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Pilot new to PNP

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 12:03 am
by Fehling
I am a private pilot, and I own my own aircraft. I have a couple of questions regarding transport. Do I have to supply a carrier, or is this something that is provided by the rescue? Also, are pilots putting these carriers in the baggage compartment of the plane, or the back seat? I am just trying to figure what is the preferred way.

Thanks for any help. I just want to have all the facts before I volunteer for a mission.

Heidi

Re: Pilot new to PNP

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 3:18 pm
by PilotPaul
I'm also a private pilot new to PNP as well... I was reading in another discussion thread and I think I may have found the answer to your carrier question. Below is a snippet, hope this helps you.

If you need crates for your transports, our sponsor Petmate provides them for your use. Just send an email to [email protected] with the size/s you feel will fit in the plane you will be renting and we will make certain they are shipped to you. We also request that you send photos and a short blurb about the rescue transports you do so that we can share them on our website.

Re: Pilot new to PNP

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 12:14 am
by SkyPuppy
I'm also brand new to PNP and I have a few q's.

1. When do we know to disinfect the plane after a trip?
2. HOW do we disinfect a plane after a trip?
3. Can we specify "dogs only?" or somesuch?
4. Does it often happen that you get to the destination but there is no one to pick up the animal? What do you do then? Take it back to the originator???
5. Are there any concerns for hearing protection for the animals? Some planes are REALLY loud in flight.

There are others, but that's enough for one post. :)

Re: Pilot new to PNP

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:16 am
by RickG
Some of your questions can be answered at this link: http://www.pilotsnpaws.org/forum/faq.php?mode=pilot

You should not have to disinfect the airplane after each flight unless you learn the dogs are sick or have parvo ... in which case you probably want to think twice about transporting them and may want to consult with a vet as to the best way to treat the plane. See this thread. Hopefully you are working with a rescue group that is upfront and educated about transporting dogs across state lines. A lot of that onus falls on us (pilots).

Heidi - you can transport the type of animal(s) and whatever quantity you are most comfortable. I often remove the back seat of my '64 172 so I can really load up the dogs as there is a huge demand for transports out of NC (where I am based). Sometimes I leave the back seat in, put a cover over it, and tether one dog with a couple of others in a crate behind the seat (that has to be assembled inside the plane).

Re: Pilot new to PNP

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 12:48 pm
by admin
Welcome to all new pilots, we are grateful you are volunteering and making a difference by saving lives. We understand that there is a lot of important information throughout this site, we do our best to advise and cover it all, so please take the time to familiarize yourself with the various forums, all the FAQ sections on the upper right of each page of the board. There are guidelines that you are given when you register however it's easy to forget them so they are listed several places throughout the board.

One very important section that people sometimes overlook is the announcement and request to read the section at the very top of the Ride Board: Animals Needing Transport section:

http://www.pilotsnpaws.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=37

Every pilot and rescue should take a few minutes and look over this material. The options of who to fly for, when and where, numbers of animals, types, etc. are all left in the hands of each pilot. The program works because we do NOT tell you when, where or who to fly for but at the same time, pilots need to become educated about rescue animals and rescues need to be educated about using this method of transportation as it is much different from ground. What is the same for both though is that animals must have a current health certificate. Pilots, always ask the person sending. Rescues, we appreciate all the tremendous work you do in pulling, vetting and fostering these animals and at the same time, you need to keep in mind that our pilots are giving you a huge gift and it is important that you give them the utmost consideration even when it means it might be a little more difficult logistically for you. There are constraints when flying that you don't have to think about when driving :-)

Though planes do not normally have to be cleaned after flights, every single crate must be cleaned. Even though the animals might appear healthy during the transport they could break out with doggie flu, parvo, etc. a day later. Best to air on the side of caution. Transport between states is important as well so please read the USDA requirements via the links we have provided. Most rescue orgs should KNOW the requirements but it is best to familiarize yourself as well.

These flights our pilots make are truly changing lives, both animals and people. Respect and consideration should always be given with anyone working together within Pilots N Paws. It is a privilege to use these public benefit flying service, not a right. We hope that everyone is understanding, patient and enjoy all those puppie kisses and the looks in the eyes of the animals who say thank you--somehow, they just know.

Admin