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.
