About | Fly Brothers Aviation

About Fly Brothers Aviation

In early 2023, a group of pilots came together to discuss the challenges facing modern aviation. Rising insurance premiums, ineffective training methods, a lack of meaningful flight experience, and the growing gap between holding a commercial certificate and possessing real-world aviation judgment all pointed to a larger issue: the industry was losing touch with the pioneering spirit that built it.

Riley Staton and Cavan Bower who are now the founders of Fly Brothers Aviation left that conversation with a clear objective: stop talking about the problems and start solving them.

Fly Brothers Aviation was founded on the belief that aviation can, and must, move in a better direction. Through practical experience, purposeful training, and mission-oriented operations, we are working to raise the standard of what it means to be an aviator.

Our philosophy

Our philosophy is simple: safety is non-negotiable, every operation has a purpose, and every flight is an opportunity to become better.

We believe there is a difference between learning to fly an aircraft and learning to be an aviator. Technical proficiency is only the beginning. True aviators develop sound judgment, think critically, anticipate problems, and make disciplined decisions when conditions become challenging.

We call this pilot logic: the ability to evaluate a situation, mitigate risk, accomplish the mission, and make the most of available resources without compromising safety. It is a mindset built through experience, accountability, and a willingness to think beyond the checklist while never losing sight of established procedures and sound aeronautical decision-making.

Meet the Fly Brothers

Cavan K. Bower

Cavan’s passion for aviation has grown into a career built around flying, exploration, and the pursuit of becoming a better pilot. What started as a love for airplanes developed into a commitment to making aviation more than just a hobby, leading him to pursue flight training and build a life around flying.

Throughout his aviation journey, Cavan has learned from experienced pilots and mentors who have helped shape his approach to flying. He has developed a strong appreciation for the knowledge, discipline, and judgment that aviation demands. For him, being a good pilot goes beyond certificates and flight hours. It means understanding the airplane, respecting the conditions, and always being willing to learn something new.

Cavan has flown a wide variety of aircraft throughout his career, with experience taking him across the United States. Each flight has added to his experience and reinforced his appreciation for the freedom, challenges, and adventure that general aviation offers.

Today, Cavan is focused on expanding his aviation ventures through Fly Brothers Aviation, a company centered on aircraft ferrying and contract pilot services. Built around professionalism, careful decision-making, and treating every aircraft with the respect it deserves, the business reflects his commitment to aviation and his entrepreneurial ambitions.

Outside of flying, Cavan enjoys lifting, playing piano, creating aviation content, and finding new places to explore. He is drawn to the adventurous side of aviation and believes some of the best experiences come from getting out of the ordinary routine, flying somewhere new, and learning along the way.

For Cavan, aviation is about continually pushing forward, building experience, and making the most of the opportunities that come with a life in the sky. Whether flying across the country, exploring somewhere new, or working toward the next chapter of his career, he remains focused on becoming the best pilot he can be while helping keep the spirit of general aviation alive.

Riley J. Staton

If you were to ask his mother, she’d tell you that his first word was ‘airplane’. It might not be true, but it’s a good story. Riley Staton says he has known nothing else from aviation, and it’s been his goal since he understood what it was. At just nine years old, he began flying in a Piper Cub and riding his bicycle to the airport in search of any opportunity to be around airplanes. He traded work, like aircraft detailing and other odd jobs, for time in the cockpit, learning early that aviation was something to be earned, not simply given.

Since then, Riley has built his career on the foundation laid by experienced pilots, mechanics, and mentors he considers some of the greatest in aviation. Their knowledge, craftsmanship, and respect for the industry have shaped his approach to flying and his belief that the fundamentals never go out of style.

An aircraft owner and antique aircraft restorer, Riley owns a 1967 Alon Aircoupe and remains deeply connected to general aviation’s roots. He believes in keeping the old ways alive: hands-on flying, sound judgment, self-reliance, and the pioneering spirit that made aviation what it is today. To him, flying is about more than getting from one place to another. It is about understanding the machine, respecting the elements, and preserving the freedom and adventure that have always defined aviation.

Through Staton Aviation, Riley brings that philosophy to aircraft ferrying and pilot services, combining traditional aviation values with professional, safety-focused service. His work is guided by a simple principle: treat every aircraft as if it were his own and every flight as a responsibility worth taking seriously.

Away from the cockpit, Riley enjoys hunting, fishing, horseback riding, restoring vintage aircraft, and exploring the backcountry. His golden retriever, Theodore, is often along for the ride as his unofficial co-pilot.

For Riley, aviation is more than a profession. It is a tradition worth preserving, a craft worth mastering, and an adventure worth continuing.

Our pilots

Shea D’Amore

Before joining Fly Brothers Aviation in 2026, Shea built and operated a photography company while also gaining experience flying drones. Through his work behind the camera and in the air, he developed a passion for aviation and the opportunities it offers. Eventually, it was time to turn that passion into something more and pursue his dream of building a career in aviation.

Today, Shea is part of the Fly Brothers Aviation team, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset, a strong attention to detail, and a commitment to growing within the aviation industry. He looks forward to building his experience, pursuing new opportunities, and helping Fly Brothers Aviation provide dependable, professional service to aircraft owners.