Turning Aviation Dreams Into Airpark Realities

Good morning! It’s a very exciting week for me. Today, I’m hopping on a commercial airliner (I’m still a man of the people you know) to fly to Florida to film some very special warbirds for the upcoming Flybuyer YouTube channel. On that note—if you’re anywhere between Gainesville and Fort Myers and you own, fly or have access to any piston, turboprop, business jet or helicopter I can film, please fill out this form! Who knows, I might be able to swing by and film a video of your aircraft before heading back to Montana. 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• The Real Estate Revolution for Pilots: Meet AV8 Realty

• Around the Skies: Faster aircraft inspections with drones, Demand soars for aircraft mechanics, GA industry navigates presidential shift, Aviation’s first female captain—50 years later, Northwest Aviation Conference is coming up, NASA’s future under new leadership, Legal action after fatal crash

• PilotTube: How Aircraft Are Tackling California's Worst Wildfire

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Aviation Realty Is Taking Off—One Airpark at a Time

Melanie Riddick’s foray into aviation real estate began with a leap of faith—landing at the uniquely named Naked Lady Ranch Airport in Stuart, Florida. It was here that she and her husband Bill, who was passionate about aviation but didn’t yet hold a pilot’s license, experienced firsthand the challenges of finding the right hangar home. The community’s quirky name, inspired by WWII-era nose art, made for some lighthearted radio chatter, but the real challenge was navigating the often-clunky process of locating the right airpark property. It was this experience that sparked Riddick’s passion to make the search for aviation real estate easier.

With over 12 years of real estate experience, Riddick knew that searching for homes in fly-in communities required a different approach from traditional real estate. The problem wasn’t just finding listings; it was finding ones that truly met the specific needs of aviation enthusiasts. Whether it’s hangar dimensions, runway lengths or covenants limiting the types of aircraft allowed, Riddick recognized the need for a more tailored service. Thus, AV8 Realty was born, designed to help pilots search for homes with aviation-specific features that matter most to them.

Through AV8 Realty, Riddick offers an easy-to-use platform that allows potential buyers to search for properties based on hangar door sizes, runway access and other aviation necessities. What’s more, she’s not just using traditional real estate methods; Riddick personally engages with buyers and sellers in Florida’s booming aviation market, offering her own expertise as a licensed real estate broker. Her company’s proprietary software even helps buyers understand the market in their area, ensuring that they make an informed decision.

Riddick’s approach has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm at major aviation events like Sun 'n Fun and EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, where many pilots have said, "Finally, someone did this!" With feedback like that, it’s clear that AV8 Realty is helping to fill a vital gap in the aviation real estate market—making it easier for pilots to find homes that cater to their love of flying, and maybe even share a laugh about living at a place with a name like Naked Lady Ranch.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ NASA and Boeing are supporting Near Earth Autonomy's drone-based aircraft inspection system, which can complete inspections in under 30 minutes, drastically reducing the usual four-hour process. By using drones, the system enhances safety and efficiency, allowing for remote analysis of high-resolution images. Currently in beta, this technology could save airlines significant costs by minimizing aircraft downtime.

🛩️ Despite some slowdowns in airline hiring for pilots, there’s a strong demand for aircraft mechanics in 2025. Major U.S. carriers like American, Delta and United are actively hiring for maintenance technician positions, with low-cost carriers like Allegiant and Breeze also in the market. The growing need for aircraft maintenance is not just a U.S. trend, as global demand for aircraft mechanics is expected to rise significantly, creating ample opportunities for those looking to get into the field.

🛩️ The ongoing U.S. presidential transition is causing uncertainty in the aviation industry, with key FAA positions vacant and a freeze on new regulations. While the pro-business stance may bring favorable tax policies, concerns remain about air traffic control privatization. Stakeholders worry that the slowdown in government activity could delay vital programs, including the MOSAIC proposal to expand light sport aircraft specifications.

🛩️ Lynn Rippelmeyer’s aviation career spans 50 years, marked by breaking barriers for women in the skies. From her first solo flight in a Piper Cub to becoming the first female captain on a transoceanic 747 flight, Rippelmeyer’s journey is a true inspiration. Celebrating her anniversary with a flight in a seaplane, she reflects on the evolution of aviation and the challenges today’s pilots face, including a shift toward more automation.

🛩️ The 41st annual Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show, held February 22-23 in Puyallup, Washington, offers a mix of safety seminars, career opportunities, and networking. With over 75 hours of educational sessions and a career fair featuring airlines like Alaska Airlines, the event is perfect for aviation enthusiasts and professionals. Attendees can connect with industry experts and explore a range of aviation vendors, making it an essential stop for anyone in the field.

🛩️ NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stepped down after nearly four years, highlighting the importance of continuity in the agency’s mission, especially the Artemis program aimed at the Moon and Mars. In his farewell letter, he urged his successor, Jared Isaacman, to build on NASA's progress and continue leveraging commercial partnerships.

🛩️ The family of Barrett Bevacqua, a flight student killed in a 2023 Piper Seminole crash, has filed a $27 million wrongful death lawsuit against Hillsboro Aero Academy, Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Ascend Academy. The crash occurred during Bevacqua’s first multiengine training flight, with the lawsuit alleging that the instructor may have allowed unsafe speeds, causing an aerodynamic stall and spin. The case underscores the risks of flight training and the need for strict safety standards.

PilotTube

Amid one of the worst wildfires in U.S. history, Los Angeles has gotten an aerial boost from Cal Fire’s massive fleet of 60+ firefighting aircraft. From converted commercial jets to super scoopers, these planes are dropping fire retardant and water to control the flames. Private contractors like Bridger Aerospace and Erickson Aero Tanker are also on standby, ensuring the skies are packed with support. Together, they're working overtime to keep the fire in check.

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