I've just received an email from the Angel Flight West office (I'm
an AFW pilot). The flight was not yet an official AFW flight, it
was "repositioning" to pick up the patient for the AF leg.

It is not at all unusual for us to have Mission Assistants along
on a flight. Frequently the patient will also have their own
accompanying passenger. I've flown flights with both (fortunately,
my favorite M.A. is about 100 pounds!). When the patient travels
with someone they know, they are always more comfortable.

The benefit of a Mission Assist. is that they can communicate and
assist the patient and pax with questions, water, etc. Not only
that, but as with all flights, regardless of reason, another pair
of knowledgeable eyes is always appreciated. Often, if the M.A.
is a rated pilot, it's a chance for them to get some flying time,
too. I'm always the PIC on the AF leg, as per AFW rules, tho.

Besides, it's nice to have company on the non-AF leg.
And let me tell you -- 3.5 hour legs by yourself is NOT fun!

Fortunately, we still have an unblemished record while flying
patients...but that doesn't change the fact we've lost someone
in our family.