News & Events

We will periodically publish our bulletin, Flight Following, on our website and also send it directly via email in order to make sending and receiving it as convenient as possible for everyone.

This journal is intended for volunteer pilots, group leaders, other volunteers, professional staff, and all those interested in the incredible world of public benefit flying! Feel free to pass it along to others. We hope it provides useful information making it easier for those who use aviation in public service do a better and more enjoyable job of flying to help others!

We will also post news and event information from the world of charitable aviation on our blog.

“But I’m a Commercial Pilot…”

February 28, 2022

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 […]

Beware Call Sign Mismatch

January 4, 2022

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, […]

2021 Awards

December 13, 2021

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 […]

5 Ways to Put Your Piloting Skills to Good Use

October 13, 2021

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. […]

Aviation Volunteers and Organizations Honored for Public Benefit Flying

October 8, 2021

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 […]

Volunteer Pilots & Liability

October 4, 2021

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 […]

Public Benefit Flying Awards – Tips for Nominating

July 5, 2021

It’s that time of year again! Nominations are open for the Public Benefit Flying Awards. These national awards were created by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the Air Care Alliance (ACA) to recognize the significant contributions of volunteer pilots and the outstanding work of those engaged in Public Benefit Flying. Don’t miss your chance […]

Support Charitable Aviation with Cryptocurrency

June 2, 2021

Did you know cryptocurrency donations are on the rise? In the last few years, hundreds of millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrencies have been donated to charities. But accepting crypto donations isn’t something top-of-mind for most nonprofits and it’s not something they’re set up to do. With a reported 100 million people using cryptocurrency today […]

Meet the Flying Rotarians

May 14, 2021

If you’re a Rotarian and have an interest in aviation, you’ll want to check out the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians (IFFR). What is the IFFR? The IFFR is a group of Rotarians dedicated to promoting Rotary and aviation as an opportunity for fellowship and service. This fellowship operates in accordance with Rotary International policy, […]

Nominations for Public Benefit Flying Awards Open May 1st!

April 28, 2021

Do you know someone doing great things for Public Benefit Flying? Whether a volunteer pilot, a non-flying volunteer, or an individual or organization providing extraordinary support, you can help give them the recognition they deserve. Nominate someone deserving today! About the Awards The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the Air Care Alliance (ACA) created the […]