About the Firm
Decades of Expertise. Uncompromising Counsel.
Griffin & Harris Aviation Advisors was founded on a single conviction: aircraft owners deserve independent, conflict-free guidance from advisors who have spent careers inside the industry.
Our Story
Built From the Flight Deck Up
Griffin & Harris was established in 2004 by two aviation professionals who had spent the prior two decades on opposite sides of the industry — one as a career ATP-rated captain and flight department director, the other as a regulatory attorney and compliance specialist. Together, they saw the same gap: owners making six- and seven-figure decisions with no truly independent advisor in the room.
What began as a boutique consultancy serving a handful of Midwest clients has grown into a nationally recognized advisory practice. Our client roster spans Fortune 500 flight departments, family offices, charter operators, and first-time aircraft owners. The common thread is our commitment to objectivity — we hold no dealer relationships, accept no referral fees, and carry no inventory. Our only product is sound counsel.
What We Stand For
The Griffin & Harris Standard
Complete Independence
No dealer affiliations, no referral arrangements, no inventory. Our advice is shaped only by your interests.
Operational Depth
Our principals have logged thousands of flight hours and managed multi-aircraft flight departments. We speak from experience, not theory.
Absolute Discretion
Our clients include some of the most recognizable names in American business. Confidentiality is not a policy — it is a professional obligation.
Precision Counsel
We do not traffic in generalities. Every engagement produces specific, documented recommendations tailored to your aircraft and your objectives.
The Principals
Meet Griffin & Harris
ATP, CFII, A&P — 28 Years in Aviation
James R. Griffin
Co-Founder & Managing Principal
James Griffin holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with type ratings in the Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Challenger 604, and Citation X. He spent twelve years as a flight department director for a Chicago-based private equity firm before co-founding Griffin & Harris. His advisory work focuses on aircraft management programs, crew oversight, and operational efficiency.
Areas of Focus
FAR PART 91, 135 OPERATIONs — FAA Regulatory Specialist
Amanda E. Harris
Co-Founder & Principal — Regulatory Affairs
Amanda Harris honed her aviation regulatory skills for fifteen years before transitioning to full-time advisory work. She has represented clients before the FAA, NTSB, and DOT, and has authored compliance programs for Part 91, Part 91K, and Part 135 operators. Her advisory practice centers on regulatory compliance, acquisition due diligence, and risk management.
Areas of Focus
Credentials & Affiliations
Recognized Expertise
Ready to Work With Us?
Schedule a consultation and experience the Griffin & Harris standard of counsel firsthand.