Former RSAF pilot volunteers to fly rescue animals in the US

Singaporean David Tan has flown more than 420 rescue dogs, 42 cats, three goats, one piglet and a bat in his light aircraft

- Joanne Soh

He has gone from being a helicopter pilot with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to flying the uber-rich with American private jet company NetJets.

Now, US-based retiree David Tan spends his time transporting rescue animals from kill shelters to prospective foster homes across the US.

The 70-year-old Singaporean is one of over 6,000 volunteer pilots at Pilots N Paws, an American non-profit organisation that serves as a virtual hub connecting rescue organisations and volunteer pilots.

Animal rescue groups sign up with Pilots N Paws and put out a call when there is a need for animal transportation. Mr Tan also works independently with rescuers who contact him directly.

In the 13 years since he started with Pilots N Paws, he has flown more than 420 rescue dogs, 42 cats, three goats, one pot-bellied piglet and a bat in his 20-year-old Aermacchi SF-260, a two-person Italian light aircraft.

He tells The Straits Times via Zoom from his home in Madison, Wisconsin, that it is rewarding flying animals, even if the costs of these flights are all out of his own pocket.

"It got a bit too stressful flying private jets," says Mr Tan, adding that the joy of seeing abandoned animals find their forever home outweighs the monetary benefits.

"I love flying and it is a skill that needs constant practising," says Mr Tan, who left RSAF in 1988 after a 15-year service.

"Instead of going out on my own and boring holes in the sky just to accumulate flight hours, I might as well do something meaningful when I fly."

The avid flier and animal lover read about Pilots N Paws in a trade aviation magazine in 2012 and decided to register with the organisation.