Sundance Aviation: Full Service FBO, Flight Training, and Charter Access at Richland Airport

Sundance Aviation operates as the sole full-service FBO at Richland Airport (KRLD), serving pilots, students, and travelers across Washington’s Tri-Cities region. Whether you need fuel, flight instruction, or ground support for an arriving charter, this locally owned operation delivers a community-focused aviation experience at 1903 Terminal Drive in Richland, WA.

This guide covers what Sundance offers, how its training programs work, and how platforms like Jettly connect travelers to private jet charter options that can arrive or depart through this regional hub, using tools such as its airport locator platform to match trips with suitable airfields.

Key Takeaways

• Sundance Aviation has operated as a full-service FBO at Richland Airport since the mid-2000s, offering fuel, hangar space, maintenance coordination, aircraft rental, and pilot amenities under ownership by Clif and Suzanne Dyer.

• The company provides local flight training under a Part 61 framework, along with club-style aircraft access that reduces hourly rental costs for frequent flyers.

• Jettly offers global private jet charter with instant pricing and digital booking, including flights to and from Richland Airport, where Sundance handles ground operations.

• Pilots, students, and private travelers can combine Sundance’s on-airport services with Jettly’s on-demand charter marketplace for both regional hops and long-range business or leisure trips.

• This article covers FBO services, flight training pathways, membership programs, and how private jet charter works through digital platforms connecting to FBOs like Sundance.

Overview of Sundance Aviation at Richland Airport (KRLD)

Sundance Aviation serves as the primary aviation hub at Richland Airport (KRLD), a general aviation field positioned to support the Tri-Cities area encompassing Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco in eastern Washington. The facility at 1903 Terminal Drive provides comprehensive services for based aircraft, transient operations, and charter traffic.

The company’s roots extend back decades. Sundance Aviation originally started operations at the Vista Field Airport in Kennewick in 1979. In February of 2005, Sundance Aviation moved to the Richland Airport, where it has continued to grow each year, expanding staff and service capabilities to meet regional demand.

Sundance Aviation was officially established in 2007 in Richland, Washington, by Clif and Suzanne Dyer. Their ownership has maintained continuity and a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere that distinguishes this operation from larger corporate FBO chains.

As the sole full-service FBO at KRLD, Sundance supports:

• General aviation pilots based in the region

• Student pilots pursuing certificates and ratings

• Visiting aircraft, including turboprops and business jets

• Charter traffic that may be arranged through platforms like Jettly

The Dyers’ decades of aviation experience translate into flexible scheduling, personalized attention, and a clientele that ranges from local flight students to corporate travelers accessing nearby Hanford Site facilities.

Full Service FBO: Services and Amenities at Richland Airport

A Full Service Fixed Base Operation (FBO) typically offers a wide range of services and amenities, including aircraft rental, maintenance, and pilot supplies. Sundance Aviation fulfills this role at Richland Airport, supporting both based and transient aircraft with comprehensive ramp-side assistance and a full suite of services to meet every client’s needs. For your convenience, check our brochure to quickly explore all that we offer.

Core Service FBO Offerings

FBOs often provide fuel services, including 100LL and Jet A delivery, as well as self-service options for pilots. At Sundance, current fuel prices reflect competitive regional rates:

Fuel Type	Service Level	Price (per gallon)
100LL Avgas	Full Service	$7.06
100LL Avgas	Self Service	$6.79
Jet A	Full Service	$6.98

Prices include taxes and are subject to change.

Additional ground services include:

• Aircraft parking on ramps and tie-downs

• Heated hangar leasing for winter storage

• GPU/power cart access for starting larger aircraft

• Preheat services during cold months

• Oxygen service for high-altitude operations

Pilot Amenities

Many FBOs feature amenities for pilots, such as a pilot’s lounge, free Wi-Fi, and courtesy cars to enhance the flying experience. Sundance delivers on this standard with:

• 24-hour pilot lounge with cable television

• Complimentary coffee and beverages

• Restrooms accessible after hours via local CTAF

• Pet-friendly policies for traveling aviators

• Courtesy car for transient pilots

For visiting charter passengers, FBO employees coordinate rental cars through Enterprise (located at the south ramp), rideshare pickups, nearby hotel arrangements, and catering hand-offs, including support for in-flight catering through Jettly Eats when requested. This ground support integrates smoothly when travelers book through digital platforms like Jettly, which can pre-arrange FBO services during trip planning.

Flight Training and Discovery Flights with Sundance Aviation

Sundance Aviation offers flight instruction for new and experienced pilots at Richland Airport under a flexible Part 61 framework. This approach allows instructors to tailor training schedules around student availability—particularly valuable for working professionals in the Tri-Cities area.

Discovery Flights

Introductory or discovery flights provide a low-commitment entry point for prospective students. These 20-30 minute sessions include:

• Pre-flight briefing with a certified instructor

• Hands-on aircraft control during the flight

• Scenic routing over the Columbia River or Badger Mountain

• Post-flight debrief and discussion of training pathways

Industry pricing for similar discovery flights typically ranges from $150-250, making this an accessible way to find out if aviation training fits your goals, especially if you plan to offset some travel expenses later through opportunities like Jettly’s ULTRA high ticket affiliate program.

Private Pilot Training

The private pilot syllabus progresses through several phases:

1. Pre-solo training: Ground school fundamentals, dual instruction covering stalls, steep turns, emergency procedures

2. Solo phase: Supervised solo flights, typically achieved around 10-15 hours for apt students

3. Cross-country training: Building navigation skills with dual and solo legs

4. Checkride preparation: Oral exam and practical test readiness

The FAA minimum for private pilot certification is 40 hours, though real-world averages run 60-70 total hours according to AOPA data. Students should budget time and resources accordingly.

Advanced Training Options

Sundance offers instrument rating instruction in IFR-equipped aircraft, instrument proficiency checks (IPC), and recurrent training. Local flying conditions around eastern Washington present specific challenges—high-density altitude summers when temperatures exceed 100°F, and winter fog or icing near the river—that instructors address through practical learning scenarios.

Local Aviation Medical Examiners can help students obtain the required third-class medical certificate before solo flight. Knowledge of these practical steps helps students navigate the regulatory requirements without unnecessary delays.

Aircraft Rental, Club Membership, and Cost Structure

Sundance Aviation uses a club-style model to make aircraft rental and instruction more affordable for frequent flyers at Richland Airport. This structure reduces hourly costs compared to standard transient rental rates at other facilities.

Fleet Overview

Typical aircraft available for rent include:

Aircraft Category	Examples	Hourly Rate Range	Primary Use
Primary Trainers	Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee	$140-180 wet	Student training, time building
Cross-Country	Cessna 182, Piper Archer	$180-220 wet	Regional trips, advanced training
Complex/High Performance	Piper Arrow	$200-250 wet	Commercial training, faster travel

Rates are wet (fuel included) and vary by metric, such as aircraft type and membership status.

Join the Club

The “home jump left” navigation on the Sundance website directs visitors to membership information. The club structure works as follows:

• One-time joining fee: Around $95

• Monthly or yearly dues: Unlocks discounted hourly rates

• Club rates: Typically 20-30% below standard transient pricing

This membership toggles between full-price and discounted rates, making sense for students and local pilots who fly regularly. Those building hours toward commercial certificates (250 hours per FAA requirements) particularly benefit from the reduced cost structure.

Rental Billing

Aircraft rental billing typically involves:

• Wet hourly rates including fuel

• 1-hour minimum per booking

• Daily or overnight fees for cross-country trips ($300-500/day range)

• Select fuel pricing at self-serve rates

Rental vs. Charter Comparison

Local aircraft rental differs fundamentally from private jet charter:

Factor	Sundance Rental	Jettly Charter
Who flies	The customer is the pilot-in-command	Professional crew provided
Pricing	Hourly wet rate	Route-based all-in quote
Aircraft	Single-engine piston	Turboprops, jets, and helicopters
Range	Regional (VFR 300nm/day typical)	Continental/international
Responsibility	Pilot handles weather, planning	The operator manages all operations

For licensed pilots building time or making short regional hops, Sundance rental offers cost-effective access. For business travelers, families, or anyone needing longer-range multi-passenger transport, charter through Jettly provides the flexibility and time savings of a crewed aircraft, and resources explaining how Jettly offers affordable private jet charter can clarify typical pricing.

Service FBO Support for Private Jet Charter and Business Travel

Sundance Aviation’s full-service FBO at Richland Airport supports visiting turboprops and business jets arriving on charter, not just training and piston aircraft. The facility’s 7000x150 ft runway (RWY 03/21) handles jets up to 50,000 lbs, making KRLD accessible for light and midsize business aircraft.

Typical Charter Use Cases

Private jet charter allows customers to select from a wide range of aircraft, providing flexibility and convenience compared to commercial flights. Common charter scenarios in KRLD include:

• Corporate teams visiting Hanford-related energy and government sites

• Agricultural business executives checking regional operations

• Wine industry professionals touring Yakima Valley and Walla Walla vineyards

• Families accessing outdoor destinations or connecting to resort locations, often using Jettly’s network of partners like Zenflight, an instant-book private jet operator

FBO Support for Charter Operations

When charter aircraft land at Richland, Sundance provides:

• Quick-turn Jet A fueling

• Ground power for APU-less arrivals

• Lavatory service, when equipped

• Passenger lounge access

• Discreet arrivals and departures away from commercial terminals

Charter flights are typically operated by licensed air carriers that comply with regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or equivalent authorities. Sundance coordinates with these operators to deliver seamless ground handling, while Jettly’s operator listings, such as its page for Dexter Air Taxi as a private jet operator, highlight the types of partners involved.

How Jettly Connects to Sundance

Jettly operates as a digital charter broker, connecting customers to licensed Part 135 operators—not as an aircraft operator itself. When a traveler books a charter flight to Richland through Jettly, the selected operator may use Sundance Aviation’s facilities for ground operations.

Example workflow:

1. Customer requests an instant quote on Jettly for Seattle (KSEA) to Richland (KRLD)

2. The platform displays available light jets and turboprops with route-based pricing

3. Customer books preferred aircraft digitally

4. Operator notifies Sundance of arrival time and service needs

5. FBO prepares fuel, ground handling, and passenger coordination

6. Aircraft lands, receives quick-turn service, passengers depart smoothly

This integration makes Richland accessible for business travelers who need the speed of private aviation without managing the logistics themselves, while Jettly’s catalog of private charter aircraft ensures suitable options for different group sizes and mission profiles.

How Jettly’s Digital Platform Complements Local FBO and Training Services

Sundance Aviation focuses on local operations at Richland Airport—training, rental, and FBO services for visiting aircraft. Jettly extends traveler options with on-demand private jet charter access worldwide.

Platform Features

The private jet charter market includes over 23,465 unique private aircraft available for booking worldwide, offering a variety of options for travelers. Jettly’s marketplace provides access to:

• Turboprops for short hops under 300nm

• Light jets for 1000-1500nm range at 400+ knots

• Midsize jets for 2000nm nonstop capability

• Heavy jets for transcontinental routes

• Helicopters for point-to-point transfers

The platform delivers instant pricing on common routes, digital booking without long-term jet card commitments, and transparent cost information before confirming any flight, while Jettly’s jet card programs serve travelers who prefer fixed hourly rates and premium perks.

Combining Training and Charter

Pilots and students who train at Sundance sometimes face a practical decision: fly yourself or travel as a passenger? Local flight instruction builds skills and hours, but time-critical business trips or family vacations may call for a different approach.

Consider this comparison:

Scenario	Sundance Rental	Jettly Charter
Same-day Tri-Cities regional hop	Cessna 172 for ~$160/hour	N/A (overkill for short distance)
Seattle to Richland business trip	2+ hour flight, VFR weather dependent	45-minute light jet, all-weather capable
Multi-city corporate itinerary	Multiple planning days, pilot fatigue concerns	Single booking, professional crew handles all legs

For a changing schedule or unpredictable weather, charter eliminates the pilot-in-command burden while preserving time savings over commercial alternatives, and tools like Jettly’s private jet charter cost estimator help travelers budget these trips in advance.

Getting Started

Ready to explore a private charter to or from Richland Airport? Travelers can request quotes, view aircraft photos, and book flights digitally through Jettly’s platform. Flights can be arranged to FBOs like Sundance Aviation at Richland Airport, with ground services coordinated in advance.

Learn more and request a quote at https://www.jettly.com, or explore Jettly’s range of private jet membership options if you fly frequently.

FAQs About Sundance Aviation, Richland Airport, and Private Charter Access

What are Sundance Aviation’s typical operating hours at Richland Airport?

Sundance Aviation staffs its front desk and line services during standard daytime hours, typically around 8:00 a.m. to early evening local time (or sunset). After-hours call-out is available by prior arrangement for fuel, towing, or hangar support.

The pilot lounge at Richland Airport remains accessible 24 hours a day for qualified users, providing Wi-Fi, seating, and basic amenities even when the main office is closed. Pilots can contact the FBO via local CTAF for after-hours access. Call ahead when planning late-night or early-morning operations to ensure staff availability.

How can a new student start flight training with Sundance Aviation at Richland Airport?

The easiest way to begin is scheduling a discovery or introductory flight. This includes a short ground briefing and a local flight with a certified instructor departing from Richland Airport. No prior experience or medical certificate is required for this introductory session.

After the discovery flight, prospective students complete basic paperwork, review training goals with an instructor, and discuss a realistic schedule and budget for the full private pilot course. A third-class FAA medical certificate must be obtained before solo flight—local Aviation Medical Examiners in the Tri-Cities area can help with this process.

Does Sundance Aviation provide private jet charter directly from Richland Airport?

Sundance Aviation’s core business at Richland Airport is as a full service FBO, training provider, and aircraft rental operation for piston aircraft. The company does not operate a charter fleet.

Private jet and turboprop charter into and out of KRLD is handled by licensed charter operators who use Sundance as their service FBO on the ground. Travelers can use a digital broker like Jettly to compare multiple operators, view aircraft options, and book charter flights that arrive or depart via Sundance Aviation’s facilities, drawing on educational guides that outline the wider landscape of private and charter airlines.

What is the difference between renting an aircraft from Sundance Aviation and booking a charter through Jettly?

Renting from Sundance Aviation means the customer serves as pilot in command (or flies with an instructor), paying an hourly wet rate and taking responsibility for flight planning, weather decisions, and aircraft operation.

Booking through Jettly means hiring a fully crewed aircraft with professional pilots. The route-based charter price covers aircraft, crew, fuel, and most operating costs. Local rental suits licensed pilots, building time, or making short regional flights. Charter suits business travelers, families, or non-pilots needing longer-range, multi-passenger trips with maximum time savings and zoom-level scheduling flexibility.

How far in advance should travelers book a private charter to or from Richland Airport?

For routine business or leisure trips, booking charter through Jettly a few days to a week in advance generally offers good aircraft selection and pricing on popular Pacific Northwest routes. This lead time allows operators to position aircraft efficiently.

Same-day charter is often possible, particularly for light jets and turboprops, though availability and cost vary based on positioning and crew duty limits. For major events or multi-leg itineraries involving Richland Airport, contact Jettly as early as practical to secure preferred aircraft types and coordinate ground services with Sundance Aviation in the future. Jettly also supports destination-specific planning for trips worldwide, with dedicated guidance for routes such as private jet charter to Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad in Telangana, Kolkata in West Bengal, Lagos in Nigeria, and New Delhi in India’s capital region.

Conclusion

Sundance Aviation provides a comprehensive full-service FBO experience at Richland Airport, supporting pilots, students, and private travelers with fuel services, flight training, and ground handling. Its community-focused approach and club membership options make local flying accessible and affordable. For travelers seeking private jet charter options to or from Richland, digital platforms like Jettly offer instant pricing, extensive aircraft choices, and seamless booking. By combining Sundance’s on-the-ground expertise with Jettly’s global marketplace, business and leisure travelers can enjoy flexible, time-saving private flights tailored to their needs.

Ready to experience private travel on your terms? Explore flight options or request a quote at https://jettly.com/.