This weekend, member Joe Howley and his family are kicking back and relaxing in Sea Island, GA. It may be their fourth visit to our Coastal Georgia destination, but this trip is special—this weekend, the Howleys are hosting John Hudson and his family, giving away an Exclusive Resorts vacation to a deserving family that captured Joe's heart earlier this year. For entire article, click here.  |
Friday, September 23, 2011
Flying for a Cause
Friday, September 9, 2011
Pilots Ground Driving Skills Are Tested Raising Funds for PALS at the Monmouth County Horse Show
Patient Airlift Services was selected as the beneficiary of this year’s Monmouth County Horse Show held August 17 – 21 at East Freehold Park Showgrounds in New Jersey. This exclusive “A” rated event, celebrating 116 years, included Jumper and Hunter Divisions, as well as special events to raise awareness and funds for Patient Airlift Services. “Our efforts on fundraising and outreach were very successful,” commented PALS Vice Chairman and Board Member, John Rochelle who helped coordinate the event. “I think we were all pleased by the visibility we gained and the show itself was something that everyone who attended, genuinely enjoyed.”
A Silent Auction kicked off the schedule of activities on Wednesday and culminated on Sunday with the selection of top bidders for more than thirty items. The highlight of the fundraising events was the PALS Pilot/Rider Class held on Saturday, August 20. As part of this fun and very entertaining event, riders in the horse show were paired up with PALS pilots, volunteers and staff to form a speed racing team. The race consisted of a course of 10 jumps for the riders alongside an obstacle course that the PALS pilots and volunteers had to navigate while driving a golf cart. The combined time of the two races, minus any deductions for hitting obstacles, was the total time for each team.
Spectators were given the opportunity to bid on any of the 11 the teams they thought would win the race. The winning team of PALS Board member and pilot, John Rochelle and equestrian Heather had the best time. “We wanted participants to enjoy some of the first-rate riding that is always a part of the Monmouth Horse Show, while giving PALS volunteers an opportunity to participate in the fundraising.” Explained race organizer Wiss Costanza. “The PALS Pilot/Rider Class was a really fun way to get everyone involved and spotlight PALS.”
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Federal Aviation Administration grants exemption to Patient Airlift Services for fuel reimbursement to pilots
Farmingdale, New York - - July 8, 2011….In a ruling that will have a major impact on
its pilot force and overall expansion strategy for years to come, Patient AirLift Services
(PALS) last week was informed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that its
request for an exemption to allow for reimbursement of its volunteer pilots for fuel costs
incurred in conducting charitable flights has been granted.
In a letter of June 22 to PALS Chairman, Joseph Howley, the FAA’s Acting Deputy
Director of Flights Standards Service, Melvin Cintron, informed Mr. Howley that the
FAA has determined that “a grant of exemption is in the best public interest.” The
directive also states that the “FAA found that humanitarian efforts of these pilots who
volunteer their time and piloting services are commendable, and the FAA wants to en-
courage this kind of volunteerism and public service for the common good of our
citizens.” Mr. Cintron’s letter also said that the FAA recognizes the fact of rising costs
for fuel and aircraft and operating expenses… and (as a result) the FAA can ensure that a
higher level of aviation safety for the flying public will be maintained.
“Clearly this is a major development for PALS,” said John Rochelle, PALS’ Vice
Chairman. “We have been pushing the envelope on this initiative for some time now and
we are pleased that the FAA agrees that our petition for fuel reimbursement has
significant benefits for our pilots who, up to now, had to absorb all fuel costs related to
our charitable missions,” he added.
Mr. Howley, who petitioned the FAA in March through a formal request process, pointed
out that the true winners are the patients they serve. “Without question, this decision by
the FAA will have exponential benefit for the patients we fly and their families who
already carry the largest burden,” said Mr. Howley. “The ability to reimburse our pilots
will vastly improve the process: a far greater number of pilots will be able to take on
more missions and PALS will be able to attract new pilots as a result of the FAA’s ex-
emption in our case.”
Although the FAA’s key ruling will commit PALS to allocating more dollars for fuel
reimbursement, Mr. Rochelle said it will also ensure that the organization’s expansion
efforts will not be achieved solely through external events but equally through improving
internal efficiencies. “We genuinely care about our pilots,” he added. “The FAA’s action
puts the spotlight directly on who we feel represents the backbone of PALS – the pilots
who fly our missions.”
Mr. Rochelle also indicated that PALS is working on a program that will further enhance
the fuel reimbursement decision and that plan will be announced in coming weeks.
its pilot force and overall expansion strategy for years to come, Patient AirLift Services
(PALS) last week was informed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that its
request for an exemption to allow for reimbursement of its volunteer pilots for fuel costs
incurred in conducting charitable flights has been granted.
In a letter of June 22 to PALS Chairman, Joseph Howley, the FAA’s Acting Deputy
Director of Flights Standards Service, Melvin Cintron, informed Mr. Howley that the
FAA has determined that “a grant of exemption is in the best public interest.” The
directive also states that the “FAA found that humanitarian efforts of these pilots who
volunteer their time and piloting services are commendable, and the FAA wants to en-
courage this kind of volunteerism and public service for the common good of our
citizens.” Mr. Cintron’s letter also said that the FAA recognizes the fact of rising costs
for fuel and aircraft and operating expenses… and (as a result) the FAA can ensure that a
higher level of aviation safety for the flying public will be maintained.
“Clearly this is a major development for PALS,” said John Rochelle, PALS’ Vice
Chairman. “We have been pushing the envelope on this initiative for some time now and
we are pleased that the FAA agrees that our petition for fuel reimbursement has
significant benefits for our pilots who, up to now, had to absorb all fuel costs related to
our charitable missions,” he added.
Mr. Howley, who petitioned the FAA in March through a formal request process, pointed
out that the true winners are the patients they serve. “Without question, this decision by
the FAA will have exponential benefit for the patients we fly and their families who
already carry the largest burden,” said Mr. Howley. “The ability to reimburse our pilots
will vastly improve the process: a far greater number of pilots will be able to take on
more missions and PALS will be able to attract new pilots as a result of the FAA’s ex-
emption in our case.”
Although the FAA’s key ruling will commit PALS to allocating more dollars for fuel
reimbursement, Mr. Rochelle said it will also ensure that the organization’s expansion
efforts will not be achieved solely through external events but equally through improving
internal efficiencies. “We genuinely care about our pilots,” he added. “The FAA’s action
puts the spotlight directly on who we feel represents the backbone of PALS – the pilots
who fly our missions.”
Mr. Rochelle also indicated that PALS is working on a program that will further enhance
the fuel reimbursement decision and that plan will be announced in coming weeks.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Heroes on our Island: PALS featured in Long Island Telecast
Chairman Joe Howley and co-pilot Ron Siegel, along with board member Chris Hunt, reporter Jessica Fragoso of FiOS 1 News and patient Christopher Cyphers with parents Tennille and Jason flew from LI to Virginia and then to Norwood, Mass where Christopher underwent treatment at a nearby hospital. Joe and Ron provided a wonderful overview of PALS as did the Cyphers who clearly view PALS as a substantial part of their treatment process. And Kudos to Kelly O’Rourke (wife of board member Jim O'Rourke) who served as our AutoPilot driver for that day’s flight. Kelly appears at the conclusion of the segment.
Here is the link to the segment which featured PALS: http://www.fios1news.com/longisland/node/2888
Here is the link to the segment which featured PALS: http://www.fios1news.com/longisland/node/2888
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Gray Weather Does Not Dampen Air Show: Wings n Wheels Deemed A Success
by Christopher W. Hunt-
Despite weekend weather that featured low cloud cover and periods of light rain mixed with spotty sunshine, the 2011 Wings & Wheels: British Invasion air and car show, hosted by PALS, atttracted over 5,000 local and regional attendees to Sikorsky Airport in Stratford for the weekend event on May 21st and 22nd. The bustling tarmac in front of event co-sponsor Three Wing’s hangars provided eager transportation aficionados and paid guests with an array of machinery that would impress any impresario of classic automobiles and aircraft that visually told the story of air and car history throughout most of the 20th century.
Although low cloud cover did cancel some of the aerial events, the crowds were still treated to some stunning acrobatics, including a sibling rivalry motorcycle-plane race between Billy Werth in his Pitts SC2 Special who raced his brother David down the runway which thrilled the onlookers. Aerobatic performances were turned in by pilots Bob Cipolli who flew a Straudacher S300 monoplane and Bill Gordon in his Super Stairman WWII bi-plane trainer. Jim Bocell in his Corsair F4U and Dan Dameo in his Curtiss P-40 Warhawk rounded out the program with an array of impressive formation flybys.
Vintage aircraft and automobiles spanning decades of American and European manufacturers dotted the event site where attendees snapped photos and eagerly peered in through car windows marveling at the decades-old machinery. Antique Model A Fords, Bentleys and Rolls Royce’s in gleaming and immaculate condition were just a few of dozens of automobiles on display evoking memories of a grander period in car manufacturing. Individuals and families flocked to the many vintage aircraft on the tarmac as well; streaming under, around and through planes where event guests enjoyed examining their vast external underpinnings and the detailed interiors of such aircraft as the C-54, a former military cargo plane; the same model used in the famed Berlin airlift. Onboard, guests were treated to a miniature museum replete with a history of the 1948-1949 missions. A B-25 Ponchito aircraft was also present, the same model made famous by Jim Doolittle who lead his 18 bombers on the infamous one-way bombing missions from the USS Hornet which pounded Japan during WWII. Guests were also extended rides-for-hire in this historic aircraft. Also present was an H-34 Seahorse helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky in the 1950s and 1960s which was the most commonly-used helicopter of its kind during the early days of the Vietnam War.
“Despite some inconsistent weather the event went off without a hitch,” said Joe Howley, Chairman and CEO of event host, PALS. “The aerial events we did hold were amazing as were the dozens of air and car displays on the ground. It was very evident that those who came had a great time.” Howley also pointed to Saturday evening’s fundraiser event as another aspect of the show that was greatly successful. “The Hoedown dinner and auction was clearly one of the highlights during the two days,” said Howley. “Not only did everyone have a great time but our silent auction brought in tens of thousands in donations all of which, of course, goes to a great cause at PALS.”
Howley also noted that the show was successful due to all of those who helped plan it. “Our PALS Staff, those representing our co-hosts, Three Wing and the literally dozens of volunteers and sponsors that participated, made the difference,” he said. “Months of planning went into this and it showed; every last aspect was extremely well coordinated and that made for an event that attendees were excited about.”
Despite weekend weather that featured low cloud cover and periods of light rain mixed with spotty sunshine, the 2011 Wings & Wheels: British Invasion air and car show, hosted by PALS, atttracted over 5,000 local and regional attendees to Sikorsky Airport in Stratford for the weekend event on May 21st and 22nd. The bustling tarmac in front of event co-sponsor Three Wing’s hangars provided eager transportation aficionados and paid guests with an array of machinery that would impress any impresario of classic automobiles and aircraft that visually told the story of air and car history throughout most of the 20th century.
Although low cloud cover did cancel some of the aerial events, the crowds were still treated to some stunning acrobatics, including a sibling rivalry motorcycle-plane race between Billy Werth in his Pitts SC2 Special who raced his brother David down the runway which thrilled the onlookers. Aerobatic performances were turned in by pilots Bob Cipolli who flew a Straudacher S300 monoplane and Bill Gordon in his Super Stairman WWII bi-plane trainer. Jim Bocell in his Corsair F4U and Dan Dameo in his Curtiss P-40 Warhawk rounded out the program with an array of impressive formation flybys.
Vintage aircraft and automobiles spanning decades of American and European manufacturers dotted the event site where attendees snapped photos and eagerly peered in through car windows marveling at the decades-old machinery. Antique Model A Fords, Bentleys and Rolls Royce’s in gleaming and immaculate condition were just a few of dozens of automobiles on display evoking memories of a grander period in car manufacturing. Individuals and families flocked to the many vintage aircraft on the tarmac as well; streaming under, around and through planes where event guests enjoyed examining their vast external underpinnings and the detailed interiors of such aircraft as the C-54, a former military cargo plane; the same model used in the famed Berlin airlift. Onboard, guests were treated to a miniature museum replete with a history of the 1948-1949 missions. A B-25 Ponchito aircraft was also present, the same model made famous by Jim Doolittle who lead his 18 bombers on the infamous one-way bombing missions from the USS Hornet which pounded Japan during WWII. Guests were also extended rides-for-hire in this historic aircraft. Also present was an H-34 Seahorse helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky in the 1950s and 1960s which was the most commonly-used helicopter of its kind during the early days of the Vietnam War.
“Despite some inconsistent weather the event went off without a hitch,” said Joe Howley, Chairman and CEO of event host, PALS. “The aerial events we did hold were amazing as were the dozens of air and car displays on the ground. It was very evident that those who came had a great time.” Howley also pointed to Saturday evening’s fundraiser event as another aspect of the show that was greatly successful. “The Hoedown dinner and auction was clearly one of the highlights during the two days,” said Howley. “Not only did everyone have a great time but our silent auction brought in tens of thousands in donations all of which, of course, goes to a great cause at PALS.”
Howley also noted that the show was successful due to all of those who helped plan it. “Our PALS Staff, those representing our co-hosts, Three Wing and the literally dozens of volunteers and sponsors that participated, made the difference,” he said. “Months of planning went into this and it showed; every last aspect was extremely well coordinated and that made for an event that attendees were excited about.”
Friday, April 8, 2011
PALS Pilots- Your Annual Fly-In is Coming Soon!
On May 21 and 22, 2011, Patient AirLift Services is hosting Wings & Wheels 2011; British Invasion! at Sikorsky Memorial Airport. In addition to being a local favorite fun time, and a general awareness boost for Patient AirLift Services, this is also YOUR pilot fly-in. Wings and Wheels 2010 attracted over 25,000 guests to historic Sikorsky Memorial Airport. The 2011 event will provide visitors with a broader and even more exciting offering of classic warbirds, rare automobiles and other vehicles. Participating in this event provides businesses the opportunity to support Patient AirLift Services’ ability to help members of their community, and to be prominently visible at the largest early summer gathering in Fairfield County. Go to http://www.wingsnwheelsct.org/ for general info about the event and stay tuned for more information directed at you, our volunteer pilots.
Monday, April 4, 2011
AvWeb Podcast features Patient AirLift Services
In this podcast from Sun 'n Fun 2011, the organization's CEO, Joe Howley, gives a briefing to AvWeb representative Paul Bertorelli on how our new group — organized less than one year ago — works. The podcast's title is: "Volunteer Pilots for Patient Transportation". Go to this link to find it: http://www.avweb.com/podcast-content/index.html
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
PALS Chairman Joe Howley in New York Times!
March 8, 2011- PALS pilot Joe Howley is featured in today's New York Times. The article can be found in the Business Section (page B7; upper right and above the fold) under the column "Frequent Flier". Here is the link http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/business/08flier.html?_r=1&ref=business.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
B103 Update: PALS pilot and Chairman on ISLAND OUTLOOK Radio Sunday, 2/13
PALS pilot Ron Siegel and Chairman Joe Howley were featured on ISLAND OUTLOOK radio with Frank Brinka Sunday, 2/13 on the following radio stations:
✈✈✈ 6am on WKJY/98.3 "KJOY" kjoy.com
✈✈✈ 7am on WBZO/103.1 "B103" b103.com
✈✈✈ 7am on WIGX/94.3 "94-X" my94x.com
✈✈✈ 9am WHLI/1100AM WHLI.com
Island Outlook is an hour long public affairs show.
The first half hour was hosted by Frank Brinka, news director of WHLI & WBZO (B103)
PALS would like to thank volunteer pilot Ron Siegel for arranging this outreach opportunity.
✈✈✈ 6am on WKJY/98.3 "KJOY" kjoy.com
✈✈✈ 7am on WBZO/103.1 "B103" b103.com
✈✈✈ 7am on WIGX/94.3 "94-X" my94x.com
✈✈✈ 9am WHLI/1100AM WHLI.com
Island Outlook is an hour long public affairs show.
The first half hour was hosted by Frank Brinka, news director of WHLI & WBZO (B103)
PALS would like to thank volunteer pilot Ron Siegel for arranging this outreach opportunity.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Bridgeport FBO Offers Discounts to PALS Pilots
Three Wing Flying Services (KBDR) applauds the valuable work of PALS and its talented cadre of volunteer pilots and aircraft owners. In recognition of PALS’ many contributions, and to support the flying of PALS members, Three Wing is pleased to offer the following discounts on our services for 2011.
50% discount on our Flat Rate Inspection Fee for an annual.
30% discount on our Flat Rate FAR 91.411 and 91.413 Tests (24 Month IFR/VFR certifications of the Static, Altimeter, and Transponder systems).
$.10 per gallon fuel discount off of current retail price (Three Wing already is typically the best fuel value in the area!).
10% discount on Pilot Shop purchases, to include FAA charts and approach plates.
10% discount on Line Services (e.g., aircraft washing, waxing)
Free check of avionics software revisions.
Three Wing is a certified Cessna and Diamond Repair Facility, as well as an authorized repair facility for essentially all of the major avionics and aircraft manufacturers. Simply show your PALS identification badge at time of purchase to receive your discounts! Please contact the following Three Wing professionals to schedule your maintenance, or request other services.
Director of Maintenance - Mike Schipp 203.375.5795 x-105 mschipp@threewing.com
Director of Avionics - Jared Gowlis 203.375.5795 x-106 jared@threewing.com
General Manager - Terry Dennison 203.375.5795 x-101 tdennison@threewing.com
Line Services – 203.375.5795 x-113
Thank you for your service, and please let us know how else we can support your flying.
Blue Skies!
Tim & Larry
50% discount on our Flat Rate Inspection Fee for an annual.
30% discount on our Flat Rate FAR 91.411 and 91.413 Tests (24 Month IFR/VFR certifications of the Static, Altimeter, and Transponder systems).
$.10 per gallon fuel discount off of current retail price (Three Wing already is typically the best fuel value in the area!).
10% discount on Pilot Shop purchases, to include FAA charts and approach plates.
10% discount on Line Services (e.g., aircraft washing, waxing)
Free check of avionics software revisions.
Three Wing is a certified Cessna and Diamond Repair Facility, as well as an authorized repair facility for essentially all of the major avionics and aircraft manufacturers. Simply show your PALS identification badge at time of purchase to receive your discounts! Please contact the following Three Wing professionals to schedule your maintenance, or request other services.
Director of Maintenance - Mike Schipp 203.375.5795 x-105 mschipp@threewing.com
Director of Avionics - Jared Gowlis 203.375.5795 x-106 jared@threewing.com
General Manager - Terry Dennison 203.375.5795 x-101 tdennison@threewing.com
Line Services – 203.375.5795 x-113
Thank you for your service, and please let us know how else we can support your flying.
Blue Skies!
Tim & Larry
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