Flying Coral Reef - Passion for the Sea, Love for Flying

For many pilots, an aircraft is simply a means of getting from one place to another. For Fred Hudson, a Florida-based entrepreneur, his Pilatus PC-12 is much more than that, it’s a flying reflection of his passions. Looking at this PC-12, you might think it belongs to Jack Sparrow or the Disney Company – the paint scheme is simply stunning, eye-catching, and even a little wild. But when you look behind the curtain, you’ll see that it actually belongs to a serious and very proud owner who is also a huge Pilatus fan.

With its striking coral reef-inspired paint scheme, this aircraft has been turning heads and sparking curiosity for more than two decades, drawing attention wherever it flies. “Everywhere I go, people assume it’s a marine research plane,” says Fred with a huge smile. “But really, the paint scheme is based on my hobby, spearfishing, and my passion for the Bahamas.” At first glance, the PC-12 resembles an aquarium in flight, decorated with images of reef life, fish, turtles, corals and even a treasure chest. The inspiration comes directly from his private island retreat in the Abacos, where he spends time roughly every three weeks. He uses the plane to fly to his own strip – a perfect landing spot for the PC-12. “Beyond flying, my heart belongs to the sea. I wanted a plane that was as personal and vibrant as my connection to it.”

An Incredible Aircraft This isn’t just any plane – it is Fred’s 70th aircraft. Over the years, he has flown jets and turboprops, often changing aircraft. But when he purchased his PC-12 in Johannesburg in 2002, he knew he had found something special. “I would never ever want a different plane. The PC-12 is by far the most utilitarian aircraft ever made for flights under a thousand miles. Period.”

With more than 3,000 hours on his PC-12, Fred flies it himself, logging about 150 hours per year. The aircraft has taken him all across the Western Hemisphere – from Alaska to Panama, and often deep into the Caribbean. It has also served a greater purpose during times of crisis. After the earthquake in Haiti, he ferried doctors and medical supplies, and following devastating hurricanes in the Bahamas, he made multiple relief flights. “We stacked it to the ceiling with supplies – that’s when you realize how incredibly useful this aircraft really is.”

The PC-12 as Trusted Partner

Beyond its striking appearance and humanitarian missions, the PC-12 is also central to both his business and personal life. As the owner of a thriving furniture enterprise with 14 stores and more than 500 employees, he relies on the aircraft to make the most of his time. “Flying has always been a huge part of my business. It allows me to attend markets, meetings, and still enjoy time at my homes in the mountains and in the Bahamas. I literally use it for everything – both business and private.”

For him, the PC-12 has become more than an aircraft, it is a trusted partner. “This plane is my right arm,” he says. “It has lived a very cool life – and so have I because of it.”