RampCheck Aviation & The Rumfallo Brothers
In 2016, Aaron and Ryan met for lunch to explore how their combined aviation experience and passion could be transformed into something larger. Recognizing the opportunity to build a platform that united information, storytelling, and aviation culture, they brought in their brother Tony, whose industry knowledge strengthened the vision even further. Together, they set out to create a broad, accessible, and engaging space for the global aviation community—one that would share insight, showcase creative merchandise, and connect Avgeeks around the world.
From those early conversations, RampCheck Aviation was born. Thanks to the support and enthusiasm of the aviation community, it continues to grow and evolve. Read on to learn more about the Rumfallo Brothers and the journey that shaped their lifelong passion for aviation.
Tony
The eldest of the Rumfallo brothers, Tony’s aviation journey began at the end of runways, where he spent countless hours with his dad and sister watching aircraft take off and land. As a child, he built model airplanes and staged them in mid-flight for photos—a hobby that foreshadowed a lifelong passion for aviation. He often credits the movie Top Gun for giving him that final push toward military service.
Knowing that joining the Navy or Marine Corps would mean an unavoidable relationship with water—something he readily admits was not his strength—Tony set his sights on the United States Air Force. He enlisted immediately after high school in 1987, expecting to “see the world,” but was ironically stationed right back in his home state at Hill Air Force Base. He went on to serve a combined six years between the USAF and the Utah Air National Guard.
Following his military service, Tony transitioned into the commercial and general aviation sector. He worked on the flight line for several major airports—including Salt Lake International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City—before joining Southwest Airlines. There, he advanced into a Reservations Trainer/Instructor role, traveling nationwide to train new reservation agents.
In 2002, Tony earned his Flight Dispatch License and began a ten-year career as a flight dispatcher for SkyWest Airlines. That same year, he seized a unique opportunity to work inside NBC’s Broadcast Center during the Salt Lake Winter Olympics. Coupled with more than 20 years of experience as a radio DJ, Tony’s broadcasting background later became the foundation of The RampCheck Podcast, where he combines his aviation expertise with his love of storytelling and production.
Throughout his military and aviation career, Tony has had the privilege of flying in a remarkable range of aircraft—from a Douglas DC-3 at the Wendover Air Show to a C-5 Galaxy during his USAF service. His list of aircraft experiences is extensive, and he’s always happy to share the full roster with anyone who asks.
Aaron
The middle of the Rumfallo brothers, Aaron discovered his love of aviation at an early age. His earliest flight experiences came through general aviation—first in a Bell 206 JetRanger at an airshow, later in a Cessna 120 during a surprise flight arranged by a family acquaintance, and through time spent around Classic Lifeguard III’s Bell 206 LongRanger in the Lake Powell region, where his brother-in-law worked as a flight paramedic. Along the way, Aaron even logged a bit of flight time himself, further cementing his fascination with flying.
Aaron began his aviation career in his late teens after moving to Colorado to work on the ramp for United Express. Over the years, his path took him to Salt Lake International Airport, Provo Municipal Airport, and Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport, where he gained extensive experience working for Hudson General, Million Air, Gateway Aviation Services, and eventually as an aircraft de-icing manager for ASIG. These roles allowed Aaron to build strong relationships within the aviation community—connections that would later play a significant role in his development as a photographer.
Aaron’s passion for aviation and photography often intersected, granting him rare opportunities to capture aircraft in flight. His photography work opened doors to fly with the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Air Refueling Wing in a KC-135E Stratotanker, as well as three flights with the United States Army’s elite Parachute Team (in their now retired C-31A) The Golden Knights. His private-sector flight experiences are equally remarkable; he has flown in and photographed historic warbirds including the B-25 Super Rabbit and the B-17G Sentimental Journey. One of his most cherished memories is flying with the late Russ McDonald in his iconic P-51 Mustang Newf. Another standout moment was flying aerobatics—loops, rolls, and more—over Tucson, Arizona, with helicopter legend Chuck Aaron in his Red Bull BO-105.
Today, Aaron channels his aviation background, creativity, and decades of experience into RampCheck Aviation’s photography, video, and media platforms. His work reflects a lifelong passion for flight, and his images continue to bring viewers closer to the power, emotion, and beauty of aviation.
Ryan
The youngest of the Rumfallo brothers, Ryan was destined to fall in love with aviation. His earliest memories mirror those of his brothers—attending airshows, sitting at the end of runways, and spending every spare moment watching aircraft. Growing up in the flight path of Salt Lake International Airport, Ryan often climbed onto the backyard shed with his aviation scanner in hand, tracking aircraft and logging flights as they passed overhead.
At 18, determined to work as close to airplanes as possible, Ryan took a job sorting mail at Salt Lake International. Lunchtimes were often spent at the airport’s observation deck—simple moments that helped cement his passion. His commitment to staying in aviation led him to the commercial airline ramp, where he worked for WinAir, JetBlue, and Frontier Airlines before transitioning to the general aviation side of the airport.
There, Ryan built a long and accomplished career across several FBOs, including Million Air, Tac Air, and Atlantic Aviation. Over his 16-plus years in general aviation, he held multiple leadership roles—Deice Coordinator, Line Supervisor, and Training Manager—while supporting a wide range of operations. He serviced private aircraft, air ambulances, charter operations, professional sports teams, and frequent missions for the Utah Air National Guard. Highlights of his career include supporting the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games and working in Houston during Super Bowl XXXVIII. Ryan often jokes that it’s easier to name the celebrities he hasn’t met than those he has.
Outside of aviation, Ryan is the athlete of the family. He has spent nearly 15 years coaching high school sports—primarily girls’ soccer—and brings the same energy, mentorship, and commitment to every team he leads. When he’s not contributing to RampCheck or engaging with the aviation community, Ryan enjoys time with his family and is known for effortlessly quoting lines from the TV show Scrubs.
