Pilot FAQs

Q. What is ANGEL FLIGHT^TM?

A. The mission of ANGEL FLIGHT^TM is to facilitate access to health care by coordinating free air transportation in private aircraft. ANGEL FLIGHT links volunteer private pilots with the people who need them most. Additionally, ANGEL FLIGHT provides disaster relief by delivering supplies or personnel to areas in need.

ANGEL FLIGHT is a tax exempt, nonprofit organization.

ANGEL FLIGHT is an opportunity to combine your love of flying with volunteer community service. Your participation will benefit people whose medical problems have left them without the resources to reach places where they can get needed diagnosis or treatment.

Listen to ANGEL FLIGHT volunteer pilots
describe their passion for flying and volunteering

Q. Who does ANGEL FLIGHT^TM transport?

A. ANGEL FLIGHT^TM offers transportation to people whose medical problems make it necessary for them to travel for diagnosis or repeated treatment. ANGEL FLIGHT also flies people whose condition or location makes it difficult or impossible for them to use other means of transportation. We also help those who lack the financial resources for medical transportation. ANGEL FLIGHT missions typically do not exceed 600 miles.

Typical examples of ANGEL FLIGHT missions include the following:

transporting cancer patients for chemotherapy surgery or other treatment.
transporting people with kidney problems to obtain dialysis or kidney transplants.
transporting patients with heart problems for specialized diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
transporting children to and from "special needs camps" such as camps for burn survivors, children with renal disease or children with life-threatening illnesses.
transporting medical supplies and personnel to disaster areas
transporting family members to visit patients

ANGEL FLIGHT also responds to many other compelling human needs for which free air transportation would be of value.

All patients must be medically stable and non-contagious. Adult patients flown by ANGEL FLIGHT must be able to walk and climb a flight of stairs, children must be accompanied by a parent. They must be able to get in and out of the aircraft on their own (or with limited assistance), sit up for the duration of the flight, and not require medical treatment during the flight.

Patients often have a friend or family member accompany them.

Q. Where do the calls come from?

A. Most requests for ANGEL FLIGHT^TM missions come directly from a patient or patient family member. Many time they have been referred by a social worker or discharge planner at a hospital or health care agency. We also deal directly with healthcare professionals. Other requests come from charitable organizations and societies such as: the American Cancer Society, The American Red Cross, Duke University, Emory University, Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta - Scottish Rite, and many other hospitals and foundations. We also get referrals from related aviation-oriented charities such as the Air Care Alliance. We also receive many requests via our website and toll free number.

By using the expertise of these agencies and their personnel, we determine that a person meets our medical and/or financial-need criteria and thus justifies the pilot's donation of time and flying expenses.

Q. What kind of aircraft do ANGEL FLIGHT^TM pilots use?

A. Most ANGEL FLIGHT^TM pilots' aircraft are single or twin-engine, propeller-driven aircraft, and instrument rated. Jet aircraft are also welcome and ideal for the longer distance missions.

The majority of our missions are flown in single-engine, four to six-seat aircraft. Most mission requests we receive are well within the capability of such aircraft. You do not need either a large or a fast airplane to be of assistance to most people who seek ANGEL FLIGHT help.

Q. What are the pilot requirements?

A. A plane and an instrument rating are necessary to fly P.I.C. on ALL ANGEL FLIGHT^TM missions. The minimum number of hours for pilot participation is 250 logged time. Your orientation packet will be emailed to you once your application is submitted. Pilot documentation such as license, medical, insurance and current bi-annual reviews will also be needed. Pilot must hold a vaild FAA medical certificate or comply with the BasicMed requirements.

Q. How do I submit my documents after I have submitted my application?

A. You can send your supporting documents by your choice of:

E-mail: bernadette@angelflightsoars.org
Fax: 770-452-7391
Snail Mail: Angel Flight Soars
                2000 Airport Road
                Suite 227 Administration Bldg
                Atlanta, GA 30341

Q. What is my liability as an ANGEL FLIGHT^TM pilot?

A. Flights you make for ANGEL FLIGHT^TM have the same status as any flight made with passengers by a private pilot under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. You have no greater liability when flying a passenger for an ANGEL FLIGHT mission than when flying a friend or neighbor. Pilots are required to have liability insurance but do not need to name ANGEL FLIGHT as an additional insured.

Q. I love to fly. How can I help?

A. ANGEL FLIGHT^TM uses our network of volunteer pilots to provide free transportation via private aircraft to and from medical facilities. Our pilots donate their time, aircraft and fuel to help those whose medical problems have left them without the funds to reach places where they can get needed diagnosis or treatment. ANGEL FLIGHT is a non-profit organization. This allows for flight expenses to become tax-deductible (Consult your tax advisor for details).

If you are tired of punching holes in the sky, flying in circles or going for the hundred dollar hamburger, let us show you how to put your aviation skills and talents to wonderful use. In order to keep up with the tremendous increase in mission requests, we must constantly increase our pilot member base. When you are already visiting destinations for business meetings, to visit family or friends, let us know about your empty seats and we can help you fill them with an ANGEL FLIGHT mission.

To complete a pilot membership application, please follow the link to the Membership Application.

Pilot FAQs

Q. What is ANGEL FLIGHTTM?

Q. Who does ANGEL FLIGHTTM transport?