Volunteer pilots wanted

Angel Flight Australia, a charity that co-ordinates non emergency flights for financially and medically needy people, is appealing for volunteers to become Angel Flight pilots as well as Earth Angels. All Angel Flights are free and can involve patients and compassionate carers travelling to and from medical facilities anywhere in Australia.

Since Angel Flight was launched more than three years ago, demand for its services has increased from 20 flights per month to 140. As demand increases so does its need for more volunteer pilots who own an aircraft or can hire one. These valuable volunteers need to be prepared to donate their skill and most of the aircraft operating costs to help those less fortunate than them.

“Patients needing to attend hospital from regional or remote areas on a regular basis often find themselves in financial hardship, especially due to rising fuel, public transport and commercial flight costs. Additionally, the inconvenience and uncomfortable nature of extremely long journeys just gets too much for them when they are unwell,” Bill Bristow, founder of Angel Flight, said.

“To ensure that we never have to refuse a request from anyone in need, we are encouraging directors of organisations and business owners around Australia to offer all their staff just half a day off per year to allow them to contribute their time to the Angel Flight charity.”

Not everyone has a plane, but many people own a car and becoming an Earth Angel is another way that volunteers can offer their time and skills to help others. An Earth Angel helps with car transport for airport/hospital transfers. Half a day a year is all that is needed to make a difference to the charity and the lives of the people it helps.

Anyone wishing to help this vital community service can call 1300 726 567 or register their support via the website at www.angelflight.org.au