RICK SHARPE

Rick Sharpe serves as the curator and primary pilot for the Vietnam War Flight Museum in Houston, Texas, where he oversees the preservation, operation, and public presentation of a historic collection of Vietnam-era warbirds. In addition to managing the museum’s aircraft, Rick actively represents its mission at airshows across the country, showcasing both museum aircraft and select platforms from the Collings Foundation.

With more than 30 years of experience in aviation operations, maintenance, and management, Rick brings deep technical and leadership expertise to every aspect of flight operations. His professional background includes extensive work in the oil and gas industry—both onshore and offshore—as well as building and managing flight departments over the course of his career.

Rick has flown and supported a diverse range of military aircraft, including the Douglas A-1D Skyraider, MiG-15, and MiG-21UM. His experience also includes aircraft operated by the Collings Foundation, such as the TA-4J Skyhawk, Messerschmitt Me 262, and North American F-100F Super Sabre.

Rick played a key leadership role in the restoration and return to flight of the Collings Foundation’s F-100F Super Sabre between 2024 and 2025. He coordinated critical elements of the project, including inspection, systems integration, and operational readiness, and continues to support the aircraft’s ongoing maintenance and flight operations.