UNIONDALE, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 9, 2025 / Marquis Who's Who recognizes Richard R. Preston as a Top Business Owner for his contributions to the aviation business. As a notable expert in aviation training, business strategy and operations, Mr. Preston currently serves as the president of Enterprise Aviation Services LLC, which he established with his son in 2008. In this role, his responsibilities include developing strategic planning and arrangements with various companies, including the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Defense. Additionally, he sets up training programs for military personnel, such as helicopter pilots transitioning to commercial aviation, as well as programs for Department of Energy technicians and security agents to earn FAA-certified drone pilot licenses.
While Enterprise Aviation Services LLC has trained more than 7,000 pilots, the business continues to grow under Mr. Preston's leadership, seeing widespread success throughout New Mexico and beyond. Currently, the company is in the process of working with the state of New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque to develop a new facility for their training operation. The approval process and design are in their initial stages.
Military Background
Mr. Preston's professional journey is rooted in his extensive service with the U.S. Air Force, which he began as an aircraft electrician. While serving in this role for 10 years, he was nominated for the Airman's Education and Commissioning Program with a full scholarship to Oklahoma State University, followed by Officer Training School (OTS). After this, he served as the deputy for future factory concepts at the Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories. His responsibilities included developing the Factory of the Future Program and its template application to multiple aviation and military industries (airframes, propulsion and avionics), with the intention to help modernize and maintain the U.S. military-industrial base.
Other contributions of Mr. Preston throughout his 22-and-a-half years of military experience and combined 60 years of military, commercial, technological and operational experience led to his earning recognition from the Department of Defense and the U.S. industrial complex. The Department of Defense's Office of Research and Development recognized his many project achievements as showcase success stories. His work on the Factory of the Future concept became of great interest to the Swiss Government, with two of its applications conducted in Switzerland and selected by Eureka (the European R&D Commission) as top European success stories upon completion.
Remaining Current in the Field of Aviation
Before founding Enterprise Aviation Services, Mr. Preston was a program manager of Northrop Grumman's B-2 Bomber factory of the future conceptual design team. In this role, he led the development of software requirements needed to support design and production processes during the B-2 production. He also served on the conceptual design team for Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, where he was instrumental in developing global mission and logistics software requirements.
Mr. Preston's career has been aided by his academic achievements. After earning a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Oklahoma State University, he obtained a master's degree in industrial management from Central Michigan University. His educational background provided him with the foundational knowledge necessary for his work in both the military and civilian sectors. He remains current with his field through his active involvement as a member of the Air & Space Forces Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Mr. Preston's leadership of Enterprise Aviation Services led the company to be named the top-performing flight school worldwide in both 2015 and 2017 by Women of Aviation Worldwide (WOAW). In 2024, his business was also named the most successful flight school in the U.S. by the Aerospace & Defense Review.
Looking Ahead
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Preston is actively involved in civic-minded organizations, making monthly contributions to Goodwill and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He enjoys collecting coins, jogging, walking and spending time with his family.
Looking to the future, Mr. Preston is focused on helping his son to build and eventually oversee their aviation business, as he plans to retire. He believes that perseverance and the continual pursuit of one's dreams will continue to open doors in the years to come.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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SOURCE: Marquis Who's Who
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