Biography

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

His fifteen years of racing at the National Championship Air Races 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, and 2007 Gold Champion in the Sport Class. In 2005, he won his first race in his first year of professional competition.

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

Peter’s latest endeavors include writing, film production, and aviation filming. His first book, Relevant: A Military Thriller Inspired by True Events, was released in March 2020. He has produced and been involved with multiple Discovery Channel and Smithsonian Channel productions (including as lead talent on Dangerous Flights), 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. Pete’s philanthropy includes Wounded Warriors, the National Ability Center, various orphanages in Central and South America, and Christian Service projects for children in remote locations worldwide.”