At Dream First Bank, we love to promote local businesses through our business spotlights! As a local community bank, our connection to the residents is strengthened by our relationships with small businesses. The success of local companies is a vital part of a thriving community, and we like to highlight and celebrate their accomplishments.

Today our spotlight is focused on North Star Aviation. An agriculture aviation facility in Ulysses, Kansas, that offers complete aircraft maintenance and repair services. 

About North Star Aviation

North Star Aviation is a family-owned and operated, full-service Ag Aviation Facility and an Authorized Thrush Full-Service Dealer. Steve and Samantha Rice are local residents who own and operate Northstar Aviation. They are proud to be able to offer a wide range of aerial application aircraft providing the right equipment to agriculture operations of any size and type. 

North Star currently maintains a large fleet of Thrush and Air Tractor Aircraft. In addition to a large fleet of aircraft, North Star Aviation is also an authorized repair facility and dealer of SATLOC systems. Satloc offers simple and advanced GPS guidance and flow control products.

Located at Ulysses Airport, North Star Aviation offers the following services:

• Aircraft sales, leasing, and brokerage
• Aircraft maintenance & repair
• Parts
• Engine Services
• Inspection Services
• Satloc Sales & leasing
• Satloc Repairs

For more information about services offered, pricing, and more, contact North Star Aviation online or call 620-356-4528.

Steve and Samantha Rice

Steve and Samantha own and operate North Star Aviation. They are both essential team members who work alongside each other in the business's day-to-day operations. They have two children, Aiden and Ella, both active in various community activities. Steve and Samantha strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance putting family first and giving North Star Aviation a level of excellence required by the agricultural industry.

In addition to his work at North Star Aviation, Steve manages the Ulysses Airport. He is a 2002 Chase County Schools graduate and a 2004 Westwood College of Aviation Technology graduate receiving an AA degree in Airframe and Powerplant Certification.

Steve Rice, 2022 Richard "Dick" Reade Memorial Award

Steve, owner and president of North Star Aviation, Inc., is the 2022 Richard "Dick" Reade Memorial Award recipient. This esteemed National Agriculture Aviation Award (NAAA) recognizes Steve and his company's outstanding contributions to the ag aviation industry. Steve significantly impacts the ag aviation industry with his love for aviation and agriculture. He takes great care to ensure operators are safe through quality maintenance and support, and the sale of excellent, trusted equipment. 

As a leader, Steve has developed a team of dependable, dedicated people, including technicians, administrative personnel, and customer support employees. The team is on call daily, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays. An essential part of the agriculture business includes access to critical support when needed. Steve and his team are always ready to serve at a moment's notice. 

Northstar provides service to more than 100 ag aircraft across several states. The contribution of ag aviation is crucial to the agriculture industry. Mechanics and service providers like North Star Aviation keep ag aviation running safely and efficiently. 

DFB Closing Comments

As a recognized leader in agriculture, Kansas relies on companies like North Star Aviation to help keep farms in working order. Steve and his team are consistently equipping farms with reliable, safe aviation equipment to help farmers grow healthy, safe crops for our nation's food supply. We are proud of our community connection with North Star Aviation!

For more information about North Star Aviation and its services, find them here:

North Star Aviation, Inc.

Facebook - North Star Aviation, Inc.