Volunteer pilot flies 1,000th flight for patients and veterans in need

PALS SkyHope Co-Founder and President Joe Howley recently made his 1,000th flight with the organization, which uses a network of volunteer general aviation pilots to transport patients and veterans to medical treatments, retreats, and on humanitarian missions.

For more than 12 years, Howley has been a leader among the group of nearly 500 general aviation pilots who volunteer their time and their aircraft to the non-profit, according to officials.

Whether it’s flying a baby with a congenital disorder to specialized care, a mother with cancer, or a veteran with PTSD, Howley has answered the call, officials noted.

Instead of a stressful and possibly painful 10-hour ride in a car, Howley provides people in need with a quick, easy, and free private plane ride on his Embraer Phenom 300.

Over the past 12 years and 1,000 flights, Howley has helped 1,681 passengers, has traveled to 33 states and countries, and 329,000 miles. Howley hit the 1,000-flight milestone bringing four veterans to an Atlanta Braves game through a partnership with Major League Baseball to celebrate and bring together veterans.

“Flying to help others is what I love to do,” Howley said. “The 1,000-flight milestone is not just a milestone for me, but also for PALS SkyHope. It’s a testament to a great organization. I’m grateful to have had the time and resources to be able to do this. I’ve learned so much from the patients and military veterans I have flown, so I say thank you to them.”

For more information go to Skyhope.org