Richard Sprott, President
Richard Sprott serves as the Commander Support Staff Superintendent for the 555th Fighter Generation Squadron at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy. In this role, Richard is responsible for overseeing squadron-wide administrative functions, coordinating deployment logistics, managing multimillion-dollar facility resources, and developing safety and security programs. His leadership ensures operational efficiency and mission readiness for a dynamic unit of more than 340 personnel.
Richard brings to this role a distinguished career marked by 18 years of service in the United States Air Force. He enlisted in 2007 and has served in multiple roles including aircraft maintenance technician, instructor, quality assurance inspector, and development element chief. His technical and instructional expertise is complemented by deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve, with assignments in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar.
Over the course of his career, Richard has cultivated a deep commitment to education, innovation, and service. As an instructor at Sheppard Air Force Base, he shaped the next generation of aircraft maintainers, and then was hand selected to lead peers at Kunsan AFB as the Wing’s Instruction and Design Element Chief earning recognition as the 8th Fighter Wing Training Professional of the Year. He later spearheaded technical education initiatives that enabled airmen to earn professional licenses, such as the Aircraft Electrical Technician and General Radio Operator License. His leadership in innovation was spotlighted when an aircraft trainer he backed became a finalist in the Air Force-level “Spark Tank” competition, delivering cost savings and enhanced training capabilities.
Beyond his technical accomplishments, Richard exemplifies community leadership and personal resilience. A dedicated husband and father of two, he is an active base volunteer and a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master of Science in Business Administration and Management from American Military University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Curriculum Design.
Richard’s professional honors include the Air and Space Commendation Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), Maintenance Professional of the Year, and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. Through his commitment to mentorship, education, and operational excellence, Richard continues to inspire both his peers and the airmen he leads.
Annamarie Buonocore, Treasurer
Annamarie Buonocore is a media entrepreneur with several titles under one roof. Her media career began 10 years ago when she joined her family’s company, In Flight Publishing, as editor of In Flight USA magazine.
She is now an Associate Publisher of In Flight USA and oversees all departments from sales to editorial to production. In Flight Publishing also publishes BizAvJets USA, a quarterly business jet magazine; Veteran Transition Advocate Magazine, a biannual magazine for veterans transitioning into civilian aviation careers; and Born to Age, six annual directories for seniors and their caregivers in six different Bay Area counties: San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Sonoma/Marin, Solano, and Napa.
Through her publishing, the company also offers consulting services, including a unique partnership with USA Aircraft Brokers that allows them to source and sell aircraft. She is an experienced writer and photographer with real estate, insurance, and inspection experience.
Joe Escobar, Secretary
Joe Escobar
Joe Escobar is co-owner and executive editor of D.O.M. and Helicopter Maintenance magazines.
Joe began his aircraft maintenance career in 1988 working for a government contractor maintaining Navy T-34 and T-44 aircraft. He earned his FAA A&P certificate in 1994. He was promoted to maintenance supervisor in 1995, then to Quality Assurance inspector in 1997. He earned his FAA Inspection Authorization in 1998.
In 2000, Joe transitioned to the publishing side of the aircraft maintenance industry when he was hired as editor of Aircraft Maintenance Technology magazine.
Realizing there was a lack of information for mechanics wishing to advance in their careers, Joe and three business partners started their own publishing company in 2008 with the launch of Director of Maintenance (D.O.M.) magazine (dommagazine.com). Two years later, the team introduced Helicopter Maintenance magazine (HelicopterMaintenanceMagazine.com) to the industry — the only helicopter magazine with dedicated editorial for helicopter maintainers.
