I have always felt that an organization’s vision is the driving force behind what is accomplished and what needs to be accomplished, whether that organization is large or small, for profit or not for profit. In recent years, our vision at Air Care Alliance has been to “maximize charitable aviation through organizations and pilots flying to serve the needs of humanity”.
With that vision as our guide, Air Care Alliance continued our efforts in 2023 to support charitable aviation nationwide as we were able to:
- Conduct a second Public Benefit Flying Day at the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. We had the opportunity to promote charitable aviation to thousands of potential pilots in both a display area as well as seminar presentations throughout the week
- Continue the successful referral program which connected individuals in need of transportation services, as well as pilots looking to help, to our member Volunteer Pilot Organizations (VPO)
- Work with supporting organizations, such as the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians and Lightspeed, to promote charitable aviation to thousands nationwide
- Continue working with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) on the current FAA reauthorization bill in an effort to support issues directly related to Public Benefit Flying
- Conduct our annual AIR CARE Conference which brought many of our member organizations together to collaborate and discuss key issues related to charitable aviation
The current vision for ACA was developed in 2019 so it is appropriate for us to now revisit that vision this year to update it based on current and future needs. There are still millions of people across our country, both in large cities and rural areas, that are in need of medical transportation for treatments. And there are still thousands of animals who need to be rescued, and aviation support required for the never-ending list of disasters that occur every year. There are currently over 12,000 pilots who volunteer themselves and their airplanes but that’s still not enough to support all the need that exists in our country.
In 2024, Air Care Alliance, along with our member VPOs and volunteer pilots, will focus on updating our vision so that we can best serve the charitable aviation needs in the United States.
Thank you to all our Volunteer Pilot Organizations for the incredible work they do to help so many in need nationwide. Their employees, volunteers and volunteer pilots continue to make a significant and meaningful impact on the lives of all those they assist. Thank you, as well to our ACA Board of Directors, and especially those directors who have worked above and beyond to support and promote the need for charitable aviation nationwide.
And to those pilots who volunteer their time, their planes and their expenses to help others, a very special thank you for your generosity and your passion. We have a rare opportunity to serve others in need and there is no better way to use our airplanes than to help better their lives of those in need. And for those pilots who have yet to volunteer, please contact us at Air Care Alliance to get started on a new passion.
I hope you all have a very happy and productive 2024 as we all strive to support as many as we can this year and for many years ahead.