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.
One Woman Started a Movement, Another Carries it Forward
When the last of her four children went off to college, Wanda Whitsitt learned to fly. At 48 years old, she decided to begin flight lessons with her husband. He never finished, but Wanda got hooked. She reveled in the challenge and proudly earned her pilot certificate. Despite such a noteworthy achievement, Wanda believed there […]
A New Approach to Referrals
Cited as the third most common barrier to care, transportation is a considerable problem for all patients. Children and adults with advanced cancers, rare illnesses, pre- and post- transplant needs, and other serious maladies, often require medical treatment they simply cannot access where they live. Those in need of free air transportation to access life-saving […]
Vaccines and Volunteer Pilots – FAQs
With welcome news of the COVID-19 vaccines, there have been some common questions regarding the vaccine and volunteer pilots. Can they deliver it? Can they receive priority to get it? Read on to learn more… Which vaccines are approved by the FAA for use by pilots and are there any special considerations? The Pfizer […]
Two Aviation Volunteers Honored for Public Benefit Flying
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA), in partnership with the Air Care Alliance (ACA), a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 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 […]
A Guide for Using Your CMF Call Sign
You’ve received your new CMF call sign and are ready to fly your first volunteer flight using it. Great! The COMPASSION call sign has many benefits. It alerts ATC that you are on an important charitable mission and provides a measure of safety and comfort for your passengers. Controllers may be more likely to clear […]
In the Shadow of 9/11: Volunteer Pilots Take Action
“…on a day that aviation was used as a weapon, it was also used as a means of rescue, relief and recovery by selfless aviators who picked themselves up and dove into constructive action in spite of the confusion.” Read the story of how volunteer pilots and organizations became a lifeline after 9/11. In the […]
Volunteer Pilots Wanted for Research Study
Volunteer Pilots are exceptional people–there’s no doubt about that. But what motivates them? How do their experiences shape their volunteerism and sustain their interest? PhD candidate Melanie Porter wants to find out. Her research seeks to investigate and discover the motivation factors that prompt an individual to participate in continued volunteer engagements. The study aims […]
Fuel Reimbursement Exemptions Explained
Those involved with volunteer flying have likely felt the frustration of limited pilot resources. We all want to be able to complete more flights, but let’s face it, flying is expensive! There’s a limit to the amount any pilot can give. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could defray a pilot’s cost of flying charitable […]
Volunteer Pilot Flight or Illegal Part 135: Where is the Line?
Written by Rick Durden, Vice President, Air Care Alliance Originally published by Air Care Alliance, March 2017 Updated and republished in June, 2020 Introduction: The FAA has been cracking down on illegal part 135 operations, increasing both investigations and enforcement actions against pilots and operators. On May 22, the FAA sent an informational letter to […]
Air Care Alliance Elects New Directors
Air Care Alliance is pleased to announce the election of three new Members to its Board of Directors: Mark Hanson, Jim Stratton and Katharine Zimmerman. “Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of leaders committed to fostering and enhancing charitable aviation,” said Jim Hesseman, President of Air Care Alliance. “We are excited […]