Owning a Pilatus is a gift. It shows up in memories made, the miles explored, and the people (or creatures) brought along for the ride. While the Pilatus is used in many different ways- for business, pleasure, or a mix- we sat down with two individuals who chose to use their Pilatus for service work.
Interview with Chuck yanke
Pilatus owner, pilot & turtles fly too Volunteer
Aviation Journey
Cessna 172 > Cessna 182 > Cessna 182 RG Turbo > Columbia 400 > Pilatus PC-12/45
Why pilatus
“I was very happy with the Columbia 400, but it didn’t have the capacity that we were looking for.”
How he uses his Pilatus
- Regular trips from Milwaukee to Jackson Hole—nonstop.
- Cross-country hops to Georgia and other high-altitude destinations.
- Extensive animal transport work with zoos across the country (mountain lions, wolves, monkeys, chimpanzees, red pandas—you name it).
- Turtles Fly Too missions, including a record-setting 100-turtle airlift in their PC-12.
A Christmas Story
Between Christmas and New Year’s one year, Chuck and his wife decided to “give the turtles a Christmas.” They loaded 25–30 sea turtles–each shipped in banana boxes with towels and heat packs–and flew them to rehab facilities along the East Coast.
“We just enjoy giving back and helping the animals because they have no voice. I think it’s important, anybody who’s been very successful, that they contribute back to help. Some people can contribute back to help the homeless, or whatnot. We give back for the animals.”
For more information about Turtles Fly Too, Visit httsp://www.turtlesflytoo.com.
Interview with Phil Council
Pilatus Pilot & Angel Flight West Volunteer
Aviation Journey
Phil’s aviation path began in the Air Force, first as a mechanic and later as a loadmaster on C-130s. After deployments and global travel, he transitioned into flight instruction, balancing military work by day with flight school at night.
While trying to gain his footing in aviation as a pilot, Phil and his family experienced the loss of his young son, Noah.
“Life is what it is and you can’t worry about what you can’t control…I still had to live for my wife and my daughter.”
Three months after he passed away, Phil completed his bachelor’s degree in aeronautics.
He was later introduced to the Pilatus while teaching the then-new NGX in the simulator world, a role that led to his current position managing and flying a PC-12 for a private family, where he also supports maintenance as a certified A&P.
How he uses his PC-12
The family whose PC-12 Phil manages encouraged him to put the aircraft to good use beyond business flying. “Go do good things for good people,” they told him.
That encouragement led him to Angel Flight West, where he now uses the Pilatus to fly medical passengers who need free transportation to and from treatment. To date, Phil has flown around 90 missions.
“And a lot of them are going through a lot of similar things that we had gone through…I have some insight into what they might be feeling…”
Phil’s Standout Story
One of Phil’s most memorable moments was flying a passenger home from her final medical treatment—cancer-free and returning home for good.
“She was in great spirits. We got to celebrate together. It was just a refreshing flight overall.
It was a beautiful day to fly. It was awesome.”
An Angel Flight with Phil and his wife, Ariel, helping bring pediatric cancer survivor Spencer from Page, AZ to Payson, AZ for a summer camp hosted by the Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation.