As Chief Operating Officer of Palmaz Vineyards, President/Founder of Vactronix Scientific, and passionate pilot, Christian Palmaz’s resumé is anything but ordinary. Adding to his list of accomplishments, Christian now owns and operates his PC-24 in support of their continuously growing businesses.
Christian’s journey in aviation started young. He explains, “I was very fortunate to grow up around general aviation professionals. In the mid-90s, my parents purchased their first business aircraft, a Lear 24B. David Whitney, our chief pilot at the time, was incredibly patient with the endless questions I had as a 13-year-old, fascinated by the Lear’s analog cockpit. Dave was an ex-army helicopter pilot and four-tour Vietnam veteran and went on to an impressive flying career in jet aircraft. For years, after school, I’d visit Dave and his aviation friends at the airport, soaking up their knowledge. I couldn’t get enough.”
A Journey of Growth, Safety, and Professional Excellence
As Christian matured, so did his passion for aviation. After Dave’s retirement, their fixed-wing operations ceased, and Christian focused on rotorcraft operations to support their west-coast businesses with his helicopter ATP certification As the typical jet “owner/pilot” label tends to attract high insurance premiums, he began looking for a better way forward. He pursued rigorous training, including factory training every six months, third-party audits, and implementing a Safety Management System (SMS), eventually securing “pro-flown” rates with just a few thousand hours.
During COVID, the need to own and operate their own fixed-wing jet was revitalized, prompting Christian to begin the necessary training: “In 18 short months, I went from zero fixed-wing ratings to adding my second Helicopter Airline Transport Pilot License rating and a PC-24 single pilot type-rating. I then completed aerobatic and advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), along with several add-on courses. To meet our International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) safety standards, I added a business aviation knowledge continuation program and international ops training.”
PC-24 – Expanding Reach and Enhancing Operations
Christian proudly took delivery of the PC-24 with serial number 505 in February 2024, and has logged over 340 hours in it to date. The California properties supported by their aircraft include their winery in Napa Valley, Palmaz Vineyards, their material science company Vactronix Scientific, and their Wagyu cattle ranch, Genesee Valley Ranch, in Northern California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Christian especially appreciates the versatility of the Super Versatile Jet. “The PC-24 reaches farther to support our food company based in San Antonio, Texas. As a result, the PC-24 is perfectly suited for that trip nonstop while still able to carry six adults, luggage, and a healthy margin of alternate reserve fuel,” says Christian. When asked about what part of his flying he finds most rewarding, Christian had this to say: “There is nothing like single-pilot jet operations. It’s all on you. I love the procedural nature of it and where it takes my mind. Getting into the zone of complete focus working the flows and checklists carefully knowing there is no one to catch a mistake. The PC-24 is so well designed for single pilot operations. It really compliments the workflow of the pilot. Being up at 45,000 feet (13,700 meters) all by yourself has to be one of the most peaceful places on earth.”
Christian Palmaz, his wife Jessica, and their son, Gastón, in the PC-24
Christian on final approach to Boise Airport (KBOI) – captured by photographer, Sean Asay
Sharing Aviation Knowledge Through Authentic Flight Content
Christian also creates videos for his YouTube channel “More Left Pedal,” focusing on aviation. He explains, “YouTube has become a significant source for all things aviation. As much excellent and seemingly endless content there is to be found, many of the aviation YouTubers are personality based. As entertaining as they may be, often it’s their airplanes and the flight I’m more interested in. I’ve also been concerned with the trend of vlogging during critical phases of flight, which distracts from the flying itself.”
Christian’s YouTube Channel “More Left Pedal”
His channel quickly gained popularity, now nearing half a million views per month. “Although it’s a very small percentage, the people I aim to help are other pilots headed to their initial training in the Pilatus PC-24, looking to get an introduction to the platform.” One commenter praised his approach, “This video is the epitome of what flight videos should be. No editing, no music, just pure aircraft sounds and full flight footage. For that, I say thank you.”
