Max talks with Adam Broun of PALS SkyHope, a volunteer pilot organization that provides free air transportation for medical patients, veterans, and others in need. Founded in 2010 by three pilots in the Northeast, PALS SkyHope has conducted over 34,000 flights, serving more than 4,000 families.
Beyond medical transport, they assist military veterans by flying them to camps designed for rehabilitation, as well as special events like Major League Baseball games. They also provide commercial airline tickets, through partnerships with JetBlue and Southwest, as backup transportation.
Safety is a major focus, with pilots required to have at least 350 hours of PIC time and an instrument rating. PALS SkyHope provides risk assessment tools, town halls, and mentorship to support safe operations.
Volunteer pilots primarily fly single-engine aircraft like Cirruses and Bonanzas, but some missions require larger planes due to the needs of passengers. The organization constantly seeks pilots, especially in the Eastern U.S., and relies on donations, marathons, and galas for funding.
Adam emphasizes how volunteer flying gives pilots a meaningful reason to fly while making a real difference in people’s lives, often significantly improving patient outcomes through faster, stress-free travel.
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