Jim Hesseman, president of Air Care Alliance (ACA) and an advocate for volunteer aviation, died June 24 following an illness, ending a career spanning more than two decades of public benefit flying.
Hesseman led the ACA, which represents a network of volunteer pilot groups across the U.S., and personally flew missions for multiple organizations including Angel Flight West, PALS SkyHope, Pilots N Paws, Flights for Life, and White Feather Flights.
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) recognized Hesseman’s contributions with its 2023 award for outstanding achievement in the advancement of public benefit flying, describing him as “a volunteer pilot with generosity and compassion that exceeds all expectations.” Upon receiving the NAA award, Hesseman articulated his philosophy: “Do as much as you can, for as long as you can, for as many as you can.” The organization characterized these words as “a testament to the way Jim lived.”
“Jim believed deeply in the power of aviation to change lives,” the ACA stated. “Whether flying medical patients, transporting precious cargo, or giving grieving families a moment of peace in the sky, he approached every mission with humility, compassion, and care.”
The ACA promotes missions of participating groups, encourages collaborative efforts, and maintains charitable aviation as a resource for those in need while promoting safety and best practices among volunteer pilots.