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Heroes on board

As citizens, we owe an enormous debt to those who have sacrificed for our country. It's a debt that would be impossible to repay. But that won't stop us from trying.

Mission prioritization

Due to Aircraft and Pilot availability, we prioritize our missions like this:

1. Transport related to service-connected medical needs of service members and veterans of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

2. Transport for family members visiting the service members and vets of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom at medical facilities, as well as friends who accompany those family members.

3. Transport related to service-connected medical needs of veterans of other conflicts.

4. Transport for family members visiting the vets of other conflicts at medical facilities, as well as friends who accompany those family members.

5. Transport related to any medical needs of any veterans.

Requesting a flight

Very simple steps to schedule a flight with VAC:

1. Travel Request Form
The veteran or one passenger must fill out the online Travel Request or print, sign and mail or fax this form to the VAC.

This form lets us know when and where a trip may be taking place. Even though we won't officially schedule a flight until we receive the Information Release form and the Physician's Release form, it's a good idea to fill out a Travel Request form as soon as you're sure you'll need transport. The more notice we have, the more likely it is that we will be able to fulfill your mission. Click on the link above to get the form, or call (866)784-8917 and we'll mail a form to you.

2. Passenger Acknowledgment Form
One passenger must sign and mail or fax this form to the VAC. FAX # (866)665-8609

This form confirms the rules and procedures for the flight, so it's a good idea to keep a copy for yourself, too. Where there is more than one passenger, designate a lead passenger to fill out this form and ensure the procedures are followed. Click on the link above to get the form, or call (866)784-8917 and we'll send a form to you.

Physician's Release Form (only required if the service member/veteran is traveling)
The attending physician must sign and mail or fax this form to the VAC.

Our Physician's Release form is a note from the doctor assuring us that the service member/veteran is not prohibited from riding in a small plane. Click on the link above to get the form, or call (866)784-8917 and we'll send a form to your doctor.

Confirmation and scheduling

As soon as we have the required forms, we will call to confirm your mission, then schedule the flight. Once we schedule a plane and pilots, we'll put you in touch with your captain. After that, all scheduling and coordination will take place between you and your captain.

What to expect

Captains and copilots
The captains and copilots who volunteer with the VAC take their missions and their duty to veterans very seriously. During flights, they typically are not available for social interactions, demonstrations, passenger assistance and so forth. Instead, expect them to concentrate on providing a professional, comfortable and safe flight.

Your flight captain is the final authority on all aspects of the flight.

What's included
VAC volunteers provide air transport between airports. Passengers are responsible for travel between their homes or medical facilities and the airport. Passengers are welcome to bring luggage packed in soft-side suitcases or duffel bags. Total luggage limit per flight is 50 pounds, and prior permission is required for items of unusual size or shape.

Mobility requirements and medical needs
In order to board and ride safely, passengers must be ambulatory, able to sit upright for up to three hours at a time, and otherwise physically capable of making the trip. We require a physician's release for the recovering veteran to travel in small airplanes.

Your captain and copilot will be focused on providing a safe and comfortable flight. Because of this, in-flight medications must be self-administered, and any passenger who anticipates needing medical assistance of any kind should provide for a medical attendant to ride along on the flight.

Rescheduling
The VAC is similar to the commercial airlines in that severe weather, icing and other unforeseen conditions can cause scheduling changes or even cancellations. Stay in contact with your captain, who will let you know if anything changes.

Questions?
The passenger FAQ contains the answers to many questions. If you don't find the answers you seek there, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.