Last Updated on June 14, 2022 by Pets Feed
This lovable retired pilot flies his plane to help rescued animals into their new homes.
Captain David Tan, a former military pilot, is enjoying his retirement after 40 years of flying by taking rescued animals to their new homes. The man still flies his Aermacchi SF-260, an Italian two-person aircraft typically used for aerobatics and small air forces, but which David uses best to ferry happy animals into their new lives.
The retired pilot started his work with animals in 2012, since then he is said to have piloted 360 dogs, 23 cats, goats, pigs and even a bat named Bruce.
Captain Tan uses the same aircraft he trained in early in his career as a rescue helicopter pilot in the Republic of Singapore Air Force. Now, of course, he finds his flights much more fun and enjoyable.
Retired pilot flies to help rescued animals
David says he found a non-profit organization called Pilots N Paws by reading an article in an aviation magazine. He was immediately interested in their work and did not hesitate to join them.
Pilots N Pawns brings together pilots, volunteers and aircraft owners who are willing to help transport animals, organize or schedule rescue, foster or overnight shelter flights; among other tasks.
David told Madison magazine:
There are terrible stories out there [about] how cruel people can be to animals, especially in the South; dropouts are horrible. A family would just leave them, throw them away like an old piece of furniture or something.
Although their missions are mostly about transporting the animals from one place to another, some cases are really adorable, like when these furry animals go to their new forever homes.
David says:
You kind of say, ‘I hope you have a good rest of your life,’ you know? ‘I hope these people love you forever.’
On some occasions, families are so happy and grateful for David’s work that they try to pay for his services monetarily, but this pilot is very clear that he does everything for the love of animals. So donate those funds to shelters or pay the medical bills associated with the animals they help.
The pilot says:
They are always short [of money], especially when it comes to medical care for animals. It just costs too much these days. The people who really do the work are the rescuers.
David constantly posts his adventures in the air on Facebook, where he likes to leave visitors with beautiful photos of some of his four-legged flying companions.
If you would like to support the work of David and the non-profit organization, you can donate to Pilots N Paws through their website.
Images: Facebook / David Tan
