PETE ZACCAGNINO

According to the bio on Amazon: "Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Pete Zaccagnino has pursued all things aviation since the beginning. Earning his undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering, restoring five airplanes and building three others, including a Lancair Super Legacy, Pete has flown over 23,000 hours in more than 270 aircraft types and flight tested over 685 aircraft. Pete’s company manages several corporate jets, and he spends 3-4 months each year on custom tailored world tours for his customers.

Pete is a former professor of Aerodynamics, Meteorology and History. He has given over 100 training seminars on a variety of topics, has been a guest speaker at aviation peer groups and universities worldwide.

His fifteen years of racing at Reno have included four championships, including the 2019 Jet Gold Champion, 2015 Jet Gold Champion, 2013 Jet Gold Champion at 509 mph and the fastest qualifying lap at 529 mph. In 2007, he became the Gold Champion in the Sport Class, winning his first race in his first year.

Pete is also the owner of High Performance Aircraft Group, which performs flight test services for several manufacturers, including the U.S. and foreign militaries. Pete holds several licenses and a variety of type ratings in several jets and former military aircraft. In 2019 Pete was inducted into The Aviation Hall of fame of NJ.

Pete’s latest endeavors include writing, with his first book, ‘Relevant’ releasing in March 2020, production, and aviation filming. He has produced and been involved with multiple Discovery Channel pieces, the Smithsonian Channel, various documentaries, and several shorts and race productions. When not flying or at work on his creative projects, Pete is an avid skier and loves most outdoor activities."