No. We do ask that you have ready access to one. In addition, there are minimum requirements of 12 hours flown in the last 90 days with at least 50 hours time in type. Flights are coordinated as far in advance as possible, but there are times last minute changes occur resulting in short notice requests. Additionally, our Transportation Coordinators determine which pilots to contact whose aircraft can support weight and balance.

Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic pilots volunteer their time, the aircraft, fuel, and other flight costs incurred. These expenses cannot be charged to or shared by the client and are not funded by Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic. Pilots should ask the FBO about fuel discounts, as many offer this in support of Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic. We also have agreements with larger, busier airports to waive fees for an Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic/humanitarian flight.

Yes. Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic is listed as a charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service, meeting the requirements of Section 501(c)(3). Contributions, including the costs of flying angel flights, are therefore deductible. Pilots can deduct direct, out-of-pocket expenses. If overnight lodging is required, the expense, along with meals, is also deductible. Accurate records must be maintained, including receipts, hours flown, destination, etc. For complete information regarding deductible items and documentation, pilots should consult a tax professional.

Illnesses vary. Some are life threatening diseases, such as cancer or heart disease. Other illnesse require specialized treatment from distant facilities due to the rarity of the diagnosis and the limited number of doctors who specialize in treating specific, rare diagnoses. Illnesses are non-communicable (cancer, heart disease, brain tumor, etc.). Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic pilots are made aware of the patient’s physical condition, diagnosis and any needs the patient may have. Signed medical clearance is obtained during the screening process. The pilot decides which flights they are able to support.

Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic requires passengers be independently ambulatory and not require medical care while traveling. If deemed medically necessary by the patient’s referring doctor, patients can request a caregiver to accompany them. Pediatric patients must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them.

If passengers require oxygen, the oxygen bottles must be DOT approved. Patients are not permitted to bring liquid oxygen tanks on board.

The process begins with a phone call to Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic’s toll free voice mail system from a potential passenger directly, from a patient, family member, social worker or foundation such as the American Heart Association. A team of professionals, both volunteer and staff, then begin coordinating the flight.

A Flight Screener initially handles the call, making certain the passenger meets Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic qualification as someone who is in financial need, has a confirmed medical appointment, and is medically approved to fly in a general aviation airplane. The screener then passes the information to a Transportation Coordinator or the Flight Director who locates an available pilot. All pertinent information is given to the pilot, who contacts the patient to discuss flight times, FBO’s, and the projected forecast.

Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic does not assume the responsibility of arranging ground transportation or lodging for passengers.

Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic routes flights as evenly as possible, not to exceed 300 nautical miles, per leg of the flight. This is accomplished by “linking” with pilots from other Angel Flight regions. Pilots who wish to fly further distances have the option of requesting longer flights, thus eliminating one or more of the links.

Patients are required to provide 10 full business days notice when requesting assistance. The shortest notice given is the day before the flight, if a pilot has mechanical or unable to fly, as planned.

Absolutely. We understand having a busy work and home schedules. Calls are rotated among pilots to give as many as possible a chance to fly.

Most flights are accomplished with single engine, four-six seat aircraft; however, we also have pilots who fly twin engine and turbo-prop planes. We are unable to approve of experimental aircraft transporting patients.

To the extent necessary to complete their flights, volunteer pilots for any Air Charity Network member may identify themselves to aviation officials and disaster relief agencies using the call sign “ANGEL FLIGHT” when flying flights into or out of any and all of the 50 states..

Each pilot of an Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic flight may check the passenger ID to assure the ID matches the passenger flying as identified on the flight setup.

All authorized adult passengers, upon request, shall present the Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic pilot with his/her Government issued photo identification* (ID) PRIOR to boarding the aircraft.

The parent or guardian of all minor passengers (under the age of 18), upon request, shall present the Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic pilot with his/her (parent or guardian) Government issued photo ID PRIOR to signing the Liability Release Form. (This applies only to parents or guardians NOT accompanying the minor).

Pilots, if the parent or guardian signing the Liability Release Form is not accompanying the minor, the responsible adult accompanying the minor will appear on the setup. All passenger names must appear in the Passenger Section of the Flight Set up form.

Baggage is subject to search by the pilot at the pilot’s discretion.

* Federal Government ID card, State Driver’s License, US Passport or any other Federal or State issued photo ID.