Zach Purvis is the founder and CEO of Aviation Ape™, a national aircraft leasing and management company overseeing a portfolio of more than 45 aircraft across the United States.

Zach entered the aviation industry without generational wealth, industry connections, or a background in flight. Just five years ago, he began as a first-time student pilot at Right Rudder Aviation, driven by curiosity and a deep interest in aircraft.

Within his first year of training, Zach acquired his first aircraft and strategically placed it on leaseback with the same flight school where he trained. That decision offset his flight costs, created tax advantages, and generated consistent cash flow. More importantly, it revealed a scalable opportunity most investors were overlooking.

Recognizing the demand for professionally managed, income-producing aircraft, Zach founded Aviation Ape™, providing turnkey aircraft leasing, management, and optimization for everyday investors seeking alternative income streams. The company has since expanded nationwide, managing aircraft for owners across multiple markets while supporting flight schools, pilots, and operators at scale.

In a full-circle milestone, Zach later acquired the Fixed Base Operator where he originally trained, transforming it into a vertically integrated aviation business.

Zach Purvis is recognized for redefining aircraft ownership as an accessible investment vehicle and for building one of the most comprehensive, investor-focused aviation platforms in the country.