PALS Launches Fuel Reimbursement Program for Pilots

Farmingdale, New York (April 11, 2012). Patient AirLift Services (PALS), the fastest-growing charitable air transportation service in the country, has officially started to reimburse volunteer pilots for the fuel costs related to charitable flights. PALS pilot, Greg Zieba, flew the first reimbursed flight from Farmingdale to Virginia. Under this new PALS program, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, pilots can receive reimbursement for fuel costs incurred when flying patients in need of medical treatment during charitable missions. Prior to this program, PALS volunteer pilots were responsible for covering all costs associated with charitable missions, including fuel, which has recently risen dramatically in price and become a major factor in the operating cost per flight.

In June of last year, the FAA granted an exception to PALS to allow fuel cost reimbursement. The directive from Melvin Cintron, the FAA’s Acting Deputy Director of Flights Standards Service, states that: “a grant of exemption is in the best public interest.” The letter also supported the change, stating that the “FAA found that humanitarian efforts of these pilots who volunteer their time and piloting services are commendable, and the FAA wants to encourage this kind of volunteerism and public service for the common good of our citizens.”

Pilot Greg Zieba applauded the new guidelines, “I am happy to use my piloting skills to help others. However, the high costs of maintaining a plane and the added fuel expense for flying has made it difficult to commit to many charitable flights.” He went on to say that while the reimbursement program does not cover all fuel costs, “The significant reduction allowed through the program has made it more manageable for me financially.”

“This is a major initiative for PALS,” said PALS Chairman Joseph Howley. “There is a great need for our services among patients who have limited financial resources and are receiving treatment for an acute or chronic illness that make it either financially impossible or impracticable to use commercial or private air travel. The benefit to both PALS and the patients it serves is that pilots, who are limited to the number of missions they could afford to fly due to costs of fuel, will now be able to participate in a greater number of volunteer missions.”

Rachel Jones with her son Blake

PALS in the Olean Times Herald

Pilot John Michaels is a new PALS pilot and a mission he flew was the subject of an article published in the Olean Times Herald.

By Dee Bunk-Hatch Olean Times Herald

OLEAN — At 16 years old, Chris Chesebro has had two brain surgeries.

He considers himself lucky to have had so few.

Chris has a hereditary condition called a chiari malformation, characterized by a structural defect in the cerebellum in which the cerebellum and brain stem are pushed downward by a smaller-than-normal lower rear of the skull.

“I had headaches,” Chris told the Times Herald of his symptoms. Although the headaches began when he was about 5, they became debilitating when he hit puberty.

In addition to the headaches, which left him unable to go to school or behave like a normal teenager, Chris suffered from short-term memory loss and dizziness, although he did not know the cause until approximately two years ago.

A trip to the emergency room during an unusually bad headache led to a CT scan, and the eventual chiari malformation diagnosis.

The condition is so rare, many doctors miss it and misdiagnose patients, Chris’ mother, Christie Chesebro, said. She noted that only 5 percent of the world’s population suffer from the symptomatic form of the condition.

In 2010, Chris underwent a surgery to decompress the area by removing several vertebrae, allowing the displaced portion of his cerebellum to be moved back into its proper position.

This surgery provided only temporary relief — an instability in his neck allowed the cerebellum to drop back into the incorrect position.

The family then pursued help from the Chiari Institute in Great Neck; the Chiari Institute, founded in 2001, specializes in research and treatment of this condition and others like it.

Chris was told he would need a second surgery, this time to both move his brain back into place and to fuse his neck to increase its stability.

“It was a tough decision,” Mrs. Chesebro said.

The family left the decision up to Chris, and he said at first he was hesitant, remembering the pain following the first procedure.

Ultimately, Chris decided to undergo the surgery following some wise words from his doctor at the Chiari Institute.

“He said ‘you’ll feel bad for a couple of months after but you’ll feel better for the rest of your life’,” Chris told the Times Herald.

“He just wanted to start feeling better,” said Chris’ father, Brad Chesebro.

The seven-hour surgery on Feb. 16 went perfectly, and Chris was up and walking by the next day. After five days in the hospital and another week nearby at the Ronald McDonald House — about which the family had rave reviews — he was cleared to go home.

Getting home was an ordeal in itself, as the possibility of whiplash and rough roads between Long Island and Olean made driving impossible so soon after a cranial fusion, and commercial flight would prove too taxing so soon after such a major surgery.

The Chesebro family learned about an organization known as Patient Airlift Services, or PALS, which provides free air transport for medical patients or humanitarian causes. Although PALS normally requires advanced notice to arrange a flight, the group quickly found a pilot willing to take Chris from Great Neck to the Olean Municipal Airport.

“Things were able to work out really, really well for us,” Mr. Chesebro said.

The cordial pilot, John Michaels of Glens Falls, and the plane’s depressurized cabin put Chris at ease; he napped on the journey home, his parents said.

Now home, Chris is enduring a six-week hiatus from school and three months without long car travel or strenuous physical activity. Despite his initial anxiety, Chris said he is glad he underwent the second surgery.

“I’m doing better every day,” he said.

Although his neck remains sore from the procedure, his headaches have subsided, and he is optimistic that he will continue to improve. Physical therapy three times a week is also proving beneficial.

The surgery will not eliminate Chris’ previous symptoms, but it will prevent the formation of others associated with his chiari malformation. Chris said he is thankful he did not have other symptoms — such as muscle weakness, numbness and vision problems — which many of the other individuals he met at the Chiari Institute suffered from.

Many had undergone multiple surgeries, and the Chesebro family remarked at how thankful they were that Chris’ condition should be corrected after only two.

The community support has been overwhelming, Mr. Chesebro said.

“A number of the area churches got together to help us out financially,” he noted.

Olean High School, where Chris is a 10th-grader, has accommodated his medical restrictions by providing a tutor each day, and the Medical Loan Closet supplied the family with a hospital bed for use during his recovery.

“What a blessing to have,” Mr. Chesebro said of the support. “We’re just thankful for the support of the churches and the community and the love and support.”

“Even Chris said it was amazing how God arranged things,” Mrs. Chesebro said.

Chris is expected to make a full recovery and return to normal activity by summer. Although he will be unable to play high-contact sports such as football or wrestling, he will be permitted to play his sport of preference: tennis.

“We’re certainly thankful the family is back home now. We’re just glad he’s feeling better,” Mr. Chesebro concluded.

(Contact reporter Dee Bunk-Hatch at dbunkhatch@oleantimesherald.com. Follow her on Twitter, @OTHDee)

Link to story: http://www.oleantimesherald.com/news/article_81cfe1ca-66c2-11e1-8a99-0019bb2963f4.html

PALS Mardi Gras Event

The lights were colorful, the décor festive and the crowd lively at the Patient AirLift Services fundraising event on February 10, 2012 at the Huntington Hilton Hotel. PALS' very own “Big Easy” was created on Long Island for the Mardi Gras themed celebration to honor Adam Katz of Talon Air, and to recognize the pilots, volunteers, patients and friends who have enabled PALS to grow and pursue its mission of changing lives, one flight at a time.

PALS’ Executive Director, Eileen Minogue welcomed guests, extending special thanks to the Event Committee and the PALS Board of Directors for the solid foundation and support they continuously provide, ending with an introduction of Board Chairman, Joe Howley. Recognizing PALS volunteer pilots as the cornerstone of what PALS has been able to accomplish, Mr.Howley expressed deep gratitude for their generosity and commitment to the PALS mission: “Without all of you, PALS would not be here.”

In honoring Adam Katz of Talon Air, Mr. Howley explained to all present that, “there are times when a mission cannot be filled by a PALS pilot with a general aviation aircraft.” He went on to say that, “There are times when patients have special needs, or the distance is long and we need help. That is where Adam Katz has stepped in, again and again, to lend the resources of Talon Air in support of PALS mission. For that, we thank him and honor him this evening.”

With a “Shout Out” to Doron Kessel for introducing him to PALS, Mr. Katz graciously accepted the honor, saying “I am happy to do what I can, and share what I have to help the PALS mission.” Guests, of course could not overlook Mr. Katz’s full costume of early French Quarter attire, complete with ruffled shirt, ponytail wig and brocade tailcoat. He confessed to everyone that he gamely succumbed to his wife’s sense of fun. Showing good humor, Mr. Katz explained that, “He did it for laughs.” Mrs. Katz, also in Mardi Gras costume, looked stunning and festive in her black and white gown and Mardi Gras mask. It was clear that, where PALS is concerned, Mr. and Mrs. Katz are enthusiastic in their support!

Other special guests at the event included families whose lives have become connected to PALS through our mission. PALS was pleased to acknowledge Faye and John Dilgen, parents of patient John Hudson, Danielle & Bill Carney and Randy Snell, father of patient Lauren Snell. The final speaker of the evening, a former Marine who is now with the New York Guard coordinating events for wounded Veterans, Warrant Officer Anthony Mendi, thanked PALS and everyone present for helping with the rehabilitation and recovery of our wounded Veterans and ending with a standing ovation to recognize wounded warrior officer Terry Peake, who was a PALS guest.

Master of Ceremonies and longtime PALS friend, comedian Patrick O’Rourke, took over the microphone and became PALS' auctioneer. Patrick’s lively wit and gregarious humor carried guests through the live auction, and PALS Connect-A-Flight, all to raise funds for the PALS mission.

With dancing and dessert passing all too quickly, the event came to a close. Although the Mardi Gras event ended, it was a resounding success, as Patient Airlift Services continues to celebrate the people and connections that make our mission possible.

Flying for a Cause

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.

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.”  

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.

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