Michael Schneider - Founder of Pilots To The Rescue

Michael Schneider didn't set out to become a hero. The founder and chief pilot of Pilots To The Rescue simply saw a problem and decided to do something about it. In 2015, after learning about abandoned puppies in rural North Carolina scheduled for euthanasia due to lack of shelter space, Michael and fellow pilot Brian Orter flew south for their first rescue mission. That single flight would change everything.

A year later, Michael founded Pilots To The Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transporting at-risk animals from overcrowded shelters to adoption centers where loving families await. What started as one man's passion has grown into a nationwide movement, with the organization completing 283 missions, flying over 312,000 miles, and saving nearly 5,000 animals by 2025.

In September 2025, Michael was awarded the prestigious Daher Excellence Trophy, presented by the aerospace company behind his rescue plane, the Kodiak 100 nicknamed "Big Paw." The recognition celebrates individuals who exemplify extraordinary commitment and impact in aviation—but for Michael, the real reward comes every time he sees a dog or cat step off his plane and into their new life.

One particularly memorable rescue in September involved a 100-pound dog named Mike (yes, seriously), who was too large to fit in a crate and was scheduled for euthanasia solely because he took up too much space. Michael and volunteer pilot Stephen Nur flew to South Carolina to pick up Mike along with 64 other animals, coordinating a complex mission that required all hands on deck. Today, Mike is safe with a foster family in New Hampshire—alive because someone refused to give up on him.

The organization reached a milestone in 2025: their 5,000th rescue. The honor went to a playful pup named Archer, who caught the eye of volunteer pilot Vikingur—the very first pilot who had stepped forward to volunteer years ago. After flying 50 rescue missions, Vikingur welcomed Archer into his own home, a testament to the ripple effect of compassion that Michael set in motion.

"We're still euthanizing nearly a million cats and dogs in the United States every year," Michael explains from his hangar. "There's no shortage of animals that need to be transported or rescued. In many cases, there are shelters with space—there's just no way to get to them in time. That's where we come in."

Michael's vision extends beyond simply moving animals from point A to point B. He's built a community of volunteer pilots, ground coordinators, and supporters who believe that every life matters. His work proves that aviation can be a force for good, and that one person with a plane and a passion can save thousands of lives.