Page 8 - Volume 12 Number 12

Schroeder is happy to offer his King Air to help someone or “make a difference in the world” because he knows it’s an asset that isn’t easily available to everyone.
of land up in an airplane to see it from a different view, maybe they can start a conversation and find items both sides can agree on,” Schroeder commented. The volunteer pilots also help transport wildlife that may be in danger or need relocated. A recent LightHawk flight moved California Condors from Idaho to California.
“LightHawk sends out the regional flights needed about 3-4 weeks ahead of time with complete detail on who is requesting the flight and the purpose, as well as a predetermined flight plan with optional dates that would work, which gives some flexibility to fit the pilot’s schedule,” he said.
Schroeder explained that VAC is usually date- specific because there is a need from a veteran to get to a doctor’s appointment or rehabilitation, or bringing family members together, which is very important. These flights allow them the freedom of not having to take a commercial flight and all the hassles that come with it.
“Many times, the flights will include more than one pilot and airplane,” Schroeder explained. “Recently there was a vet and his family who were going to visit his parents. The flight originated in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with a destination to Glendale, Arizona. One pilot flew the family from Oklahoma City to Santa Rosa,
The avionics was the biggest change for Schroeder after he started ying again. He replaced the Garmin 430/530s with dual 750s and uses his iPad for the extra informa- tion. He also upgraded the transponders with ADS-B and added a new audio panel.
New Mexico, and I flew to Santa Rosa to transfer them to my airplane and flew them to Glendale.”
Schroeder estimates that 15 percent of his current flight time is dedicated to helping the nonprofits. “I would encourage any pilot to find an organization they could help; it’s another reason to get up in the air and do what we love ... and you’re making a difference in the meantime.”
Whether using his King Air as a business tool or helping others, Schroeder says that either way flying is a very rewarding experience. KA
ATbout VAC:
he Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) is a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots, which provides free air transportation for medical and other
compassionate purposes to post-9/11 combat-wounded soldiers and their families.
Decorated Veteran Fricke started VAC, a long-envisioned dream, in 2006 after retiring. The wounded have a better chance to heal when their spirits are lifted by family, a lesson he learned the hard way: he spent most of six months in the hospital with 700 miles separating him from family after he was injured in 1968 while serving in the Vietnam War.
King Airs are some of the most popular aircraft for VAC missions because they offer passengers comfortable flights – non-stop routes, flying above weather and plenty
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of cabin room for family members, service dogs or medical equipment.
VAC envisions a need for flights to be ongoing. Some are no longer in hospital settings but require travel for medical care, and some are still seeking treatment for injuries sustained as long as 10 years ago. Many of the soldiers need specialized treatment that can’t be found at their local VA hospital.
Visit veteransairlift.org to find out more on being a volunteer pilot, donating money or to request transportation for a wounded warrior.
Note: Information used for VAC was taken from an earlier article featured in this magazine.
VAC Founder Walt Fricke assisting Army Ranger MSG Cedric King after a ight. (Photo credit: Max Haynes)
DECEMBER 2018