Joe Fripp of Cleveland carries forward a cherished family legacy through his business and his love for aviation. As the founder of Sandpiper Industries, Fripp seamlessly blends his passions for aviation, technology, and community development into a comprehensive package that reflects his expertise and passions.
For Fripp, aviation is a deeply rooted family tradition. His late uncle, Fred Fripp, was a distinguished Air Force veteran and the family’s pilot, which gave Joe an interest in flying from a young age.
“After my uncle’s heart transplant, he was no longer cleared to fly,” Joe Fripp said. “I started training, dreaming of the day I could take him up in the skies again.”
His uncle’s passing in March 2025 inspired Fripp to purchase an aircraft of his own and keep the spirit of aviation alive in the family.
When Fripp first contacted FLYING Finance about acquiring his dream aircraft, he knew the financing landscape could be complex. What he found was a partner who understood both his aviation goals and financial objectives.
Even for a data-driven professional like Fripp, searching for the right aircraft wasn’t easy. He initially set his sights on a Piper Dakota. After detailed consideration, though, he found the Cessna 182 better suited his mission.
“Almost a day after I made that decision, the 182 I ended up buying appeared for sale,” he said. “And it was right at my home airport. It felt like fate.”
The right support systems are essential support systems in making confident, informed choices, especially when it comes to aircraft. Fripp credits the FLYING Finance team and R3 Aviation with transforming a potentially daunting process into an empowering journey.
“They made it feel like an informed decision rather than a leap of faith,” Fripp said.
Here are some photos Fripp graciously shared with us of his 1969 Cessna 182M Skylane:
Under the umbrella of Sandpiper Aviation, Fripp is planning to delve into leaseback partnerships with flight schools. His goal is to manage training aircraft and increase aviation accessibility and visibility for a broader range of the public. This mission also extends to offering aspiring pilots and educators real-world STEM opportunities, something Fripp was inspired to pursue due to his family’s commitment to accessibility.
“Owning this aircraft is about more than flying,” he said. “It’s about continuing my uncle Fred’s legacy and doing my part to make aviation more accessible for others.”
Fripp’s family has a tradition of community dedication, a commitment that finds its way into his personal ventures. His support for his father’s nonprofit, Whispering Roots, which promotes STEM education and community development, is just one example.
“Sandpiper Aviation is about collaboration—partnering with anyone, from flight schools to community programs, who believes that aviation should be open and visible to everyone who dreams of it,” Fripp said.
In his career with Workday, Fripp takes on the role of a principal technical consultant.
“My day job is all about structure and design,” he said. “I help organizations turn complex data and technologies into something meaningful.”
He said that experience translates to his aviation endeavors, where technical insight helps him be more effective.
Currently, Fripp is completing his flight training at the T&G Flying Club in Cleveland. He said his appreciation for general aviation and its intricate operations grows with each lesson.
“Training with T&G Flying Club has given me a front-row seat to how much heart and coordination goes into general aviation,” said Fripp, who envisions a future where his insights could enhance the club’s efforts to expand access and strengthen flight training infrastructure, perhaps through collaborations or investments.
Looking ahead, Fripp is developing a dedicated space on Sandpiper Industries’ website to share updates on aircraft operations, partnerships, and his own flight training journey. He’s eager to promote educational initiatives that further accessibility and engagement in GA. His next chapter involves exploring leaseback opportunities and more extensive outreach that binds aviation, STEM, and business learning into a single, coherent narrative.
By harmonizing his business acumen, family legacy, and community purpose, Fripp views Sandpiper Aviation as a model of sustainable GA where passion and practicality coexist. It’s a vision for the Fripp family, but more people than ever are now jumping into general aviation.
FLYING Finance’s comprehensive knowledge of aircraft values can make for a seamless, streamlined transaction like Fripp’s. With the right partner, acquiring your dream aircraft might be more attainable than you think.
If you want to get started on the process of getting preapproved, give us a call or connect with us and we can help you today.
