Founders
Kyle Registre, 25: Co-Founder/Pioneer
A Pioneer in Aviation
Kyle Registre, the co-founder of Privileged Pilots, is a 24-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a career as a commercial pilot.
In 2019, Kyle achieved a groundbreaking milestone when he was cured of Sickle Cell disease during BlueBird Bio's clinical trial. This remarkable recovery paved the way for his aviation dreams; he received medical clearance to fly in 2024.
On June 2nd, 2025, Kyle made history by becoming the first pilot with Sickle Cell disease to officially earn his pilot certificate. His journey embodies perseverance and opens new doors for others facing similar health challenges in aviation.
Daniel Cressy, 23: Founder
Daniel Cressy, age 22, born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. At 19, he discovered his passion to fly. Shortly after taking a discovery flight in November 2022, he began flight lessons and was on track to obtaining his certificate. However, after attempting to obtain a first-class medical certificate, he was denied.
This rejection led Daniel to begin searching for answers. In May 2023, Daniel did just that. Soon after beginning his research, he discovered a problem: there was a significant lack of resources and information available regarding solutions for Sickle Cell patients.
This discovery was very frustrating and it begged the question, "Why are there no answers? This needs to be talked about!" After some time passed and trying many ways around it, Daniel decided to go about things in a more civil manner. He then made an inquiry to the FAA with the help of The Honorable Senator Bill Cassidy and his office.
This occurred in October 2023, and shortly after, Daniel found his answer: to get cured using a stem cell transplant. This was not the news Daniel wanted to hear, but it was exactly what he needed. Soon after receiving this answer, Daniel informed his doctors of his newfound interest in undergoing this therapyAfter some time passed, Daniel got the ball rolling in order to get cured. During the waiting period, a post Daniel made on Reddit began to work wonders. An interviewer wanted to ask questions about his journey navigating this issue. This was no ordinary interview; the interviewer knew someone who would be integral to this brand, and that person was Kyle Registre. Shortly after the interview, Kyle and Daniel were connected, and on that day, Privileged Pilots was formed.
Daniel's Treatment
March 18, 2026
Daniel Cressy finally gets cured and makes history! Here you see the moment during the infusion of his new stem cells. The official timeline from initial inquiry to cured is 11-08-2023 to 03-18-2026
03/13/2026
Daniel's Journey Cont.
On March 9th, 2026, Daniel Cressy was admitted to the hospital to begin his life-changing Gene Therapy treatment. From March 11th through March 14th, Daniel is receiving the full course of chemotherapy that prepares his body for the next step in the journey. On March 18th, 2026, he will receive the infusion of his newly modified cells — marking what he often describes as a second birthday.
Experiencing the beginning of a new life at just 23 years old is something Daniel never expected. Being the first person in the great state of Louisiana to undergo this treatment is a responsibility he does not take lightly. He understands the importance of sharing his story, not only to document this moment in history, but to encourage and empower the generations that will follow.
Daniel’s faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of the joy and hope that shape his outlook on life. It is his prayer that anyone who reads his story will come to recognize the presence of Christ in their own journey as well.
Daniel's Speech
After a LONG 2+ years of hospital and clinic visits, Daniel finally celebrates him being functionally cured of sickle cell disease with the State of Louisiana. His emotional speech can be found here.
Emmanuel Peterson, 22
Welcome our board member, Emmanuel Peterson, who proudly serves as Secretary of the organization. Based in Alabama, Emmanuel is a corporate pilot flying the beautiful 7 blade Pilatus PC-12, combining professionalism, leadership, and a deep passion for aviation.
Emmanuel’s connection to Privileged Pilots began long before Privileged Pilots was ever officially an organization, making him a true Day One supporter. Since Daniel and Kyle first connected with Emmanuel, he has remained a constant source of encouragement and support while playing a meaningful role in the continued growth of the movement.
As Privileged Pilots evolved and the vision for the nonprofit organization began taking shape, one thing became clear: Emmanuel was a natural fit for the Board of Directors. His sustained commitment, belief in the mission, and dedication to ensuring these stories of perseverance and awareness reach the world made him an easy choice.
Today, Emmanuel continues helping drive the mission forward, ensuring that hope, representation, and opportunity reach communities that need it most.
Emmanuel & Daniel, March 2026
Daniel and Emmanuel first connected online in early spring 2023. What began as a simple connection quickly evolved into a strong friendship rooted in shared experiences, purpose, and a passion for aviation. In 2024, the two attended the OBAP Conference 2024 together and officially met in person for the first time.
As the years passed, they recognized the importance of sharing their story and growing the Privileged Pilots movement with the world. That purpose became even more personal considering Emmanuel’s own sister is living with sickle cell disease, giving him a deeply meaningful connection to the mission and the community it serves.
Now officially part of Privileged Pilots, Emmanuel is more committed than ever to helping fulfill the organization’s mission and expand its impact for those facing challenges that once seemed impossible.