Brian
Ridgley
Owner
I took my first flying lesson when I was 9 years old. Cherokee County Airport (JSO) and aviation in general looked alot different back then. I'm one of those guys that can talk about how things used to be and tell stories with the best of them. Singles, multi, turbine, you name it, I love flying it!
I believe I was destined to become my dad's successor at RidgeAire! It just seemed the natural thing for me to do. Dad patiently nurtured me through an eight year internship following my service in the US Navy and I'll admit, I was impatient at times. Dad wanted to make sure I was ready to take care of our clients.
Today, I'm a husband to Laurissa and the father of Brianna, Macie and Zack. Devoted to God and to my family, I'm also devoted to seeing that the reputation my father has always enjoyed in this business is respected and guarded. It's important to me that when you contact us, you understand that you're not just doing business, you're becoming a member of our aviation family, too!
Bud
Ridgley
President Emeritus
I might know everybody in aviation. Lord knows I’ve been in it long enough! My first flight was when I was 10 years old and that, put mildly, was a while back.
That first flight introduced me to what was to be my life’s work. As a teen, I “earned” flight time by working at Beaver Aviation in Des Moines. I soloed on my 16th birthday.
In 1955 I moved to Houston with my wife Fran. While there, I bought my first plane, a Luscombe 8E. I’ve never looked back.
I took the Aircraft Sales Manager position at Hunt Pan Am in Brownsville and moved to Texas in 1972. Several years later, my wife, Fran, and I established Ridgley Aviation at Bay City (TX) Municipal. Fran even invented one of, if not the first “self serve” gas pumps while we were there. It was marvelous. I stayed busy with the FBO and a flight club that sold shares rather than the traditional fractional ownership of one airplane. This allowed me to continually rotate the airplanes in use and made everyone in the flying club happy enough that it stayed full during it’s entire existence!
Around the end of 1978, an opportunity to establish an FBO at Cherokee County Airport presented itself and we quickly made the move. We expanded to Tyler, TX, selling Texaco branded fuel, arranging charters, running a flight school, renting hangar space and operating a maintenance facility.
Almost 20 years later, we slowed down. My son, Brian, came into the business as my apprentice and I devoted full time to teaching him everything I had learned. Brian bought the business and Fran and I retired in 1997, leaving our “baby” in very capable hands. With pride, we watched Brian grow the firm, expanding his markets and blazing new trails. He does all things first class and has added acclaim to the Ridgley name.
It was no surprise to anyone but me, probably, but last year, I grew bored of my “lifestyle decision” and determined that I wanted back in. The current economy made it challenging and I felt that my experience and contacts would benefit my son’s company. So, without hesitation, (and after consulting my wife of 57 years) I came back to Ridgley Aviation (now known as RidgeAire Worldwide) and am having fun again! It seems I get reacquainted with old aviation friends every day.
Make no mistake, the world of aviation and aircraft sales has changed a lot in my time away. Things move much more quickly now, thanks to cell phones and the computer. I’ve even had to learn a whole new language thanks to innovations such as the G1000 and advances in GPS technology. I’ve embraced these changes (call me on my iPhone or send me an email) and marvel at their contributions to the industry.
This fascinating, amazing, ever changing world of aviation is my life long passion, no doubt about it. If you’re wondering what that means to you as a potential client of RidgeAire Worldwide, call us. I’ll explain it to you and maybe tell you a story or two if you have the time.
Janice
A. Crawford
Operations Manager
I'll admit, when I came to work for Ridgeaire, I didn't know anything about aviation. It didn't take long for me to figure out that it is a fascinating industry, filled with amazing people.
Because I want to be able to help you however possible, I've worked hard to learn this industry every day for the past eight years.
Brian is busy and keeping up with him and the fast-paced world we do business in is hectic. But I've always got time to answer the phone when you call and help with questions whenever possible..
I really enjoy what I do, but even more important, I truly love the people I do it for! Brian says that clients tell him and Mr. Bud that I'm one of the reasons they feel they have had a positive experience with Ridgeaire. That makes me so proud!
If our company can serve you in any way, if you want to get started down the road to buying or selling your airplane, contact us. I'll make sure you get what you need!
Colt Weaver
Sales
I've logged over 3800 hours in 56 types of aircraft. I've managed FBO’s and hold Commercial, Instrument, and Multi–engine ratings and was a US Army Blackhawk Crew Chief. I know and understand practically every facet of the world of aviation and that’s very good for you!
The success enjoyed by RidgeAire, is easy to understand...our company goal is for RidgeAire clients to regard their experience with us as seamless and comfortable. We work hard to anticipate every question and provide clear, useful information. We know that time is money and we respect yours, providing comprehensive services such as value comparisons, market conditions, cost of ownership or acquisition scenarios, including trades.
I believe that the main reason we can accomplish our goals; the main difference between us and other aviation sales companies, is that RidgeAire OWNS aircraft too. We understand that our clients face significant daily expenses and empathize with someone who wonders what to do as a plane sits in the hangar. We literally walk in your shoes!
I'm here, ready to help you make informed decisions. Call me to discuss a sale or acquisition or just to ask a question. I promise to use my experience, as well as every resource available to best serve your interests!
Ronnie Lindsey
Aircraft Technician
When we acquire an aircraft, my job is to make it "Ridgeaire Ready". Brian encourages people to be picky, to demand attention to every little detail. And that's ok, because I LOVE making airplanes wonderful!
Around the shop, they laugh at me. I use polishing compounds that insure a long lasting protective shield against UV rays on the surfaces of your aircraft. I know and understand the science of what I do and cannot tolerate less than perfect attention to detail. I'm picky about bugs on leading edges and whether a boot is nice and shiny. I've been known to use a Q-tip on a wheel well.
I'm fortunate that the Ridgley family shares my desire to make planes as beautiful as they were meant to be. No expense is spared in my department. I have great assistance not only in the shop, but from the front office: RidgeAire believes in making aircraft perfect and that's my job!.
When a plane is ready, there's no greater satisfaction for me than watching Brian look it over. He hasn't found a lost peanut yet and more often than not, he tells me it looks better than he thought it ever would. Brian's picky, so I'm picky and that's GOOD for you.
Chances are we'll meet when you visit RidgeAire. You'll be busy and the meeting will be brief, but make no mistake, I'll be the guy on the ramp with a camera when you leave. It's my favorite shot of the "birds" I've worked on....them leaving JSO with new owners, shining and bright and ready for new adventures in aviation.
