our team

Why Aircraft Owners Choose SkyWorld Aviation

Our team is the foundation of everything we do. With decades of combined experience spanning military, commercial, and general aviation, our FAA-certified technicians bring disciplined workmanship and experienced troubleshooting to every aircraft we service in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Founded by Colonel Ronald Gatewood, a decorated Marine Corps veteran with nearly 13,000 flight hours, SkyWorld was built on the values of accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to protecting the safety and long-term value of every aircraft that enters our hangar.

We are more than mechanics and avionics technicians — we are pilots, veterans, aircraft owners, and aviation enthusiasts who understand what it means to trust the aircraft you fly. When your aircraft is with us, it is cared for by people who treat it with the same attention and respect they would expect for their own.

Ron Gatewood

Founder and owner of SkyWorld Aviation

Founder & Owner Col. Ronald Gatewood, USMC (Ret.)founded Skyworld Aviation in 1991 with a vision rooted in disciplined maintenance, aviation professionalism, and a commitment to keeping aircraft flying safely. With nearly 13,000 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, Colonel Gatewood holds ratings across a wide range of aircraft including single and multi-engine fixed wing, tailwheel, rotary wing, seaplane, turboprop, and jet aircraft.

A decorated United States Marine Corps veteran, Colonel Gatewood served 34 years in military aviation and leadership roles around the world, including combat tours in Vietnam flying both the CH-46 helicopter and the McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Throughout his military career, he held numerous operational, maintenance, logistics, and command positions, including assignments supporting the Commandant of the Marine Corps and Joint Chiefs of Staff at Headquarters Marine Corps in Arlington, Virginia.

Following his military service, Colonel Gatewood combined his passion for aviation, flight operations, and aircraft maintenance to build SkyWorld Aviation into a respected aircraft maintenance and avionics operation serving the general aviation community. Since its founding, the company has continued to grow while maintaining the values it was built upon — accountability, professionalism, safety, and experienced workmanship.

Today, one of Colonel Gatewood’s greatest passions is mentoring the next generation of aviators and aircraft technicians while continuing to support aircraft owners with the experience and stewardship that have defined SkyWorld Aviation for decades.

Honors & Awards

Professional Affiliations

Kelli Gatewood

President & FAA Accountable Manager

Kelli Gatewood serves as President & FAA Accountable Manager of SkyWorld Aviation, bringing a strong background in business management, customer relations, sales, and marketing to the company’s leadership team. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management and has extensive experience across the real estate, hospitality, and business operations industries.

Raised in an aviation family, Kelli developed an early understanding of the industry through her father, Ron Gatewood, and his lifelong passion for aircraft and aviation maintenance. Kelli fondly recalls the family of 6 and a dog piling in the V-tail V35A Bonanza to fly across country to visit family in Indiana for the summer and holidays. That foundation, combined with her diverse professional experience, has helped shape SkyWorld Aviation’s customer-focused approach and commitment to professionalism.

Today, Kelli plays a key role in guiding the company’s operations, client experience, and long-term vision while continuing SkyWorld Aviation’s reputation for disciplined maintenance, clear communication, and personalized service. She is dedicated to building a team culture centered around accountability, professionalism, and delivering a positive experience for every aircraft owner who entrusts SkyWorld with their aircraft.

ZACH Gatewood

Director of Avionics

Award-Winning Avionics Specialist & IA Technician

Zachary Gatewood was born into aviation and is becoming known as the “autopilot whisperer” in the region. Raised in a maintenance shop by his father, an A&P/IA technician, and inspired by his grandfather, Ron Gatewood Sr., Zach mastered aircraft mechanics from an early age. He earned his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate by age 24, building a career defined by elite technical skill earning his Inspection Authority in September of 2018. In recognition of his industry leadership and expertise, Zach was named to the prestigious AMT "Top 40 Under 40" list in 2020. 

An asset to launch operations, Zach was instrumental in establishing the FAA Avionics Repair Station for Sky World. Today, he holds advanced Inspection Authorization (IA) credentials, blending a lifetime of legacy knowledge with cutting-edge technical mastery. His background combines extensive hands-on experience with specialized FAA, Lycoming, and Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) training: 

Completed the Lycoming Engine Service School and the Lycoming Disassembly/Reassembly course (February 2012). Cirrus SR2X Maintenance Course (October 2020); American Bonanza Society Maintenance Academy (May 2021) 

System Certifications: RVSM Maintenance, Advanced Transponder Training, Pitot-Static testing, and ADS-B implementation. Basic Wiring, Navigation Systems Line Maintenance, and Digital Databus Theory. 

Avionics & Installations: Avionics training began with hands on training at Lafayette Avionics for S-TEC Autopilot systems where Zach discovered his passion for avionics. 

Zach delivers industry-leading aviation maintenance across diverse piston and turbine driven airframes. He is exceptional at inspections, and avionics solutions backed by top-tier credentials and a proven track record of excellence. 

Richard Pittman

Director of Maintenance

Over 33 years of experience in aircraft maintenance and leadership. His reputation for technical excellence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to aviation safety is well-deserved. As an FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA), he has extensive experience working with a diverse range of aircraft, including Beechcraft, Cirrus, Cessna, Piper, and CH-47D platforms.

In his role as Director of Maintenance, he oversees maintenance operations, quality standards, regulatory compliance, and technician development. His hands-on leadership style and deep technical knowledge ensure that every aircraft leaving the hangar meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and workmanship.

Throughout his career, he has held various maintenance leadership positions, including Maintenance Supervisor, Chief Inspector, and Director of Maintenance. His experience managing complex maintenance programs and mentoring technicians has made him a respected leader within the aviation community.

Beyond his professional achievements, he also served in the U.S. Army as a CH-47D Flight Engineer, with assignments in Alaska, Haiti, and Hawaii. The discipline, professionalism, and mission-focused mindset he developed during his military service continues to influence his approach to aviation maintenance.



His commitment to continuous learning is evident in his training with Beechcraft aircraft through the American Bonanza Society, Cirrus aircraft and Continental engine certification. He regularly completes advanced technical training and remains dedicated to delivering safe, dependable aircraft and exceptional service to every customer SkyWorld Aviation serves.

Lacy Bell

Assistant General Manager

Lacy Bell serves as Assistant General Manager at SkyWorld Aviation, where she helps keep daily operations running smoothly while supporting both customers and employees. With more than 20 years of experience in administration, operations, and human resources, she brings organization, adaptability, and a strong team-first approach to the business.

Known throughout the company for her ability to keep projects moving and details organized, Lacy plays a key role in coordinating the many moving parts of a busy aviation maintenance and avionics operation. Her leadership helps create an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Lacy's background in small business operations gives her a practical, customer-focused perspective that aligns perfectly with SkyWorld Aviation's commitment to personalized service and accountability. She is passionate about building strong teams, supporting customers, and helping the organization continue to grow while maintaining its family-oriented culture.

In 2023, Lacy earned her Applied Project Management Certificate from Villanova University, further strengthening her ability to lead projects and support operational excellence across the organization.

curtis amon

A&P

Curtis Amon is an FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic with more than 25 years of experience maintaining, inspecting, and repairing a wide variety of general aviation, business, and transport-category aircraft. His career has been defined by technical excellence, strong leadership, and a commitment to delivering dependable aircraft that customers can trust. 

Over the years, Curtis has held positions ranging from Lead Aircraft Technician to Maintenance Supervisor and RII Inspector, leading maintenance teams, coordinating complex inspections, and ensuring every project meets stringent FAA and manufacturer standards. His experience includes aircraft from Cirrus, Cessna, Beechcraft, Falcon, Gulfstream, Hawker, Piper, Bombardier, and Airbus. 



Curtis has completed extensive factory and manufacturer training through Cirrus Aircraft, Airbus, Cessna, Teledyne Continental Motors, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, and General Electric. Combined with decades of hands-on experience, this advanced training enables him to provide accurate diagnostics, efficient repairs, and exceptional workmanship. He is passionate about mentoring fellow technicians and helping maintain the highest levels of safety, reliability, and professionalism throughout every maintenance operation. 

READY FOR FLIGHT SAFETY?

Experience Matters When Your Aircraft Is On The Line

Not every maintenance issue comes with an obvious answer. That’s why aircraft owners across the Mid-Atlantic turn to SkyWorld Aviation for experienced troubleshooting, careful workmanship, and clear communication throughout the process.