The safety of each mission and of the volunteer pilots is of prime importance. This information is by no means meant to replace any safe flight practice that exceeds the pilot's personal standards. The Volunteer Pilots Association assumes no responsibility for any actions of its members and pilots. VPA pilots are responsible for making sure that the aircraft flown meets or exceeds all the FAA requirements and is flown strictly in accordance with all FAA regulations and standards set forth by the VPA. It is the pilot's responsibility to assure that the aircraft flown is properly insured for the type of flight to be undertaken and has the approval of the aircraft owner if necessary.

Because the Volunteer Pilots Association is an IRS 501(c)3 tax-exempt, charitable corporation, your direct expenses associated with a VPA flight may be deducted from your federal income taxes (we suggest that you consult with your accountant or tax planner).

1. It is suggested that each missions be conducted with a pilot and co-pilot, we recognize that this is not always practical nor possible.
2. No flight should be undertaken when thunderstorms are reported within fifty miles of the route of flight.
3. No flight should be made into known or suspected icing conditions.
4. No flight should be made into reported moderate or severe turbulence.
5. The pilot in command must obtain a complete weather briefing within forty-five minutes of departure.
6. The pilot in command is responsible for securing all cargo so as to eliminate any possibility of shifting of cargo. Organs are delicate and must be treated with extreme care.
7. All flights transporting patients should be conducted under an IFR flight plan.
8. The pilot in command must complete and return a flight summary report form to the VPA office within 48 hours after the flight. The form may be mailed or faxed.

The above flight guidelines are general in nature. Since there is a wide range in the number of flight hours, experience, and ratings among our volunteer pilots and an even wider range of aircraft and equipment, the ultimate decision to accept or decline a mission must rest solely with the pilot in command. The pilot in command is the best judge as to the status of aircraft, weather, and his physical condition and training at any particular point in time. Good judgment must prevail at all times. All FAA rules and regulations must be strictly followed. Use of the "lifeguard" call sign gives priority to the flight over all other aircraft, except for aircraft that have declared an emergency. As such, the lifeguard call sign should be used only when a donor organ is aboard the aircraft or when the pilot in command has determined that such a call sign is necessary to meet a deadline for organ pickup.