EAA chief Jack Pelton joins Corporate Angel Network board

The Corporate Angel Network, a nonprofit that arranges free flights on corporate aircraft for cancer patients traveling to treatment, has named Jack Pelton to its board of directors, according to the organization.

Pelton is chairman and CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He previously led Cessna as chairman, president and CEO between 2000 and 2011, the announcement noted. The board seat is a volunteer position.

In a statement, Pelton said he looked forward to working with the board to support the network's mission. He described public benefit flying as among aviation's most meaningful humanitarian efforts.

EAA spokesman Dick Knapinski said the two organizations do not have a formal partnership but have worked together informally. Over the past two years, EAA has featured public benefit flying initiatives at its AirVenture event, including the Corporate Angel Network and other similar groups, to raise awareness of such programs.

The appointment links two aviation organizations with different missions: one focused on the general aviation community and education, the other on coordinating charitable flights for patients who need medical travel.