LifeLine Pilots celebrates the life of Wanda Whitsitt, the founder of LifeLine Pilots, who passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023. For 91 years, Wanda lived her life based on the three Fs: Family, Faith, and Flying. Click here to read Wanda’s obituary. We welcome you to share any stories of meeting Wanda, working with… Read more »
Category: LifeLine Blog
Coping With Travel Anxiety: Tips for Medical Travel
Whether it’s a nonemergency medical journey or a trip to a new destination, travel anxiety can significantly challenge patients and their caregivers. For some people, even just the thought of traveling can cause stress and anxiety. Travel anxiety is a type of stress or fear some individuals experience before or during travel. Various factors like… Read more »
Tips for Air Travel with a Medical Condition
Traveling can be stressful, and the experience can be even more challenging when you have a medical condition. However, with careful planning and preparation, you can have a safe and comfortable journey. Proper planning and preparation can ensure you’re safe and comfortable when traveling with a nonemergency medical condition. Whether you’re flying on a commercial… Read more »
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 »