'Scratch' Mitchell
Lead pilot and aerial coordinator
Scratch's Story
Rob bites into life, and it shows in all that he does. Affectionately known as “Scratch” to his fighter pilot mates, he hails from Victoria, British Columbia and now lives in Vancouver, BC where he is living out his goals balancing being a producer, director of Film / TV, an actor and aviator.
As a third-generation military pilot, flying was in his blood. Rob joined the RCAF to be a fighter pilot after receiving a degree in Sociology. He recalls the harrowing tales of his grandfather flying Spitfires in Europe in WWII and proudly watching his dad fly jets in the 70s and 80s.
After topping his flying courses, Scratch went on not only to become a fighter pilot flying CF-18s, he was selected as an air show pilot both in the CF-18 and twice with the world-renowned
Snowbirds jet team.
It was with the Snowbirds that Scratch was able to blend his passion for aviation and the artist in himself. In 2006 Scratch returned to the Snowbirds as the Team Lead for two years.
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Following this, Scratch was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and had the honour of being selected as an exchange officer for post-grad training in Australia. He received a Masters degree in Strategy and Management and became a fanatical surfer.
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Scratch continued to develop a parallel passion for acting and performing. After studying acting and film production for numerous years, Scratch could not deny he had found another life calling.
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After 20 years in the Air Force he realised he had to live up to his countless motivational speeches to school kids to “pursue and bite into your dreams.”
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Scratch submitted his release and announced that he was going to retire from the Air Force to become a full-time producer, actor and air show pilot.
As an airshow pilot Scratch flies classic fighter jets such as the F-86 and T-33.
Scratch was with the world-famous Patriots Jet Team out of California for six seasons,
a team that very closely aligns with one of his guiding principles,
“passion, focus and action”; his key to success.
Blending both of his worlds, Scratch was a character, director and a producer of the successful Discovery series AIRSHOW.
Scratch is also a film pilot, aerial coordinator and aerial director for film and TV. No doubt you have seen some of his work, including the new Roland Emmerich Midway Blockbuster.
Inspired by life’s stories, Scratch jumped into the director roles of other successful Discovery Channel series - most notably the hit show HIGHWAY THRU HELL - he continues to direct aerial sequences and coordinates aerial stunts.
As a public speaker, media personality and actor, Scratch embraces the opportunity to connect with people. Scratch the actor seeks out complex male roles, something that allows him to delve into the intricacies of the human condition.
Scratch is also a passionate sailor and has represented Canada at several world events. As a husband and father, he has two awe-inspiring children and an equally passionate and tolerant wife.
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Per Ardua ad Astra…
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