About FL Aviation
Built on Experience.
Focused on What Matters.
FL Aviation has served aircraft owners, businesses, and private aviation clients since 1988.
Our Origin
WHERE FL AVIATION BEGAN.
In 1988, FL Aviation was founded to manage the corporate aircraft of Forstmann, Little & Co., one of the most influential private equity firms of its era. Tom Ritz, now FL Aviation’s president, was entrusted with overseeing the operation of its corporate fleet.
Forstmann Little was a pioneer in private equity, acquiring and transforming companies including Gulfstream. After acquiring Gulfstream in 1990, the firm helped provide the capital and leadership behind some of the manufacturer’s most celebrated aircraft.
That experience helped shape FL Aviation’s approach from the beginning: focused attention, trusted management, and an uncompromising commitment to the aircraft and the people who rely on it.
An early FL Aviation corporate fleet.
1988
FL Aviation Begins
1990
A Connection to Gulfstream
Today
The Mission Continues
The Aircraft Changed.
The Approach Remained.
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
Tom Ritz Sr.
Tom Ritz Sr.’s aviation career spans military, commercial, and private aviation. An Air Force veteran, Tom served during the Vietnam and Gulf War eras before spending many years in commercial aviation as both a lead captain and FAA check airman.
He later turned his focus to private aircraft management, where his experience and approach to aircraft operations helped establish the foundation for what FL Aviation is today.
WRIGHT BROTHERS MASTER PILOT AWARD
Awarded 2019 · Recognizing 50+ years of safe flying
FLYING FORWARD TOGETHER.
Nearly four decades after FL Aviation began, our focus remains the same: trusted relationships, experienced support, and personal attention to the people and organizations who rely on private aviation.