Pilot Qualifications

  • A valid U.S. pilot's license
  • Current medical
  • An instrument rating as well as ratings appropriate to the aircraft you will be flying
  • A clean flying record: your license must never have been suspended or revoked, and the FAA must never have taken enforcement actions against you

Time commitment

It is desired that you be available to fly at least two trips (missions) every 12 months. Missions are typically less that 600 miles.

Pilots-in-command (PICs)

PICs typically supply their own aircraft (see aircraft qualifications). PICs may also select their copilots. If a PIC cannot locate a copilot, the VAC will find one.

Copilots

The VAC will keep your name on a copilot list and call you when an appropriate mission arises.

Questions? See the Pilot FAQs below or contact the VAC.

Ready to volunteer? Fill out the Pilot Application form or call the VAC offices at 952-582-2911 to start the process.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering.

We look forward to serving our veterans with you.



Pilot Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the qualifications to become a volunteer pilot for the VAC?
A: You need to possess a valid U.S. pilot's license with a current medical certification. You need to have an instrument rating as well as ratings appropriate to the aircraft you will be flying. In addition, you must never have had your license suspended or revoked, nor have had any FAA enforcement actions against you.

Q: How much commitment is expected?
A: You are expected to make yourself available to fly at least two trips (missions) every 12 months. Each mission typically will not exceed three flying hours (one-way).

Q: What about personal liability?
A: The VAC is a coordinating agency only. As such, it assumes no liability for any pilot actions. The liability is the same as if you were transporting any other non-related passengers. If you require a release from the passengers, the VAC has a sample release that you can review online. The VAC, however, takes no position as to its completeness or validity. The release is provided simply as a convenience. Your own attorney should review any release you use.

Q: Are uniforms required?
A: Uniforms are not required as such, but a professional appearance is expected. While you may not be a professional pilot, we ask you to look and act professional for the benefit of our passengers.

Q: What about a copilot?
A: As the pilot-in-command (PIC), you can elect whether or not to have a copilot. We strongly encourage you to take a copilot along if the passenger load permits it. If you cannot locate a copilot, the VAC will try and find one for you.

Q: Why are two pilots desired?
A: The primary reason for two pilots is to help assuage any anxiety our passengers may have about riding in small planes. Remember, many of them have either no or very limited experience as small-plane passengers. They only know what they have heard or what they have read in the newspapers—most of which only serves to increase their anxiety, not relieve it.

Q: What if I don't have an airplane available?
A: The same pilot requirements apply, but you will fly as a copilot, not as a PIC. The VAC will keep your name on a copilot list and call you in accordance with the criteria you set forth when you join. (This is a great opportunity to pass this along to your friends who own or operate appropriate aircraft...you can fly as their co-pilot!)

Q: How much control does the PIC have over the mission?
A: As the PIC, you control all flying aspects of the mission, the same as you do on any flight you fly. Once you receive the mission assignment, all communications with the passengers are your responsibility.

Q: What are my responsibilities for the mission?
A: Safety is number one, of course. But beyond that, passenger satisfaction is an important responsibility. You are the only VAC member the passengers see, and as such you represent the VAC to them. When you first contact them, consider introducing yourself as, for example, John/Jane Doe, the captain for your upcoming flight. It may seem overblown to refer to yourself in this way, but this introduction is reassuring to a passenger nervous about riding in "those little airplanes." If you think of yourself as Captain John/Jane Doe, they will also. A professional appearance and a professional attitude go a long way toward creating a pleasurable flying experience for a VAC passenger.

Q: How will I know when a mission comes up?
A: VAC staff will contact you when a mission becomes available. You will know the mission date, pickup and delivery cities, and the number and weight of all passengers. Whether or not you accept the mission at this point is up to you.

Q: How much advance notice is given?
A: Advance notice varies, but VAC staff give notice as soon as the mission request is approved. Many of the missions, however, come up on short notice as medical conditions are often not known in advance.

Q: What information do I get if I accept the mission?
A: You will receive an email Mission Assignment with instructions to log on to the website where you will see the mission detail. This contains the mission date, pickup and delivery cities, and the number and weight of all passengers. In addition, you will receive the name, phone number, e-mail address and other contact information of the Passenger Coordinator, who is designated to speak for the passengers on the mission.

Q: Who does the actual planning of the flight?
A: You do the flight planning. You set up the pickup and delivery times and places in consultation with the Passenger Coordinator. You determine each leg of the flight, number of crew and passengers on board, and the distance. When talking to the Passenger Coordinator, you can communicate any rules about snacks, luggage, etc. You can also work out any details on ground transportation.

Q: How is the mission closed out?
A: The mission is closed out when you deliver the passengers and fill in the amount of flight time on the "manage missions" page online. This is also the time to enter any changes in the passenger load, etc., that may have occurred. Enter any unusual or special aspects of the mission in the remarks section.