Category: LifeLine Blog

Nonemergency Medical Air Transportation Increases Rural Accessibility to Healthcare

Access to healthcare is critical in many rural communities, home to 46 million people, or 14% of the US population, in 2021. Unfortunately, distance and isolation can make it difficult to access medical services, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment and poor health outcomes. Fortunately, nonemergency medical air transportation ensures that rural communities can access… Read more »

Flying with Oxygen

There are limitations to bringing medical equipment onboard airplanes, especially when flying in a small aircraft. On your LifeLine Pilots flight, you will be flying in a small 4- or 6-seat aircraft with no cargo area. All equipment must be small, portable, comply with FAA regulations, and have the ability to be secured while in… Read more »

Volunteer Cancer Organizations in the Midwest

Cancer is a disease affecting millions worldwide. In 2021, the American Cancer Society projected that more than 609,000 people in the Midwest would be diagnosed with cancer in 2021. With such high numbers, it is clear that there is a significant need for cancer organizations in the Midwest that can provide support and resources to… Read more »

Travel Options to Top Cancer Treatment Hospitals

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, you want to find the best available treatment, regardless of location. For many people, that search begins with researching the top-ranked cancer treatment hospitals. One of the most well-known sources for that information is the U.S. News & World Report 2022-2023 Hospital Rankings.  More than… Read more »

Flying in Small Aircraft in the Winter

The Midwestern United States puts on a spectacular show in the winter months. Those willing to brave the cold temperatures can enjoy magical sights like glimmering snow-coated tree branches, ice-blanketed lakes, and waterfalls that have turned into cascading icy spires. Although the winter wonderland in the Midwest is a sight to behold, it can potentially… Read more »

Planes & Cars and Things That Go…Free Medical Travel Options

Healthcare treatments can be crucial for a person’s recovery. However, sometimes patients require services from medical facilities outside their immediate area for the best quality care, and they don’t have personal transportation options.  The added costs of traveling to far-away facilities can create a financial burden many can’t afford. Fortunately, some options offer free non-emergency… Read more »

Myths About Flying in Small Airplanes

While some people fear all flying, others are particularly apprehensive about flying in small planes. Here are a few myths about flying small airplanes that we debunked to help you better understand how safe general aviation really is! First, let’s clarify what we mean by “small airplane”. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a… Read more »

Volunteer Pilot Response to 9/11 Attacks

On September 11, we honor those who lost their lives in the tragic events that took place 21 years ago. In the wake of the attacks, most Americans wondered “How can I help?” “When air traffic came to a halt, AirLifeLine Midwest (now LifeLine Pilots) mission coordinators and volunteer pilots continued to serve our nation… Read more »

Fixed-Based Operators Play a Crucial Role in Medical Travel

Private air travelers rely heavily on fixed-based operators (FBOs) for fuel, maintenance, and other essential services required. But did you know that many FBOs can also help people who need medical flights? In this article, we’ll explore how FBOs work with medical flight operators to ensure all patients get the care they need when traveling… Read more »

Volunteer Pilots Provide Free, Life-Changing Travel for Patients and Loved Ones

Dealing with a disease or medical condition is challenging and stressful. Getting the care you or your loved one needs isn’t easy. Necessary medical appointments and treatments are often far away from home. How do patients get there, and how do they afford the travel costs? They shouldn’t worry about these things when trying to… Read more »

Save at the Pump with Phillips 66!

Gas prices, am I right? Americans are paying more at the pump than ever before. We haven’t seen prices over $4.00 per gallon since the economic collapse of 2008. Our pilots are not immune to this hike in prices. It makes flying for charitable purposes harder than ever before. Not everyone has hundreds of dollars… Read more »