about
mistwood
A Passion for Aviation That Started Early
Built on a shared vision
For Patrick McLaughlin, aviation has always been more than a career. It has been a lifelong passion shared with his father.
Growing up, many of Pat's earliest memories were spent in the right seat of his dad's Piper Saratoga, learning about aviation long before he was old enough to earn his pilot certificate. That passion only grew stronger when his father purchased a new Cirrus SR22T. Experiencing the advanced technology, modern design, and innovation of the Cirrus platform sparked a fascination that would ultimately shape the future of Mistwood Aviation.
Pat earned his Private Pilot Certificate during the summer before his senior year at Elon University, where he studied Business Administration and Finance. Even while finishing college, he found every opportunity to stay current in the air, flying throughout North Carolina whenever he could. It quickly became clear that aviation was more than a hobby. It was where he wanted to build his future.
At the same time, Pat and his father recognized something missing in the St. Louis aviation community. Through conversations with local Cirrus owners, they saw a growing demand for a training and maintenance facility dedicated to the Cirrus experience. Together, they worked with Cirrus Aircraft to establish Mistwood Aviation at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in 2016 with a simple goal: provide exceptional training, factory-authorized aircraft care, and an ownership experience centered on quality, safety, and outstanding customer service.
Since then, Pat has helped guide Mistwood's growth into one of the nation's premier Cirrus organizations. As a Platinum Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot, he has provided more than 4,000 hours of instruction in Cirrus aircraft while expanding the training fleet from a single SR20 to today's modern lineup of Generation 6 and Generation 7 aircraft. Beyond Mistwood, he also serves as an instructor for the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association's Pilot Proficiency Program, helping pilots across the country continue developing their skills.
While Mistwood has grown considerably since its founding, the philosophy remains unchanged. Every student, every aircraft owner, and every customer deserves personalized attention, professional guidance, and an experience that inspires confidence from the moment they arrive.
Experienced Professionals. Shared Passion.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND MISTWOOD
Exceptional service begins with exceptional people. At Mistwood Aviation, our team brings together experienced pilots, instructors, technicians, and aviation professionals who share a commitment to safety, professionalism, and customer care.
Every member of our team plays an important role in delivering the experience our customers have come to expect, whether you're beginning flight training, maintaining your aircraft, or simply stopping by to talk aviation.
Patrick McLaughlin
Owner | Platinum Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot
Pat oversees Mistwood's training operations while continuing to instruct pilots and support the company's commitment to exceptional customer experiences. Since co-founding Mistwood in 2016, he has logged more than 4,000 hours of Cirrus instruction and helped grow the company into one of the nation's premier Cirrus training organizations.
Dan Bauer
Director of Maintenance
With more than 12 years of experience managing aircraft maintenance operations, Dan leads Mistwood's service department with a focus on quality, communication, and attention to detail. His factory training and extensive experience with Cirrus aircraft help ensure every customer receives professional, reliable support throughout the maintenance process.
Welcome to Mistwood Aviation
let's get started
Whether you're beginning your aviation journey, caring for your aircraft, or simply exploring what's possible, our team is here to help.
Experience the professionalism, expertise, and personal service that continue to make Mistwood a trusted partner for pilots and aircraft owners throughout the region.
Flight Training for Every Stage of Your Journey
TRAINING PROGRAMS
Whether you're stepping into an aircraft for the first time or adding advanced ratings, Mistwood offers personalized instruction tailored to your goals.