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Pilots and Paws. Animal Rescue. Animals Fly to Live.

This video makes me want to fly again. Back in 2000-2004, I was a very active pilot, flying single-engine airplanes in the area covering New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Some of my flying friends built flying time by offering free transportation for people with disabilities or urgent medical issues. They were called Angel Flights, and rightly so. But, now, a group of pilots are flying a different sort of passenger for as urgent a cause. What about rescuing dogs in one place and flying them out to their new homes? A great idea that is long overdue, I'd say. I flew solely for pleasure with friends, but transported dogs on land. My overland leg usually lasted an hour, often from New Jersey to Connecticut, with the whole chain stretching from some point down south all the way up to Maine. So, the idea of dog-transport isn't new but airborne transport is just beginning. The itch is back, and in October I will be having my physical examination with an FAA doctor. After the required ground school and a review of basic flight maneuvers, I should be flying again. I learned that many times the difference between life and death of an animal could be as simple as a ride home. This video link will tell you more:

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=15523658&ch=4226713&src=news

Comments

Salamat Animal Zone said…
Hello Ted! I read your article and the link. This is so great. Update us. I hope you'll visit Bestfriends in Utah when you get around flying again, specially for the animals. I don't know anybody at Bestfriends but my husband & I visited their sanctuary this year. The animals are taken care of tremendously up there. From what I read and hear, they take animals that are difficult cases, behavior and medical, and they bring them back to health. Good luck
2:39 PM
air said…
Cool! Good luck, I hope you get into the air again. And make sure you take pics of all the rescues. Or, let me know and I'll be there at takeoff to take the pictures! Hey, am used to airports...
6:09 AM
Ted Teodoro said…
Beth and Air,

Thanks for your best wishes. For me, the FAA physical is going to be more problematic than the flight review. I have to prove that my blood pressure is stable, and my medication is acceptable. My eye sight is getting worse, but with reading glasses it's okay. Anyway, I can always transport needy animals overland, and that's a big help too.
6:20 AM
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