Congressman Ed Schrock (R-2-VA) has introduced H.R. 1084, the Volunteer Pilot Organization Protection Act. This legislation addresses a growing problem that threatens the future of organizations (such as Angel Flight, located in Virginia Beach, VA) that provide free air transportation to needy medical patients.

"This legislation will help volunteer pilot organizations continue the valuable services they provide to cancer patients, transplant recipients, and other medical patients across the country," said Schrock. "For the thousands of families who cannot afford to drive or fly thousands of miles to receive care, volunteer pilot organizations are literally a life saver."

Scores of volunteer pilots organizations work with a network of over 8,000 volunteer pilots to coordinate free flights to medical facilities, often hundreds of miles away, for patients who suffer from rare diseases or require specialized medical care.

Closes Loophole

These organizations are facing prohibitively high insurance costs because of a clause in the Volunteer Protection Act (P.L. 105-19) relating to volunteers operating aircraft. The VPA protects volunteers from frivolous lawsuits: however, the VPA does not protect volunteer pilots or the volunteers who organize flights.

Liability insurance for volunteer pilot organizations that previously cost $1,000 a year now costs more than $25,000. The Volunteer Pilot Organization Protection Act, Schrock says, will ensure that these organizations will be able to provide their services to needy patients and families for years to come by adding them to the coverage of the Volunteer Protection Act.

FMI: http://schrock.house.gov