Background
Aviation transformed the world by shrinking distance, accelerating commerce, and connecting cultures. Yet as the industry evolves, so too must its infrastructure—especially at the foundational level of flight training. Recognizing a growing gap in high-quality pilot training assets and the surging global demand for new pilots, Peregrine Howard Aviation was established to meet this challenge with purpose and precision.
Founding Vision
Founded by Pike Howard and Patrick Schindler—both licensed pilots and aviation enthusiasts—Peregrine Howard Aviation is dedicated to supporting the next generation of aviators through the acquisition and leasing of technologically advanced trainer aircraft, primarily Cessna 172s and Piper Archers equipped with G1000Nxi avionics.
The company operates within the Roessing Whittaker family office framework, with a shared belief in long-term value creation, real asset investing, and building businesses that matter. Aviation, as a sector, aligns deeply with our values: it compresses time and space, builds careers, and empowers global connectivity.
Industry Opportunity
The United States and broader global aviation market face a significant pilot shortage. According to Boeing, more than 600,000 new pilots will be needed worldwide by 2041, with over 130,000 required in North America alone. A key driver of this demand is the retirement of baby boomers, compounded by the decline in military-trained pilots. Today, over two-thirds of new commercial pilots are trained by civilian flight schools.
At the same time, demand for new aircraft—especially technologically current trainers—is outpacing supply. Cessna 172s, for example, are sold out through 2027–2028, with pricing escalating toward $700,000+ per unit. This backlog places immense pressure on flight schools and creates a strong leasing market for new or near-new aircraft.
The Peregrine Model
Peregrine Howard partners with top-tier flight schools across the U.S., providing absolute net leases that place maintenance, insurance, and operational responsibility on the lessee. This structure enables:
- Attractive & Predictable cash flows
- Tax-efficient income through bonus depreciation and MACRS schedules
- Strong residual value upside at lease maturity
To date, the platform offers aircraft to mission-aligned institutions in supply-constrained MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Areas), where pilot demand and enrollment are robust.
Why It Matters
Peregrine Howard is more than an investment vehicle—it is a mission-driven business supporting the revitalization of U.S. pilot training infrastructure. With military pipelines shrinking and commercial aviation expanding, the country’s ability to sustain a healthy aviation workforce relies on civilian-led training solutions.
Through disciplined capital deployment, operational oversight, and a deep love for aviation, Patrick and Pike are building a durable enterprise with lasting impact. For Roessing Whittaker, this is exactly the kind of opportunity we champion: real assets, purpose-driven founders, and long-term upside tied to transformative global trends.
