From the Cockpit to Their New Homes: The Heart of Our Mission

April 19, 2026

Hello from the cockpit! Every flight represents a second chance for the animals on board and for the communities working so hard to save them. It’s been a busy few months for our team. Winter is usually a slower season, but this year we did things differently continuing to coordinate and fly missions nationwide and it’s working. So far in 2026, we’ve transported more than 1,500 animals alongside hundreds of shelter and rescue partners.

“I still love being in the cockpit, flying these dogs (and cats!). It never gets old. But what I’m most proud of is how this mission has grown and the team behind it that makes it all possible”, said Dr. Rork, Founder and Chief Pilot.

The Team Behind Every Flight

This work doesn’t happen on its own. Behind every takeoff is a small but mighty team making it all come together. Our three core pilots handle most of our flying year-round, and when demand increases as it has this winter we’re joined by five volunteer pilots (myself included) to ensure no flight goes unmet.

Frank, our pilot coordinator, keeps everything running smoothly flying missions, managing maintenance, and ensuring our aircraft are always ready to go “wheels up” with shelter pets. In the Southeast, Captain Schwab and Captain Bradburn help support our busy schedule day in and day out so we can keep up with demand.

On the ground, our Rescue Flight Coordinators, Lynette and Hannah, are the backbone of our operation. They work closely with shelter and rescue partners to coordinate logistics and ensure every flight is full. Their work never really stops just as one flight wraps up, they’re already planning the next. And Kara, our Executive Director, helps guide every part of this mission forward. “As important as the logistics and teamwork are, what we love most about this mission is simple- the animals. Each one has a story. And each one is getting a second chance.”, said Kara Pollard, Executive Director

A Life-Saving Flight from Las Vegas

One recent flight that stands out was in partnership with The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas and Best Friends Animal Society.

This mission was filled to capacity, with over 50 dogs on board many of them breeds and who weren’t finding adoption opportunities locally. These are exactly the kinds of flights where we can make the biggest difference. We transported these dogs at no cost to our partners to Salt Lake City, where multiple rescue organizations were ready and waiting. Within just a few short days, many were already placed into foster homes and on their way to adoption.

🎥 Check out this incredible moment from the flight.

A Senior Dog’s New Beginning

On a recent flight with a new partner, Pima County Animal Care Center, we transported a senior dog who had been waiting for his chance. Older dogs are so often overlooked but they have so much love to give.

The best part? His foster mom was there waiting when he landed. He went straight from the plane into a home. No waiting. No uncertainty. Just a new beginning.

📸 Here are a few photos we couldn’t resist sharing.

The Rachel Ray Foundation lifesaving support

Another recent mission brought dogs from Alabama with the Crossing Paths Animal Rescue and Greater Birmingham Humane Society to Brandywine Valley SPCA, connecting them with new opportunities and families ready to welcome them home.

With heartfelt thanks, we recognize the Rachael Ray Foundation for standing behind our mission and the work we do every day. Their generous support, including a recent $38,000 grant, helps make these lifesaving flights possible and allows us to continue reaching more animals in need.

📸 Take a look at these amazing dogs arriving and heading into their next chapter.

Because of You

None of this would be possible without you. Your support, your belief in this mission, and your willingness to be part of it all makes every single flight possible.

We’re proud of what this small team accomplishes together. And we’re even more grateful to have you alongside us. Because at the end of the day, this mission isn’t just about flying it’s about giving animals the second chances they deserve.

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