP (airline transport pilot), UH-60 Instructor Pilot, and a helicopter flight instructor.

Christina Riley-Kline

Director of Sales and Marketing

As the daughter of the Chief Pilot at RAI Jets, Christina grew up at the airport. She learned the family business from the word go: evolving from her crib in the terminal office to growing up giving helicopter rides with her dad in the summers and working as a “Weekend Warrior” in the office as a teenager. After graduating from Western Michigan University with her B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Care Services, she joined the company full time. Today as the Director of Sales & Marketing, she leads a team of Aviation Specialists in charge of facilitating & planning trips for customers, ensuring pilots & aircraft are set for trips, and representing the company to prospective customers through meetings and networking events. When out of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family. She & her husband, Brett, have a 2.5 year old son, Cole, and they are expecting a little girl in April of 2025. She also enjoys spending time on the boat in the summer and watching the Detroit Lions (good or bad) in the fall and taking some much needed R&R (when her children allow).

Greg Bearss

Finance Manager

Greg Bearss is RAI Jets’ Finance Manager and Business Development Specialist, bringing extensive experience in finance and a strong connection to the Kalamazoo County community. Since joining RAI in September 2020, he has been passionate about contributing to the aviation industry, particularly in private aircraft sales and acquisitions. In his role, Greg expertly guides RAI’s clients through every step of aircraft transactions, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Greg enjoys camping, fishing, and boating with his dogs. He especially loves Brook Trout fishing on Michigan’s picturesque Upper Peninsula streams, where he finds peace and inspiration.

Kay Scohy

Administration

Whether you call her the office manager or the CFO, Kay is the backbone of all things financial at RAI Jets. Kay was a middle and high school teacher for 30 years even while she contributed to the family business handling tax payments and accounts payable and receivable. She is also still instrumental in purchasing and procurement, particularly within the maintenance department. Outside of RAI Jets, Kay enjoys her grandchildren and ballroom dancing. Inside, she enjoys working with her three children, Brian, David and Becky, and is amazed at the amount of industry expertise they possess and continue to gain as they progress in a challenging industry.

Dave Lillie

Director of Maintenance

Dave joined RAI Jets in 2019, bringing over 30 years of experience in aviation maintenance. Previously with Duncan Aviation, he advanced from an entry position to a lead mechanic, building expertise across a range of aircraft. Dave is certified in Beechjet 400(A), Falcon 20, Falcon 200, Falcon 900EX, and has completed Citation Advanced Troubleshooting. His extensive skills cover King Air, Westwind/Astra, BeechJet, Falcon, Challenger, and various Citation models. We’re proud to have his expertise and leadership in our maintenance division.