Nomen Nescio wrote:

So, what? I'm supposed to think less of that because you reap some
personal benefit from it. I'm really not THAT much of an a-hole, believe
it or not.

I am starting to believe that you might not be.

How did you get involved with that?

I recall reading about Angel Flight in this newsgroup back before I had
my instrument rating. After some quick research, I found the websites
of the two local AF groups that serve the northeast US, then sent them
both an email asking what the requirements were to join.

300 hours plus an instrument rating, as well as 25 hours actual IMC (I
think that was the number).

That gave me the incentive to get my instrument rating sooner rather
than later. After receiving my rating I contacted them again. This
time both groups sent me a one-page application. I sent it back with
copies of the last few pages of my logbook and proof of aircraft
insurance. Upon verification (a couple of days), I was notified that I
could fly missions for them. AFNE also required I attend a two hour
introductory meeting to review the organization.

Angel Flight Northeast, based in Lawrence, Mass:
http://www.angelflightne.org/contact1.htm

Angel Flight East, Based in North Philadelphia:
http://www.angelflighteast.org/

And how does it work? I'm interested in some details.

AFNE publishes open flights on their web site, approximately 6 to 12 per
day. AFE sends out an Excel spreadsheet via email once a week, with
only about 1 to 2 per day listed. You look through the list of open
flights, then choose the flight you want (on AFNEs website) or email AFE
the flight you want. Both groups list flights up to two months in
advance.

Date and day of flight, number of passengers, departing and destination
airports, weight of passengers and luggage, and planned arrival or
departing times are included in the list to assist the pilot in choosing
a flight. Fly one a year or several a week, depending on your schedule.
I try to fly at least one per week, but this NE winter has been less
than cooperative.

When you meet the passengers, you ask them to sign a liability form that
must be faxed to the AF office before departing. Most FBO receptionists
will fax this for you. Then fly.

After returning home, fill out a 1/2 page mission report detailing your
estimated expenses and send it in. AFNE's form can be filled out on
their website. About a week later, you receive an official tax
deduction letter identifying your charitable donation.

Occasionally, you receive a postal letter containing pictures of the
little child and/or family you flew, along with a heartfelt thank you
note. To know you made a small difference in these people's lives is
the best part (for me, anyhow).

Being based in Mass., you would find a lot of nearby flights.

Both groups also send out requests for pilots to fly transplant patients
on a moment's notice. Pilots do not have to volunteer for these if they
do not want to be on call, but those who do have to be ready to fly at a
moment's notice.

I signed up for a few, but presumably due to the slow speed of my
aircraft, I have never been called. The thought of flying someone to a
distant city for an organ transplant is definitely exhilarating.

Oh, a New Yorker......that explains some things.g

Night and day when comparing CNY to the City. Many central NY'ers
cannot stand the congestion of the City, and many NY city folks have
never seen a cow, corn stalk, or stars in person. I have lived and
worked in the City, but prefer the slower life of the rural countryside.

A friend and 3 passengers died over Northhampton when a skydiver
bounced off his stabilator at 3500 ft. a few years back. The
skydiver lived and sued my friends wife for the "emotional
distress" he suffered.

Yes, I am familiar with that accident. I think about it every time I
see a parachute symbol on a sectional chart. Sorry to read that it was
a friend of yours. To read that the skydiver actually sued the estate
makes the accident even more tragic. I hope he didn't win anything but
I won't be surprised if you tell me otherwise.

Best regards,

--
Peter










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