We’re proud to share that LifeLine Pilots, alongside our partner Angel Flight East, has been honored with the Public Benefit Flying Teamwork Award, a national recognition from the National Aeronautic Association and Air Care Alliance. This award celebrates the power of our collaboration in providing free, non-emergency flights for patients who must travel long distances for medical care. For us, it’s a reminder that when we work together to prioritize people, we all soar higher.
Public benefit flying, often called “angel flights” or “compassion flights,” is a free service that helps people overcome one of the biggest barriers to medical care far from home: simply getting there. Our volunteer pilots donate their time, aircraft, and fuel to make these flights possible.
LifeLine Pilots serves 10 Midwest states, while Angel Flight East covers 14 states in the Northeast. Though our regions differ, we share a deep commitment to service. We often refer to one another as “sister organizations,” bound not just by geography, but by a mission that puts people first. We work closely to coordinate every detail, from flight routes to luggage limits, with one goal in mind: helping patients reach the care they need safely and efficiently.
One of those patients is Ryan, a father of three from rural Ohio, diagnosed with prostate cancer. His treatment requires travel to multiple facilities across state lines. Thanks to our seamless collaboration with Angel Flight East, Ryan never has to choose between receiving care and overcoming the financial or logistical hurdles of getting there. He has both of our organizations working together to ensure he gets the care he needs, when and where he needs it.
This teamwork award isn’t just about our organizations—it’s about our volunteer pilots who make flights possible for thousands of passengers each year. Pilots are the heart of our mission, helping people access distant care for ongoing treatments, second opinions, or scheduled surgeries.
Among those pilots is John, a dedicated volunteer from Pennsylvania who flies a Beechcraft Bonanza. John doesn’t just fly for Angel Flight East, which covers his home state, he also flies for us at LifeLine Pilots. When flights aren’t available on the East Coast, he heads west, dividing his time between both of our organizations. We work together to support his flexibility, because when a passenger receives the care they need, the mission is fulfilled.
Contact our Mission Coordinators at 800-822-7972 for more information or to request a flight.
Consider making a donation to the gift of hope to help more passengers like Ryan.