Launched in 2015, the Volunteer Pilots Network was started by Rick Gutlon, a business technologist and private pilot based in Durham, NC.

Since 2011 Rick has flown 92 animal rescue flights and transported over 347 dogs (and 42 cats) to safety. “These flights have added purpose and a mission to flying” stated Gutlon. “They’ve expanded my flight experiences, allowed me to work with some remarkably compassionate people, promote general aviation and deal with flight logistics … all things I enjoy. But most importantly, I’ve been able to use my pilot’s license as a means to help others.”

Rick is also an active volunteer pilot in the EAA Young Eagles Program giving “youth ages 8–17 their first free ride in an airplane” as well as a member of EAA Chapter 879 (Durham, NC).

Bringing awareness to the efforts of more than 90 organizations that rely on volunteer pilots for their humanitarian programs is one goal of the website. Whether you are a pilot looking to volunteer, or a patient / rescue group in need of transport, reach out directly to the organization, or visit the Air Care Alliance as they are able to pass along requests directly to many of these groups.

Stories and photos from some of Rick’s rescue flights can be found at WhenDogsFly.Net