FLYING Magazine Max Impact

Flying Tails: Rescuing Animals One Fight at a Time

Ken Wayne’s true passion comes through when he talks about saving the lives of cats and dogs.

Friday, June 05, 2026 at 08:54 AM ET

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Wildlife rescuers Ken Wayne and his wife, Carole Moshetti, and their dog Mango. [Credit: Flying Tails]

Key Takeaways:

Former TV news anchor Ken Wayne founded Flying Tails Animal Rescue, a nonprofit that utilizes small general aviation planes, like his Cessna 182, to transport animals in need.
The organization rescues a diverse range of animals, from domestic cats and dogs facing euthanasia in overcrowded shelters to various wild animals, flying them to new locations for adoption, rehabilitation, or release.
A new 13-episode PBS show, "Flying Tails Animal Rescue," will highlight their work, aiming to attract sponsors and expand the organization's operations, fulfilling Wayne's passion after leaving a stressful news career.

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I’m always surprised there aren’t more television shows featuring small, general aviation airplanes. I have vague recollections of watching Sky King reruns as a child. And I loved watching Flying Wild Alaska, which ran about 15 years ago. But I’m hard pressed to remember other shows in which a four- or six-seat airplane was prominently featured.

So I was delighted to learn about Flying Tails Animal Rescue, a new 13-episode TV show which has been picked up to air on 176 PBS stations in 40 states. The premise is simple: A man uses his Cessna 182 to fly animals that need rescuing.

Max Trescott is the host of the popular Aviation News Talk podcast, which focuses on GA and safety. He’s a Cirrus Platinum CSIP and SF50 type-rated pilot who often helps buyers fly their aircraft home. He’s also the 2008 National CFI of the Year.