Richards Aviation

If you drove here on I-95 you wouldn’t ask. Statistically, flying is safer than showering, much safer than driving, and much more rewarding than either.

You can buy one of those shirts for $20. It doesn’t make you a better instructor. Talk it over with our Chief Pilot and don’t be afraid to “interview” his recommendation. All our instructors are highly qualified, personable, and dedicated to making you a better pilot.

We have a few to lend but you should spring for a quality headset before you buy that pilot’s watch. David Clark, Bose, Peltor, LightSpeed, SoftComm all make excellent headsets. Check them out in the Banyan pilot shop or ask around for a good used unit. If you buy a used headset,TEST IT before you pay for it.

Before you are authorized to fly you’ll need a medical exam given by an AME (Aviation Medical Examiner). You’ll get your Student License at the same time as you take your Third Class Medical. Ask us for local contacts. Your primary care physician can’t issue a Medical unless he or she is an AME.

It’s nice to know where you are when you’re flying, but in the training phase you MUST learn to read and understand charts and navigate with the aircraft’s instruments. On the fateful day you meet your examiner, he will expect you to know how to navigate, locate your position, and manage a flight plan without a GPS. When you’re ready, ask us or visit the Banyan Pilot shop. We can get you a discount on a quality GPS.

Our aircraft are ­­­­insured but there’s a $2500 deductible that YOU are responsible for if you bend one of our airplanes. The policy costs about $180 a year; without a policy we charge you $8 an hour for insurance, but that does NOT cover the deductible. Do the math. The policy pays for itself in about 22 hours of flying. It saves you the $8/hour charge and most important, the $2500 deductible. And the policy stays with you if you rent an airplane anywhere else. Renter’s insurance is available through Avemco, Travers, AOPA and EAA.

The safest vehicles in the world are US aircraft because they are strictly maintained according to Federal law. Each of our aircraft undergoes a 100-hour inspection, a thorough yearly “annual”, rigid adherence to federal Airworthiness Directives—mandatory modifications, replacements and inspections of aircraft. Our chief mechanic is also an instructor and a pilot.

Our aircraft are rented “wet” meaning the price includes the cost of fuel. When you pre-flight, check the fuel levels and if not “topped off,” call Banyan (954 491-3170) and ask for a “top-off at Richards Aviation.” Be sure to give them the tail number; they’ll know the location. Don’t take off with less than full fuel. When you return the aircraft, be sure to call Banyan for a top-off whether you’ve flown 3 hours or 30 minutes. If you need to add fuel or oil on a cross-country flight, you will pay at that location but the cost will be deducted from your rental, so don’t lose the receipt. Be sure to use 100 Low-Lead; never use unleaded or “auto” gas or you’ll damage the engine.