ABOUT ARQ AVIATION
BUILT FOR WHERE AVIATION TAKES YOU
A passion for flying. A purpose in teaching.
ARQ Aviation began with a shared belief that flight training could be more personal, more thoughtful, and better connected to each pilot's individual goals.
What started as Cape Fear Coastal Aviation grew from the combined passions of founder Ben Zucker, a former police officer and flight simulation enthusiast, and aviator Rich Williams. After connecting through a mutual friend, the two began exploring the idea of building a different kind of flight school in Wilmington.
When an opportunity arose to partner with Cirrus, that idea began to take shape.
Today, that original vision has grown into ARQ Aviation, providing personalized flight training, specialized Cirrus instruction, aircraft management, pilot services, and a pathway for pilots at nearly every stage of their aviation journey.
Through all that growth, one philosophy continues to guide us:
Your goals are our goals.
Whether you're taking the controls for the first time, pursuing a professional aviation career, transitioning into a Cirrus, or looking for a trusted partner in aircraft ownership, we start by understanding where you want to go.
Then we help you build the path to get there.
OUR MISSION
Helping pilots go further.
Our mission is to train safe, competent, and confident aviators while providing the instruction, resources, and support each pilot needs to pursue their own goals in aviation.
We believe great training is never one-size-fits-all. Every pilot arrives with a different level of experience, a different reason for flying, and a different destination in mind. Our job is to meet you there.
Build Your Foundation.
From your first Discovery Flight through advanced certificates and ratings, train with an approach built around your goals.
Master the Aircraft.
Cirrus training supports pilots from primary instruction through transition, recurrent training, and aircraft ownership.
THE ARQ EXPERIENCE
One aviation partner. Wherever you're headed.
OUR VALUES
What it means to ASPIRE.
A — ADAPTABILITY
Your Goals Come First.
No two pilots are the same. We adapt our approach to the experience, objectives, and needs of each individual we serve.
S — SAFETY
Everyone Owns Safety.
Safety is a shared responsibility. Every member of our team plays an active role in protecting our students, customers, colleagues, and aircraft.
P — PROFESSIONALISM
Do It the Right Way.
We approach our work with integrity, accountability, respect, and the professionalism our customers should expect from us.
I — IMPACT
Leave Aviation Better.
We strive to make a lasting positive impact on our students, customers, airport, and the aviation community we call home.
R — RELIABILITY
Be There When It Matters.
Our customers trust us with their training, their aircraft, and their goals. We work every day to earn and maintain that trust.
E — EXCELLENCE
Never Stop Improving.
From the quality of our instruction to the care of an aircraft, we believe the details matter. We hold ourselves to the highest standard.
OUR LOCATIONS
Aviation across North Carolina.
ARQ Aviation proudly serves pilots and students from two locations: Wilmington International Airport (ILM) and Raleigh Executive Jetport (TTA).
From the Carolina coast to the Triangle region, each location offers a distinctive environment for learning, flying, and experiencing general aviation; each with access to varied airspace, destinations, and unforgettable views along the way.
Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll find an ARQ Aviation community ready to welcome you.
