Nathan Winkle
CEO & Founder
With over 30 years of aviation experience, Nathan Winkle is a trusted voice in business aviation and is recognized for his operational depth, technical expertise, and principled leadership. He began his career as a U.S. Air Force Crew Chief before moving into the private sector, where he became Director of Maintenance for a Fortune 500 flight department within six years. Throughout his career, Nathan has led and supported multiple flight departments and managed diverse fleets, participating in hundreds of aircraft transactions, including new aircraft deliveries, acquisitions, and sales.
In 2016, Nathan founded Thoroughbred Aviation, guided by a belief in doing business the right way, with integrity, professionalism, and respect for every stakeholder. These values remain central to the company’s culture and reputation, earning the trust of global financial institutions, corporate flight departments, and high-net-worth individuals alike.
A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Nathan is a former Chair of the NBAA Maintenance Committee and served on numerous OEM customer advisory boards. He holds an FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification with Inspector’s Authorization and is a private pilot.
Outside of aviation, Nathan enjoys time with his wife, Melanie, and their two children. He’s often found outdoors or off the beaten path, especially when testing the limits of his Ford Bronco.