I had a chance encounter with club member Hal Gossard about 2 months
ago that changed the way I look at flying. He told me about an
organization called Angel
Flight Northeast where pilots charitably donate their flying time
and costs to transport patients and their families needing medical
treatment whose financial resources would not otherwise allow them to
receive care. About half the patients are children that are have
cancer, other diseases, or are burn victims. Angel Flight Northeast
organizes flights that generally range between Maine to New Jersey and
western Pennsylvania and New York, though there are flights that range
much further. They are associated with other regional Angel Flight
organizations through Angel
Flight America. There are about 700 pilots signed up with Angel
Flight Northeast. Last year they flew 1800 missions for 400 patients;
they typically are running 14 missions per day in the summer and 6 per
day in the winter.
I am told that John Boutross has been flying missions for Angel Flight
for a while (and is in a much better position to talk about them). You
have to be IFR current, do a rigorous weight and balance before each
flight, and get a signed release from liability from the passengers.
You can pick up flights between airports you’ve never flown to before.
I found that the Angel Flight process to be very professional and
safety was their first priority. Even if you don’t decide to rent the
plane, you could be a right-seat pilot to help going into high-workload
places like Logan.
This is a way that you can make a real difference in someone’s life
with your flying. It felt really rewarding to me. The whole operation
is very professional and dedicated. If nothing else, Angel Flight
brings some much-needed positive exposure to the general aviation world.
If this sparks your interest, contact John, Hal, or me. You can contact Angel
Flight Northeast directly:
