Rol Murrow credits business aviation with becoming an increasingly important and frequent participant in public-benefit flying. With many of those missions requiring longer-distance or overwater flights, business aircraft operators have been stepping up to help after hurricanes, fires and other natural disasters; during the COVID-19 pandemic; and for air medical transportation.
Murrow should know. He recently stepped down after 30 years as the co-founder, chairman and guiding force behind the Air Care Alliance (ACA), the respected umbrella organization that facilitates cooperation among more than 60 groups nationwide that provide flights for health, compassion and community service. Also, ACA successfully fought to ensure that pilots can take tax deductions for volunteer flying and was instrumental in securing the ICAO-sanctioned international call sign “COMPASSION, ID CMF.”
“Business aviation is coming into its own with public-benefit flying. It’s a welcome trend.”
Rol Murrow Chairman Emeritus, Air Care Alliance
“Bigger and professionally flown aircraft are getting more involved, especially with the long-distance operations necessary after most natural disasters,” said Murrow, noting that business aircraft were among the first responders to the Bahamas in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. “There has also been a lot of transport of test kits, PPE and patients during the pandemic.”
In fact, due to increasingly catastrophic weather events, as well as specialized health care that requires patients to fly to medical centers nationwide, Murrow notes that one of the biggest needs in public-benefit flying is longer-range aircraft. “It’s a great opportunity for business aircraft to help.”
Many volunteer pilot groups associated with ACA fly a variety of missions, from transporting patients, medical supplies, and organs to relocating animals and bringing PPE to Native American communities. ACA acts as a clearinghouse for volunteer flying efforts, and Murrow encourages individuals and companies to work with an established group to ensure compliance with all regulations.
“Business aviation is coming into its own with public-benefit flying,” says Murrow. “It’s a welcome trend.”
Rol Murrow is the co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Air Care Alliance and president of the Emergency Volunteer Air Corps. He has served on numerous boards, including the Alliance for Aviation Across America. He is director emeritus of the Recreational Aviation Foundation and serves as executive director of the Wolf Aviation Fund.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.