Non-Profit 'Disappointed', But 'Understands' Agency Rationale

The FAA has rejected a request by Patient AirLift Services (PALS), a nonprofit volunteer pilot organization, to use a donated aircraft to provide free air transportation for patients requiring medical care or other humanitarian purposes.

PALS asked the FAA for a rules exemption that would have allowed it to use a Beech Bonanza aircraft, which had been donated to PALS , for humanitarian flights it arranges at no cost to patients requiring medical care or other humanitarian purposes,.
 
Patient AirLift Services asked that it be exempt from Parts 119 and 135 of the FAA’s regulations. Since these regulations pertain mostly to air carriers, charter services and commercial operators, and PALS provides its service at no cost to the patient by volunteer pilots who are not paid for their service; PALS thought it had a valid and compelling reason for the exemption.
 
“While we are disappointed in the FAA’s ruling in denial of our application, we understand the FAA’s concern that in allowing PALS to operate its own aircraft, it would significantly alter our role of coordinating patient’s travel needs with volunteer pilots, to one in which it becomes an aircraft operator,”  said Joe Howley, PALS President.  “It brings into question who will be ultimately responsible for the aircraft’s operation – its compliance with maintenance regulations, insurance, and guarantee of safety to the flying public.”

FMI: www.palservices.org