Pilot FAQs
What You Need to Know
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our mission relies entirely on the generosity of aviators who donate their time, aircraft, and fuel to provide free, non-emergency air transportation for patients seeking crucial medical care. Whether you want to know about our minimum currency standards, liability insurance mandates, tax-deductible flight expenses, or aircraft type exceptions, this comprehensive FAQ provides the precise technical and operational information you need before accepting a volunteer pilot position. Review the guidelines below to learn how your skills can serve as a vital lifeline for families in need.
What types of aircraft are normally used for missions?
Any category, class and type of aircraft may be used for AFNE missions, with the exception of experimental, light-sport aircraft or helicopter or rotor craft. Most pilots own or have access to aircraft with 4-6 seats. Aircraft must be airworthy as defined by FARs.
What insurance coverage is required for pilots?
Pilots must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 smooth in liability insurance, with no less than $100,000 per seat, on any aircraft used for Angel Flights. This coverage must be active and verifiable before any mission is assigned. Angel Flight NE does not provide supplemental insurance and cannot share costs associated with pilot coverage.
Do I have to own a plane to volunteer as a pilot?
No, but you must have ready access to one. Minimum currency requirements include 12 hours flown in the last 90 days and 50 hours in the previous 12 months. Some missions may arise on short notice, so reliable aircraft access is essential.
How far in advance are volunteer pilots contacted about missions?
Weekly reports are sent twice a week and patients are asked to provide 5-7 full business days’ notice when possible. However, short-notice requests can occur due to last-minute appointment changes, weather delays or mechanical issues with previously arranged flights. As soon as the patients request flights they are
How are flight expenses handled for volunteer pilots?
Pilots volunteer their time and cover aircraft, fuel and all other flight costs. These expenses cannot be charged to or shared by the patient. Many FBOs offer fuel discounts for humanitarian flights, and some airports waive landing fees. Ask your local FBO about available discounts. Mission coordinators will attempt to send flight notifications to airports/FBOs requesting fee waivers in advance.
Are flight expenses tax-deductible for pilots?
Yes. Angel Flight NE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Volunteer pilots can typically deduct direct, out-of-pocket expenses including fuel, maintenance and lodging/meals if overnight travel is required. Maintain accurate records and consult a tax professional for specifics.
How many people typically travel on a mission?
An adult passenger is allowed to bring one companion, and a child is allowed to have two companions (usually both parents will travel with the child). If you are unable to accommodate all of the passengers, but you are interested in flying the mission, please contact us to see if we are able to work with the passenger. Children are not permitted to travel alone.
Is there a preference for a plane with a high or low wing?
No, we encourage pilots with all types of aircraft to fly for our organization. Each passenger must meet certain requirements before they are able to travel with Angel Flight NE. One of the criteria is that they must be able to walk and step up onto the wing of the aircraft. Some pilots carry a small stepping stool to help the passengers get into the plane.
What happens if I need to cancel a flight because of weather, mechanical issues, or other extenuating circumstances?
The safety of our pilots and patients is our top priority. If weather conditions change, forecasts drop below your personal minimums, or if there is a mechanical issue with your aircraft, notify the office and any connecting pilots and we will make alternate arrangements for the patient.
We require all of our passengers to have a backup plan prior to submitting a request for a flight, such as driving or rescheduling their appointment. Weather is a common reason for canceling a mission.
How much flexibility do I have with changing the airports?
Pilots can choose to fly in and out of different airports for various reasons. For example, if a passenger is flying to Boston for medical treatment, mission coordinators typically will select Bedford Hanscom airport (BED) for general aviation flights. However, if a pilot prefers to utilize another area airport such as BOS, OWD, BVY or LWM, we can change that without difficulty. On all missions, we are happy to change the origin or destination airport as pilots need. Same thing if a pilot prefers a specific FBO.
In addition, if you are flying one leg of a multi-leg mission, you may also coordinate with the other pilot to change the airport where the hand-off of the passenger takes place. The Mission Coordinator initially chooses the hand-off airports for multi-leg missions based on distance and the proximity to areas where we may have more pilots.
If I am able to fly a mission on a different day than what’s posted on the website, are you able to change the date?
We enter the missions based on the appointment times, so our passengers do have some flexibility with their schedules. If you are interested in flying a mission either before or after the day we have entered in the system, please contact us to see if the passenger would be willing to fly in a day earlier or leave a day later. This is especially true for Friday and Monday missions if you have better availability to fly over the weekend.
Am I able to combine passengers from different missions on the same flight?
Yes, you may choose to accommodate as many passengers as your plane will hold. And you will also receive credit for each mission that you accept, even if the passengers are traveling to and from the same locations.
May I accept more than one leg of a multi-leg mission?
Yes, it is very helpful to us if you are able to fly more than one leg. We break up the missions to help accommodate pilots with smaller aircraft or pilots who have a limited amount of time to fly, especially during the week.
What type of medical care is performed during the flight?
We provide non-emergency flights for medical treatment, so none of our passengers receive any kind of medical care during the flight. Passengers are permitted to bring a small oxygen tank, concentrators or lightweight, collapsable medical equipment during the flight if needed with the pilots permission.
What is the typical distance of an Angel Flight NE mission?
Generally, pilots will be flying between 250 and 400 nautical miles on an Angel Flight NE mission. This is in addition to any travel to/from a pilot’s home airport. Some lengthier missions require a multi-leg handoff to another volunteer pilot.
What should I do if a passenger arrives with too much luggage, they bring additional companions, or they don’t meet the Angel Flight requirements in some way?
The Mission Coordinator thoroughly reviews all of the requirements and expectations with each passenger before entering the mission in the system. If a passenger arrives at the airport and they do not meet the requirements in some way, then it is your choice whether or not to continue with the mission. Please keep in mind that if you have a larger plane that can accommodate unexpected companions or additional luggage, the next pilot who flies that passenger (whether it’s a return flight or the next leg of a mission) may not have the same capability. We also ask that you inform us of any issues that may occur before, during, or after the mission.