Three decades in aviation
Lance describes a career that began on the airport ramp and grew into flying, aircraft sales, and corporate aviation.
1991 · Learning to fly
Lance says he began fueling aircraft in the early 1990s and obtained his pilot certificate in 1991. To build flight time, he worked with Dari Gaznavi at Aircraft Exchange, ferrying and moving aircraft.
Mid-1990s · Ferry flights and sales
He says Christian Esquino hired him around 1994 to fly, move, and help sell aircraft. Lance recalls that Christian purchased 13 aircraft from the Mexican government in 1996 and that they worked on reconstructing and translating aircraft records. This is Lance’s recollection; the DOT notice discusses six Cessna aircraft in the case resolved by the 2004 plea agreement.
Corporate and charter flying
Lance says he continued flying for other operators, including MIC Aviation, performed VIP transport for charter companies, and has flown under Part 91 as a corporate pilot. He says he currently flies a Gulfstream for a longtime friend; the client is not identified here.
Lance lists Cessna Citation, Learjet 20, 30, and 55 series, Westwind, Beechcraft Premier, Lockheed JetStar, Gulfstream II, III, V, and G550, Hawker, and Falcon 20 series among aircraft in his flying background. He says he holds multiple type ratings; exact designations await certificate review.
He reports a multiengine seaplane rating and a type rating in the Grumman Turbine Mallard. He also enjoys flying warbirds, including the TBM Avenger and North American P-51.
Lance estimates that he has sold hundreds of aircraft, including more than 25 helicopters, more than 100 corporate jets, and well over 100 piston and light turbine aircraft. These are his estimates pending supporting records.
Lance Zane Ricotta
From fueling aircraft and ferry flights in the early 1990s to corporate flying and aircraft transactions, Lance describes a career built around aviation.
His account includes jet, seaplane, and warbird experience. Exact type rating designations can be checked against his pilot certificate.