Founder and CEO James Deuvall established CAVU Companies in 1984 after a successful career in the medical field as a certified physician assistant. While his work as a PA was challenging, James decided to return to his first love: aviation. Having obtained his pilot’s license in college, James took an unexpected offer to crew charter operations in New York State.  Fascinated, or “hooked” as some might say, doors began to open as a simulator instructor, and he found a talent for teaching and aircraft performance. 

 James is a graduate of Syracuse University and holds a BS degree and two post graduate degrees.  He is a member of the Society of Aircraft Performance and Operating Engineers and the recipient of the prestigious “Leading Edge Award” for his work in performance calculation automation.  He is the author of the book, “Aircraft Performance, Myths and Methods” where he provides a pilot-oriented primer on aircraft performance, particularly for turbine aircraft.  The book details numerous methods of calculating performance he encountered while teaching, providing detailed explanations of the shortcomings of many myths.  This experience lead to the creation of EFB-Pro, a software application that actually follows the AFM precisely without relying not the erroneous shortcuts of previous programs.  The app moved from Windows desktops to handheld devices, such as Palm Pilots, and eventually to today’s iOS application now used by hundreds of well-known corporate, airline and military operators.

The company also expanded into other industries such as Food Safety, FAA maintenance compliance, emergency services, and hospitality.  James lives in upstate NY with his wife and two children.