AERO Academy

Ric Peri has more than 50 years in aviation maintenance as a mechanic, instructor, writer, consultant and auditor. In his current role as vice president of government and industry affairs with the Aircraft Electronics Association, Peri advocates for the avionics and maintenance industries before the aviation authorities worldwide with a primary focus on the Americas, Europe and the South Pacific regions. Peri has more than 25 years in association management and supports the membership through consultation and advocacy of aviation issues, with an emphasis on global maintenance, manufacturing and certification regulations. As an award-winning journalist, Peri has been communicating issues pertinent to the aviation industry since the mid-1980s in a wide range of aviation and engineering publications. In April 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration presented Peri with the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award at the AEA International Convention & Trade Show. The award is named in honor of Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight, and recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. Taylor served as the Wright brothers' mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft. As an instructor, Peri has supported the aviation industry as adjunct professor at two universities and conducted organized training and education for the association’s membership. He also has been a guest speaker at several industry events worldwide. Peri is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a United States Coast Guard veteran, having served in various maintenance and aircrew roles throughout his career.