With decades of combined experience across general aviation, corporate flying, and airline operations, we’re here to help you earn your wings and advance your career.
Shawn began his aviation career in 1990 and earned his professional ratings after graduating from William Jewell College in 1993. He has flown as both a Corporate and Airline Pilot, and has served as Director of Training & Safety and Chief Pilot in corporate flight departments. In 2002, Shawn founded Rich Aviation Services to provide affordable, insurance-approved training for King Air and Citation operators without sacrificing quality.
Today, Shawn continues to fly actively and instructs in the Beechcraft King Air, Cessna Citation, Cessna Caravan, and Piper Cheyenne II, while overseeing day-to-day operations at RAS.
Since 2016, Emily has been the go-to resource at Rich Aviation, wearing many hats across administration and operations. As our Operations Supervisor, she assists students and instructors with nearly everything — always with a smile (and a coffee in hand). When she’s not at the airport, you’ll find her at a youth sports event, a Broadway show, traveling, or curled up with a good book and her cat.
Raiya joined Rich Aviation in 2023 and has quickly become the welcoming face at our front desk. Originally from Kansas, she now calls Texas home and is working toward her Private Pilot Certificate. She’s always ready with a smile (and chips & salsa recommendations), and outside of work she enjoys reading at the dog park with her pup, Hazel.
Chris grew up in Chicago, IL and moved to Texas in 2018. Aviation has always been a part of his life, as both his parents worked for United Airlines. Chris completed his training at Rich Aviation in 2026. He is passionate about teaching and helping future pilots achieve their dreams; His end goal is to fly for a corporate flight department. When he’s not flying, you can find him at the gym, fishing, or spending time with his cats at home.
Luke trained locally at Meacham and has logged extensive cross-country time in a Mooney M20J and Piper Warrior. He loves exploring new places by air, especially the Ozarks, and enjoys playing guitar, singing, and performing live music when he’s not in the cockpit.
Jeremiah grew up in Okinawa, Japan around the air force base and would visit his relatives in Hawaii every summer. Needless to say aviation has always been in his life in one capacity or another. He completed his Private Pilot license with Rich Aviation Services in 2023 and completed the rest of his training in November 2024. He has the most experience in Cessna 172’s in both steam and glass. Jeremiah is excited about instructing and has a passion to see others come to an understanding about aviation. On his off time he likes to hang out with his wife and children as well as explore the outdoors.
Aaron began flying at 15 in California and later moved to Texas to be closer to family. He now holds a wide range of instructor ratings and endorsements, and his goal is to mentor the next generation of aviators. Outside the cockpit, he enjoys hockey, camping, music, and family time.
Corey has been flying for 9 years and received his Bachelor’s in Aviation Science from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2024. He joined the RAS team in June of 2026 with a passion for expanding his own, as well as others’, knowledge of aviation. When he is not flying he and his fiancée enjoy water sports at the lake, golfing, hunting and spending time with their 3 dogs, and 2 goats.
Amber discovered aviation through her father, who worked for AeroShell, and began her own career in 2022. After earning her ratings in California, she returned to Texas to teach aspiring pilots. She loves outdoor adventures with her chocolate lab, road trips to national parks, and Texas barbecue.
Matthew first discovered aviation as a student at Rich Aviation, earning his Private Pilot Certificate here before returning as an instructor. A Texas Tech graduate, he’s passionate about helping students build a strong foundation in aviation. Off-duty, Matthew enjoys golf, sports, and time with his cat.
Tyler grew up in Gainesville, Texas, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2024. He joined Decatur Flight Center in May of 2025 and has loved being part of the team ever since. Outside of aviation, Tyler enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.
Zach Nichols is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) whose aviation journey began right here at Rich Aviation with his first discovery flight in December 2023. After earning his Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, and CFII certificates through Rich Aviation, Zach came full circle when he joined the team as a flight instructor.
Before aviation, Zach spent much of his career coaching and developing athletes and building successful programs and businesses. A former nationally ranked Division I tennis player at TCU, he brings the same preparation, patience, competitiveness, and commitment to improvement to his flight students.
Zach enjoys working with Private, Instrument, and Commercial students and especially values building relationships with each student while helping them become safe, confident, and knowledgeable pilots. Outside of aviation, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, staying active, and serving in his Fort Worth community.
Marvin began his aviation career in 1968, earning his Commercial and CFI ratings by 1971. He spent the majority of his career as a corporate pilot and simulator instructor, including 19 years with CAE SimuFlite, where he specialized in King Air and Citation training.
With more than 4,000 hours of in-aircraft instruction and over 6,000 hours in King Airs, Marvin brings extensive real-world and instructional experience to Rich Aviation Services. His goal is to ensure every pilot receives the highest quality training, both in the classroom and in the aircraft or simulator, so they leave more knowledgeable, proficient, and safety-focused.
