Page 28 - Demo

The VAC staff (from left to right): Jen Salvati, Executive Director; Walt Fricke, Founder; Maria Miles, Senior Mission Coordinator; Jenna Diebel, Mission Coordinator.
the desired range. Nearly 90 percent of our trips are accomplished with jets or turboprops, but we do some– times utilize high-performance singles for shorter legs. IFR flight plans are required.
4. How many pilots and aircraft are currently affiliated with the organization? What is the process for registering?
We have over 2,600 aircraft owners and pilots registered. Our goal is to grow that number to 5,000. We believe we would then be able to achieve close to 100 percent of requests by way of general aviation support. Currently, once we vet and approve the travel, we commit to getting them to the destination even if unable to find a volunteer (thus the purchase of airline tickets). To register, pilots can simply visit our website www.veteransairlift.org and click on the tab “register your aircraft.” The process only take a few minutes and they will start receiving mission notices when appropriate. As I mentioned, there is no obligation to respond – each notice is just an opportunity.
5. Can you describe one of your most memorable moments with a VAC passenger?
Close to my heart is the story of a young Marine, double amputee (arm at the shoulder and lower opposite leg), who expressed a desire to learn to fly after his first VAC trip aboard a private aircraft. His goal was to fly missions for the VAC. I honestly didn’t know how a person in his condition could manage to fly an airplane with one hand, but he has since (through a scholarship with ABLE Flight) earned a sport pilot’s certificate, private pilot certificate and an instrument rating. He is now working on his multi- engine and already paying it forward by f lying•VAC missions from the right seat of a PC-12 along with VAC volunteer, Mike Bell. That Marine is Sgt. (ret.) Adam Kisielewski. Proud to know him! T&T
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26 • TWIN & TURBINE
June 2018