Our 2026 Cherokee Lead is Andrew Howard

Andrew Howard was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, where as a kid his love of aviation took root after a discovery flight at a local airport. That experience stayed with him, even as life led him in another direction after high school. Andrew joined the United States Marine Corps—not to fly, but to serve his country with discipline, determination, and enough grit to make any future pilot training feel almost relaxing by comparison. In 2009, he married his high school sweetheart and best friend, the sensational Sami, whose unwavering support and impressive tolerance for aviation talk have made her a legend in her own right.

In 2015, Andrew finally stepped fully into the world of piloting, earning his certificate and turning aviation into more than a hobby—it became a lifestyle. By 2018, he entered the precision-driven world of formation flying, the unique sport where pilots intentionally fly close to each other and call it fun. Andrew quickly excelled, developing a reputation for sharp focus, steady leadership, and an uncanny ability to convince other pilots to trust him as their wing or formation lead.

His loyal aerial companion is a Piper Archer 180 affectionately known as "The Raptor". With its distinctive droop-tip wings, the aircraft looks perpetually ready to swoop down on unsuspecting prey—or at least impress everyone at the airport.

On the ground, Andrew is a devoted husband, a proud Marine veteran, and ready to talk aviation to anyone who has ears.