Meet Our Decatur Team

Our close-knit and professional staff is ready to assist you with your primary and advanced flight training needs. Our instructors are highly qualified to help you get your wings and maintain your currency.

Shawn Rich, Owner

Licenses & Ratings: ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, Commercial: ASEL, Rotorcraft-Helicopter BE-300, CE-500, CE525S, CE650, DA-10, DA-50, G-100, G-200, IA-1125

Shawn began his aviation career in 1990, and completed his professional ratings after graduating William Jewell College in 1993. Shawn has flown as a Corporate Pilot as well as an Airline Pilot. He has served as Director of Training and Safety and Chief Pilot in corporate flight departments. In 2002, he started Rich Aviation Services to provide a more affordable training option for operators of Beechcraft King Air and Cessna Citation aircraft, without compromising the quality of training.

Along with managing the day to day operations of Rich Aviation Services, Shawn continues to fly regularly and currently instructs in the Beechcraft King Air, Cessna Citation, Cessna Caravan, and Piper Cheyenne II.

Emily Watson

Since 2016, Emily has been a constant for Rich Aviation. Throughout the years she has worn all of the admin hats and has been a valuable asset to our team. As our Operations Supervisor and go-to gal, she can assist you with questions pertaining to just about anything with a smile on her face and caffeine in her hand.
When she’s not at the office, she’s probably at a youth sports events, a Broadway show, traveling or curled up at home with a book and her favorite cat.

Holden Walker

License & Ratings: Commercial ASEL, CFI, CFI-I

Holden is originally from Decatur, Texas. He began his aviation journey here in Decatur in 2017. He attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Aviation and worked for the university’s Aerospace Sciences Institute for four years. After graduating in the spring of 2023, he finished up his CFI/CFII, moved back to Texas, and joined the Rich Aviation team in March of 2024. When he isn’t flying, you might find him out on the lake or hiking with his wife and dogs. You will gain invaluable knowledge by flying with Holden while also keeping the fun in flying.

Lexi Higginbotham

License & Ratings: Commercial ASEL, CFI,

Lexi is a born and raised Texan who always happily had her ‘head in the clouds’ as a child. Falling in love with the skies, she graduated cum laude from TSTC with an Associates of Science in Aviation. Now, as a flight instructor through Rich Aviation, she’s working towards her ATP minimums while encouraging the next generation of pilots. Combining the thrill of general aviation with the highest standard of safety, Lexi truly loves sharing her passion for flight with others. In her freetime, she swaps from sky to sea as a certified Master/Instructor Scuba Diver. Also, beware – she’s always quick to show pictures of her Golden Retriever, Lyla, to others. She hopes you join her in soaring among the clouds!

Don't Be Shy. Get In Touch.

If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you achieve your flying goals, let us know. We will get in touch with you ASAP.

The overall experience was very enjoyable. Location was excellent as were facilities. Staff treated customers with respect and were very courteous. Supplying lunch during training was a nice “extra”. I am very thankful to have you guys nearby.

G. Barnes / King Air B200