Pilots to the Rescue founder Michael Schneider turns a decade of passion into thousands of lives saved.
Inspired by a lifelong love of helping animals, Michael Schneider founded Pilots to the Rescue. His choice of the Kodiak 100 as the organization’s cornerstone aircraft was based on major advantages that included the designed-in operational safety features, cabin flexibility and acquisition cost.
Pilots to the Rescue
Michael Schneider, Founder and pilot
Kodiak 100 (donor-funded acquisition)
Animal rescue flights
Essex County Airport, Caldwell, New Jersey
Rugged airframe, operational safety features, and the right fit for the mission
A skydiving birthday experience unexpectedly introduced Michael Schneider to aviation. After a few jumps, he became more interested in the airplane than the freefall – taking a introductory flight, and quickly earned his private pilot certificate. He joined local flying clubs and discovered organizations using general aviation for humanitarian missions. When he learned about pilots rescuing animals from overcrowded shelters in the southern United States, the idea clicked: his two passions could become one mission, creating Pilots to the Rescue as a non-profit, volunteer-driven, 501c3 public benefit aviation organization.
Schneider explained that Pilots to the Rescue began operations with Piper PA‑32 Cherokees, flying nearly 500 hours per year – far beyond what aging piston aircraft were able to handle. Maintenance and reliability became persistent challenges. An opportunity arose when a major donor supported the search for a turboprop-powered airplane upgrade.
Pilots to the Rescue surpassed the milestone total of 6,000 animals saved by 2025, with no intention of slowing down. For Schneider, the work is both a purpose and a privilege: combining aviation skills with life‑saving impact. “Southern U.S. shelters often face warmer climates, year‑round strays, and limited spay/neuter program,” he explained. “Many are overcrowded municipal facilities. Pilots to the Rescue moves animals north, where they have significantly higher adoption rates.”
The Kodiak 100’s proven safety and dependable performance give Pilots to the Rescue the capacity and reliability to perform its life-saving animal transport missions throughout the year.
