Mike Rutledge

Mike is well-known in the agricultural aviation community and, as a current Ag pilot, brings significant insight to Thrush and its sales organization, as well as to the factory’s aircraft development teams. Prior to joining Thrush, Mike’s career included some 30 years in the military where he served twelve years as a Navy SEAL before transitioning to the Army as an aviator where, in addition to multiple tours and special operation actions, he also served as an instructor pilot, developmental test pilot and aviation safety officer. He concluded his military aviation career as commander of the Executive Flight Detachment at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In addition to his work at Thrush, Mike operates Rutledge Airborne Applications based in Shipshewana, Indiana. He is also a carded relief fire pilot. His highly relevant career experience brings Thrush customers the highest levels of attention and in-the-field understanding, as well as helping the company fully develop the potential of the aircraft we build.