![]()
Rick Raymond is an aircraft maintenance professional with over four decades of experience that began in the U.S. Marine Corps. This led him to a career in business and general aviation as an Avionics Technician and Aandamp;P Mechanic, Maintenance Manager, and Sales Manager in various roles throughout the industry.
Leading Edge announced on Tuesday that Rick has joined as Vice President, Technical Services. He will serve our clients as a trusted aviation advisor and oversee their maintenance projects. We are honored to have him as part of our team.
We asked Rick a few questions to learn more about what working in aviation means to him as well as his goals for the future of Leading Edge.
What first got you interested in aviation? The small town that I lived in as a youth had an airport, and I often dreamed of working on airplanes. When I enlisted in the Marine Corps during high school in 1978, the ASVAB test showed that I scored well in Electronics Information. As a result, I signed a contract for training and service as an aircraft Avionics Technician. The rest is history.
What is your favorite part about the industry/your job? As a technical guy, I continue to be fascinated by the technological advances in flight systems that enhance safety and cabin systems that improve the passenger experience. We are a long way from steam gauge cockpits, analog systems, and radio telephones in turbine powered jets. As for my job, I take pleasure in being a trusted technical advisor to my team and clients and learning something new every day.
What's one piece of advice to someone that is buying or selling their aircraft? Details and due diligence matter. Every airplane has a story that is told through its appearance, physical condition, and organization and completeness of the technical records. For buyers, accomplish a visual inspection and technical survey of the jet and records to note potential red flags and learn it's maintenance status and history. For sellers, ensure the aircraft is clean and presents as a well-maintained airplane, and the technical records are chronologically organized and prepared to tell buyers that airplanes story.
What are you most looking forward to with working at Leading Edge? Working with a team of likeminded and driven professionals who believe in taking good care of and providing excellent aviation solutions to our clients. As a subject matter expert, I look forward to contributing to our team's success by leading our Pre-Purchase Inspection, New Aircraft Completion, and Major Refurbishment and Upgrade Monitoring Technical Services.
Where do you predict the industry will be in 1 year? 5 years? New aircraft models will continue to develop and be introduced, and new technology will continue to evolve. The launch of space-age electric airplanes and air taxi services will be very interesting to watch. As will the demand and competition for flight services personnel to support those operations in an already shorthanded industry.
When you aren't working, what do you enjoy? Spending quality time with family and friends, tinkering with my classic 1963 Ford Galaxie, and training to compete as a master athlete in mountain, cyclocross, and gravel bicycle racing events
Please help us give Rick a warm welcome!