Rich Cox, founder of Dayton Aviation Services on the historic Moraine Airpark, is living out a
long-held dream: to further his career as an instructor and provide unparalleled aviation
education. Establishing his business in 2018 marked the culmination of years dedicated to
honing his craft.
With Commercial, CFII, MEI, and A&P certifications, Rich brings a comprehensive skillset to
every student and aircraft. His journey in aviation began in 1999, earning his Private Pilot
certification through the Wright-Patterson Aero Club in Dayton, Ohio. By 2001, he had
embarked on a professional instructing career, shaping the skills of Air Force and Navy Initial
Flight Screening pilots, as well as civilians.
As an Air Force trailing spouse to Lt Col (Ret) Amy Cox, Rich’s professional path led him
through a remarkable diversity of instructing environments. From Beale Air Force Base in
Northern California to Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Pensacola/Milton, Florida,
and within the demanding DC/Maryland FRZ, he gained invaluable experience. This exposure
to various locations, airspaces, aircraft, students, and fellow instructors has endowed him with a
broad spectrum of knowledge, which he skillfully synthesizes to provide a superior and tailored
experience for his students and customers. The only pause in his instructing career was a
fourteen-month immersion in the South of France (2005-06) while Amy was an officer exchange
student in Istres.
Originally from Albuquerque, NM, Rich holds an AA from the New Mexico Military Institute
(92JC) and a BA in History from the University of New Mexico. Off-duty, Rich and Amy are
proud parents to their two awesome children, daughter Bea and son Ridley.