Tristan McNelly

Tristan McNelly is one of Capstone’s newest additions and, in his role as a Charter Advisor, brings an operational mindset to managing client travel from initial request through trip completion. Tristan combines thoughtful client service with the technical understanding needed to navigate the moving pieces behind a successful charter. From day-to-day trip coordination and last-minute changes to unexpected challenges, he approaches each trip with a focus on finding solutions and keeping things moving.

Tristan’s path to private aviation is anything but conventional. Before joining Capstone and the industry, he played an integral role in growing a film production company, working on several large-scale productions where tight timelines, complex logistics, and constantly changing circumstances came with the territory. The experience sharpened his ability to coordinate across diverse teams, manage critical details, and adapt quickly when plans change, skills that translated naturally to the world of business aviation. Tristan later formalized his aviation expertise through ADTC Flight Dispatch School, developing specialized knowledge in flight planning, weather analysis, regulatory compliance, aircraft performance, and operational control. He also earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Houston, rounding out a background that blends creative industries, technical aviation knowledge, and hands-on operational experience.

Tristan’s story has taken him through an unusually varied collection of places from an early age. Born in Alaska, he grew up across Washington, Oregon, Maryland, and Texas, with time abroad in both South Korea and Germany. That experience of repeatedly calling somewhere new home gave him early exposure to a wide range of people, places, and cultures. Tristan also maintains a strong connection to his love of cinema, regularly attending film festivals, supporting local filmmakers, and writing scripts for fun, with a particular affinity for all things science fiction. Outside of work, Tristan enjoys hiking nature trails, getting together with family and friends, and spending time with Char, his beloved rescue pittie who is, by his own account, an absolute angel.