Patient AirLift Services / Sky Hope is looking for Caravan Owners and Pilots

Disaster Relief operations continue at PALS Sky Hope! It’s been four weeks since Maria made landfall, but folks are still in desperate need of help!   

PALS has teamed up with Rescue Global and Airlink to provide relief in the island of Dominica, where over 90% of the island has been destroyed by Hurricane Maria. The premature departure of larger NGOs and government agencies that normally provide lift and aid has left tens of thousands in dire need of our help.  General Aviation is of vital importance! 

THE NEED: C-208 pilots with aircraft who would be willing to give a few days of flying between now and the end of October. (Possibly into November)

THE MISSIONS: Flights in and out of the island of Dominica and surrounding islands to provide imminently needed humanitarian aid as well as transporting evacuees with critical health needs. You would need to be comfortable landing at TDCF (Canefield) airport, a 3000 ft asphalt runway, with a right turn approach over some terrain.

THE OPERATION: Thanks to Rescue Global, a base of operations has been established in Barbados. Accommodations and food are provided at Holders House a very nice set-up! (see pic below).  TheFuel in Barbados is at cost, there is 50% off handling and waived fees.  All customs paperwork is being handled by Rescue Global—all you have to do is file and fly! 

Most importantly, this is a chance for truly impactful, life-saving work!  

HOW TO HELP:  If you can devote some time between now and the end of October, please register here ASAP and a Pilot Coordinator will be in contact with next steps.  https://afids.palservices.org/pending_member/shortForm  

"Changing Lives, One Flight at a Time"

CaravanNation.com

5 Quick Tips for Caravan Pilots

Today we're sharing a useful list for Caravan Pilots composed by our friends at Bush Pilot HQ! Visit this wonderful resource at bushpilothq.com

1) BALANCE FUEL:

This may go without saying, but if you have a large fuel imbalance and no autopilot, you’ll feel it. Balancing fuel reduces the roll load you’ll feel when landing and taking off. Making your life easier.

2) SEAT POSITION:

Set your seat at a constant position, the same incline and height every time. If the height of your seat is consistently changing, the attitude that feels right for flaring changes. This is a good tip for any type of flying as well as the caravan.

3) ARMRESTS:

Don’t forget the armrests! These are lifesavers, once I have levelled off, armrests = out. If you have passengers up front with you (like in Botswana), show them how the armrests work.

4) EXTRA AIR:

If you’re operating in a single crew environment use the overhead panel air vent for yourself and point the co-pilot’s in your direction. When you do have someone upfront with you, make sure to point it back at them or else you’re just being mean.

5) SUNSHIELD:

Take a towel or cloth with you for making the, “poor man’s sunshield” (see blog title picture for example). Things do get quite hot upfront in the caravan when you’re flying directly into the sun and that extra bit of protection makes a massive difference. It also protects your face from those harmful UV rays.

And finally, just a quick extra tip for making things slightly more comfortable for your passengers. Explain to them how the air vents are used, this may come easy to us but some passengers are unaware of these things.


CaravanNation.com