Getting Involved: How Pilots Can Start Making a Difference with PALS

Adam Broun, Chairman of the Board at Patient Airlift Services (PALS), discusses the importance of volunteer flying and how it helps the community. He shares his journey into flying and how he got involved with PALS. Adam emphasizes the impact of volunteer flying on the lives of patients and their families, as it provides them with access to specialized medical treatment that they wouldn't otherwise have. He also highlights the role of volunteer pilot organizations (VPOs) and the Air Care Alliance in coordinating these efforts. Adam discusses the emotional aspect of volunteer flying and the need for pilots to maintain discipline and make safe decisions. He encourages pilots to find their purpose in flying and use their skills to make a difference in the world. PALS SkyHope is an organization that provides free air transportation for patients in need, including veterans. They also work with other organizations that focus on animals, endangered species, environmental flying, and human trafficking. Pilots can sign up to volunteer by filling out a simple form on the organization's website. The requirements include a minimum of 350 hours of flight time, a private pilot certificate, an instrument rating, and access to an aircraft. Missions are typically flown under an IFR flight plan. Pilots can also participate as mission assistants if they don't meet the flight requirements. The organization holds fundraising events and sponsors events like the New York Marathon. They also have a veterans program called PALS for Patriots, which transports injured and disabled veterans to specialized medical centers and morale-boosting events. There are various ways to volunteer for the organization, including spreading awareness, helping with fundraising, and assisting with missions. The organization builds relationships with the patients they serve and celebrates their progress. Adam Broun, the chairman of the board, emphasizes that the organization's decisions are driven by the mission to make an impact on the lives of the patients and veterans they serve. Takeaways Patient Airlift Services (PALS) and other volunteer pilot organizations (VPOs) provide transportation for patients who need access to specialized medical treatment. Volunteer flying saves lives and extends the lives of patients by helping them reach medical centers quickly and efficiently. Pilots involved in volunteer flying often find a renewed purpose for their flying and prioritize mission-driven flights over recreational flying. Volunteer flying not only benefits patients but also strengthens communities and builds connections between pilots and the people they serve. Volunteer pilots can start getting involved by reaching out to local volunteer pilot organizations and finding a mission that aligns with their interests and capabilities. PALS SkyHope provides free air transportation for patients in need, including veterans. Pilots can sign up to volunteer by meeting certain flight requirements and filling out a form on the organization's website. PALS SkyHope has a veterans program called PALS for Patriots, which transports injured and disabled veterans to specialized medical centers and morale-boosting events. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:00 Passion for Flying and Getting Involved with PALS 07:40 Finding Purpose in Volunteer Flying 10:03 The Impact of Volunteer Flying on Patients 12:11 Transitioning to Mission-Driven Flying 15:42 The Emotional Aspect of Volunteer Flying 20:37 Challenges and Opportunities in Finding Patients 23:14 Volunteer Pilots and Flight Requirements 25:38 Flying into Busy Class Bravo Airports 28:15 PALS for Patriots: Transporting Injured and Disabled Veterans 30:34 Other Ways to Volunteer and Get Involved 38:44 Building Relationships and Celebrating Progress https://palservices.org/ https://www.smokehousepilots.com/