Who we are - Riggin Flight Service

Trusted Skies, Trusted Service – Welcome to Riggin Flight Service

At Riggin Flight Service, we’re not just about flying — we’re about connecting people to the extraordinary landscapes of South Dakota and beyond. After more than 70+ years in business with 45 aircraft deep, we still live by our founding principles: a passion for exploration and the thrill of commanding the skies.

Our roots run deep in agricultural flying, including aerial crop spraying, and we’ve built a legacy of delivering exceptional flying experiences. Now, we’ve grown to offer a wide range of training and services for pilots, ensuring every step of the journey is top-notch.

Riggin Flight Service is truly a family business, and it all started with our founder, Wayne Riggin. Today, Wayne’s son, Morris, leads the business and carries on his dad’s legacy with dedication and enthusiasm. Morris brings a world of experience to Riggin, from flying with the iconic Schwann’s Red Baron Squadron to navigating tough freight routes in multi-engine Cessnas and even braving the Alaskan wilderness as a bush pilot.

Morris has transformed Riggin into a one-of-a-kind flight school, offering opportunities for pilots at every stage of their aviation journey — from those taking their first foray into the sky to seasoned flyers growing their aviation career.

Morris doesn’t do it alone! Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff are the heart of Riggin Flight Service, committed to ensuring a welcoming learning environment and efficiently training future professional pilots around the world! At Riggin Flight Service, the entire staff is like family, and they treat every student the same way—going above and beyond to eliminate barriers like housing or transportation challenges, all to help keep our students’ costs low. We’re here to support our students in completing training successfully, helping to turn dreams of flying into a reality for everyone who walks through the door.

Meet the Team

Thanks to their dedication, we’ve grown into a full-service flight school where pilots, from beginners to professionals, take off toward their future. At Riggin, it’s not just about learning to fly—it’s about joining a community here to cheer you on every step of the way.

See for yourself—your dreams are waiting!

Morris Riggin

Owner

Heather Lee

CFO, Human Resources, Property Management

Brandize Nelson

Office Manager

Trevor Parris

A&P Maintenance Lead

Benjamin Bergquist

Chief Flight Instructor

Why Choose Riggin Flight Service?

Expert Crew — At Riggin Flight Service, our instructors are more than just pilots in the sky; they’re your guides and companions on every flight. They’re held to the highest instructional standards. With 70+ years of experience, thousands of flight hours, and a talent for making every journey memorable, they’re ready to give you experiences that will stick long after you land.
First Rate Preparation — We focus on training pilots who are truly skilled, not just checking the boxes to meet the minimums. Our Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) hold themselves to the highest standard, ensuring students get top-notch, practical training. We’re all about building confident pilots ready for whatever comes their way.
With You Every Step of the Way — Take off with us for a unique experience! We’re by your side, making sure every moment is enjoyable. From our snack-packed student lounge and study areas through your last checkride, we’re here to support, guide, and help you to build the confidence you need as a pilot.
Personalized Experiences — We design every flight around your goals and interests. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of flying, savoring the joy of being in the air, or working toward earning your professional wings, with us, every flight is a unique adventure that’s truly yours.

There’s nothing like the Riggin Flight Service experience. Our students trust us to deliver more than just a flight; they trust us to provide an experience. When you’re ready for your adventure to the skies, contact us for a no-cost discovery flight and a tour of our campus. Riggin Flight Service is here to help you finish making your dream a reality.