Michael Hutchins
Michael began his aviation career in 1994 with Custom Air, Inc. as an agricultural pilot and has since developed extensive experience across multiple sectors of the industry, including aerial firefighting, aerial application, and rotor-wing operations. He also holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Parts Manufacturing Authorization (PMA), reflecting his technical expertise and commitment to aviation standards.
Over the course of his career, Michael has successfully combined his operational experience with strong business leadership, advancing into ownership roles where he applies both aviation and management expertise to develop efficient, scalable operational models. His leadership approach is grounded in real-world flight experience, enabling practical decision-making and effective team oversight.
Beyond flight operations, Michael is actively engaged in advancing the aviation industry through contributions to safety, innovation, and professional development. His ongoing commitment to education and industry advocacy supports continuous improvement and promotes best practices across the aerial firefighting community. As an active member of the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), he has served that organization on various committees. As a member of the Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association (AAAA), he was awarded the honor of Pilot of the Year in 2006 and Operator of the Year in 2016. In 2023, NAAA awarded him the Opal and Bill Binnion Award, which recognized Michael’s contributions to educate the public about aerial application.