Thom Richard’s passion for WWII aviation is well known in the American warbird community, whether from within the high octane environment of Unlimited Air Racing in Reno, Nevada where he piloted the much-modified, Rolls-Royce Griffon-powered P-51 Mustang, Precious Metal, or for offering flight experiences in his two-seat, dual-controlled Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, American Dream, or even the fleet of North American Texan trainers which he has operated for more than two decades at Warbird Adventures.
Thom Richard has always dreamed big, setting himself very high standards which he repeatedly finds ways to hurdle. Through sheer force of will, his latest goal involves building the ‘epicenter of cool aviation events’ in the American Southeast. And, by the look of things, he is on the right track. After 24 years of flight operations from Kissimmee Gateway Airport in Kissimmee, Florida, Richard moved his business to a new location in Ninety Six, South Carolina during late 2021. He chose this little town because of its geographical location, excellent year-round weather, and relatively uncontested airspace.
Richard’s new facility, aptly named American Dream Skyranch, has its own private strip in the countryside. The rural area’s low population density afords uncrowded skies, making it ideal for the kind of flight training operations which Richard is famous for. Plans to add a drop-zone, a fly-in aero-camping site, and a fully-equipped RV/Camping area are already well in hand, as well as Richard’s intentions to hold regular fly-ins. American Dream Skyranch also has its own aerobatic box over the property; approved back in January. There is a permit to hold an air show, although Richard has no firm date to hold it yet. The property offers comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation on site, making it all-the-more welcoming for out-of-town guests. And as Richard puts it, he wants American Dream Skyranch to become “a place people don’t want to leave!”
Vintage Aviation News recently visited American Dream Skyranch to explore the property and its future possibilities. We caught up with Thom to discuss his vision for the future of Warbird Adventures in this beautiful new setting, and our own Moreno Aguiari produced the video below; it should give readers and future visitors an excellent overview, both of the property and what the future holds for this marvelous new adventure at the American Dream Skyranch!
For more information about the American Dream Skyranch, please visit www.americandreamskyranch.com
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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