Volunteer flying gives pilots an opportunity to combine something they love with a meaningful way to help others. But as we all know, flying is an expensive activity and the current economy is certainly not helping. Many volunteer pilots are finding it difficult to do as many flights as they’d like, and some are looking […]
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA), in partnership with the Air Care Alliance (ACA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Public Benefit Flying Awards. These awards were created to honor volunteer pilots, other volunteers, and organizations engaged in flying to help others, as well as those supporting such work. “Each year, hundreds, even […]
After a two-year pandemic pause, the Air Care Alliance (ACA) resumed its annual Air Care Conference in-person in Los Angeles, California on September 30th and October 1st. The 30th iteration of the conference was hosted by ACA member group, Angel Flight West. A dozen different public benefit flying groups from all across the country attended […]
In 2010, following four accidents involving volunteer pilots, ACA worked with the NTSB to develop and distribute safety recommendations for Volunteer Pilot Organization (VPOs). Our work is never done when it comes to improving safety of volunteer flights. Here again are ACA’s recommendations. REINFORCE PILOT CURRENCY Institute procedures that reinforce pilot currency under FAR 61.57 […]
Latest FAA Notice Addresses Common Misconceptions On February 1st, 2022, the FAA issued a letter explaining some commonly held misunderstandings with regard to expense sharing and pilot privileges. (See Notice number: NOTC2238, reprinted here.) This letter is the latest of a series of efforts by the FAA to combat unauthorized Part 135 operations which the […]
Many volunteer pilots use special call signs on their volunteer flights. Whether you use the “Compassion” call sign (CMF) , “Angel Flight” (NGF), “Aerobridge” (BGE), “Pals Hope” (PLZ), or any other call sign that is not the aircraft’s registration number, you must be careful to avoid “Callsign Mismatch” (CSMM). CSMM is a problem for airliners, […]
Combining your passion for flying with service to others is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a pilot. If you’re looking for a good reason to fly, check out these five ways to get involved. Patient Flights Flying patients to medical care is one of the most common ways to volunteer. […]
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The Air Care Alliance (ACA), in partnership with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Public Benefit Flying Awards. These awards were created to honor volunteer pilots, other volunteers, and organizations engaged in flying to help others, as well as those supporting such work. “The toughest times often […]
One of the most common hesitations to becoming a volunteer pilot is concern about liability. Pilots may worry about risking their personal and family assets by volunteering to transport needy patients or by conducting other types of compassionate flights. Here’s what you need to know about liability. ACA can only give general pointers. A discussion […]