Has anyone done the Angel Flight thing?

[N5916R]

All the flying I have done this year has been to accumulate 25 hours in a Citabria. That has been a lot of fun, but I need to do an IPC at some point. I have been thinking a lot about volunteering for Angel Flight once I have gotten back instrument current. I was wondering what that kind of flying is really like. Is is rewarding? Heartbreaking? How do you deal with the liability part? Any opinions are appreciated.

[kevinh]

I thought about it. Until I found out no experimentals allowed - so my RV wasn't an option.

[flyinga]

I did some in my Bonanza. It was mostly very rewarding. You are the PIC so you always have the option to go or not and all other PIC options.

[Geico266]

Originally Posted by kevinh

I thought about it. Until I found out no experimentals allowed - so my RV wasn't an option.

Really bummed me out to find his out also. Makes you wonder about Young Eagles flights

Let's not get into an argument about the FAA waiver for YE flights. It's BS to allow one waiver and not allow another for a very worthwhile and humanitarian cause. Flying ungrateful brats around is okay, but flying people in need to get hospital care is not? BS

JMHO

[carolsyracuse]

I have mentioned previously that angelflight southeast allows experimentals to fly angel flights. I think it is up to the individual area. Here is their website
http://www.angelflightsoars.org/
Vic has done many angel flights in his rv-10. Some were disaster relief after hurricane Katrina, but most are transporting patients to hospitals for treatment. He finds it very rewarding. It is a way to give back for all the joy that flying has given.

[johnfurey]

I flew for Air Life Line for many years in my Bonanza & Baron. Yes it was heart breaking. It was very difficult seeing the pain and suffering that many of them went through but they all had a fantastic attitude and were so appreciative of your help. I always came away feeling that I recieved more from the flight than they did. I would often take one of my small children with me and they still talk about those flights. I don't belive there is any more liability than carrying any passenger, maybe less since they must sign a release. Ride along with someone to get the feel of it if you like. Just do it!

[RV10Man]

I thouhgt about it too. But IIRC, they want you to be IFR rated, but they don't do IFR flights.

[Low Pass]

Originally Posted by kevinh

I thought about it. Until I found out no experimentals allowed - so my RV wasn't an option.

Yes, very rewarding and very good for someone trying to build time for a professional job. It's tax deductible.

Last time I flew, which was a number of years, the South Central region only allowed (experimental) flight of materials. Obviously, that varies by region. But who says you/we/experimental airplane owners can't set up their own org and fly people? Or lobby the director of the regional org to change their mind? There's no voodoo magic here. Just networking and establishing proper IRS status.

[morganjp]

Larry;

I take exception to your ungrateful brat Young Eagle comment. I have flown close to 150 Young Eagles and not one of them was ungrateful! If we don't get on the band wagon with Young Eagles and Eagle flights your RV is going to be an expensive flower planter in a few years because there will be no one left to fly it.

On your other point, I totally agree the experimentals should be allowed for Angel Flight.

John Morgan

[Kahuna]

Yes AF missions are rewarding. I was the first to get approval for experimentals for the SE office. Only took a little educating. Missions vary of course. I have taken burn patients for treatment, infants, and other missions to include taking a homeless veteran to his sons funeral who died in a car crash. Some as mentioned are disaster relief mission support. There are many opportunities in AF to give.