CAPTAIN JACOB RASMUSSEN: PASSION, PERSPECTIVE, AND THE CRJ.

CAPTAIN JACOB RASMUSSEN: PASSION, PERSPECTIVE, AND THE CRJ.

Jacob

From solo childhood flights to co-founding his own airline, Jacob Rasmussen’s aviation journey is anything but ordinary. As the co-founder of Global Reach Aviation, he’s flown scenic tours, tackled cargo missions, and built a career rooted in adaptability and purpose, all without ever straying far from the cockpit of the CRJ. In this interview Rasmussen reflects on his path, the aircraft he swears by, and what keeps him grounded after 25 years in the skies.
 

Jacob Rasmusse #1

MHIRJ: Jacob, tell us a little about who or what inspired you to become a pilot?

Jacob: As a kid, I used to fly alone to visit my grandmother in Sweden. I was an unaccompanied minor and often got to sit up front in the cockpit. Even before finishing primary school, I just knew I wanted to be a pilot.

MHIRJ: Can you share a memorable moment from your early days of flying?

Jacob: My first flying job was taking tourists on scenic flights. That feeling of freedom and perspective really stuck with me.

MHIRJ: How has your career evolved since then?

Jacob Rasmusse #2

Jacob: It took a big turn when I founded my own airline in 2015. It hasn’t been all smooth sailing, but I wanted to build the kind of workplace that I’d genuinely want to be part of. One built on passion, flexibility and trust.

MHIRJ: What do you enjoy most about flying the same aircraft for 25 years?

Jacob: The CRJ is incredibly versatile. I’ve done airline flights, VIP charters, and even cargo missions with it. I’ve had so many unique experiences without ever changing the frame. The CRJ feels like home to me. Even when I look at other aircraft, I don’t feel the urge to switch. The cockpit design still feels intuitive and modern, even though it was developed back in 1991.

MHIRJ: What are some unique features of a CRJ that you appreciate?

Jacob: Definitely the EICAS system. It’s clear, smart, and efficient, just one of many things that makes the CRJ such a solid aircraft to fly.

MHIRJ: Tell us a little about some of the challenges you’ve faced over the last 25 years in the industry.

Jacob Quote

Jacob: Aviation is a rollercoaster. no doubt about it. But one of our strengths has always been our size and agility. We’ve managed to adapt quickly, scale up or down when needed, and push through the rough patches. We’ve never lost hope and every time we’ve come out stronger.

MHIRJ: Has your perspective on flying changed over the years?

Jacob: In the beginning, most pilots dream of flying bigger and bigger planes. The CRJ fits our segment perfectly, it’s flexible and can do so much more than people often realize.

Jacob Rasmusse #3

MHIRJ: Why did you decide to start Global Reach Aviation?

Jacob: I founded global reach aviation in 2015 with my wife and some investors, after I’d spent years in scheduled services, VIP, and cargo flights. But I always had a bigger dream: to create a workplace, not just a business. It was never about chasing money. It was about building a company that reflects the kind of culture I believe in.

MHIRJ: What advice would you give to new pilots or cabin crew starting their careers?

Jacob: If you really want it, you’ll make it. Don’t let the tough times knock you down, aviation can be wild and unpredictable but if you stay focused and passionate, it’s all worth it.

3 MIN.