Passenger Qualifications
To qualify for a LifeLine Pilots flight, a passenger must meet the following criteria:
- Have a non-emergency medical or humanitarian need far from home (usually between 100-1,000 miles from home).
- Have a financial or medical need for assistance.
- Provide a doctor's name & fax number for LifeLine Pilots to contact for a Physician's Release.
- Be able to fly in a small, 4-6 seat, non-pressurized aircraft.
- Be able to board the aircraft with minimal assistance.
- Be able to sit upright in a standard aircraft seat.
- Be willing to sign a liability release form.
- Provide own transportation to and from the airport(s).
Our Process
LifeLine Pilots coordinates non-emergency air transportation for passengers with medical or humanitarian needs far from home. There is never a cost to fly with us and no limit to the number of times a passenger can travel.
Flights are flown by LifeLine Pilots' team of volunteer pilots, who donate all expenses of the flight. Flights are coordinated to accommodate your medical appointment and the availability of the volunteer pilot. Your flight is just for you and your caregiver/companion.
First Time Passenger Information
Our flights really are free, no matter how many times you need to fly with us. This is possible because of the generous donors who donate to LifeLine Pilots, and especially our volunteer pilots. They are incredibly generous and donate their time and any cost associated with the flight. Be sure to say a huge "thank you" to your pilot!
For first-time passengers, a minimum of four (4) business days is needed. This allows time for our Mission Coordinators to obtain your Physician's Release and submit your flight request to our volunteer pilots. Giving us more advanced notice will help us to successfully fulfill your flight request. This is a volunteer service, so the greater the notice the more likely we will be to help you.
Safety is always our top priority. Bad weather may prevent our volunteer pilots from flying a flight. All passengers must have a backup plan before a flight can be confirmed. Your backup plan could be changing the day/time of the appointment and rescheduling your flight, driving to your appointment, or booking a commercial flight.
LifeLine Pilots will usually schedule flights to medical care the day before your appointment. Weather can sometimes impact the timing of flights, so arriving the day before treatment is best. We do not schedule flights to treatment and home on the same day. Most flights will be scheduled for the morning or early afternoon, as most pilots prefer to fly when it is light out. You are responsible for your own accommodation during your time away from home. There may be hospitality house options if cost is an issue (https://www.hhnetwork.org).
We understand that plans may change. Please give as much notice as possible if you need to make a change to your travel plans. Your volunteer pilot(s) have made arrangements to fly your mission and we ask that you value their time. If you need to make any changes to a flight, call 800-822-7972 immediately.
All passengers can bring a companion with them on the flight. Adults are allowed one companion and children can bring two companions. Companions should be 16 years old or older and able to assist the passenger in flight, if needed.
All names, phone numbers, and weights need to be listed on the Flight Request Form. It is important that you accurately list the weight of each passenger to fly on a small aircraft.
Staff must approve all companions prior to your flight. Changing a passenger at the last minute may mean that your flight gets canceled.
Due to the small nature of the aircraft being flown, all bags must be soft-sided (duffle bags or backpacks work best). You must limit your luggage to a maximum of 40 lbs between all passengers.
Additional equipment, such as supplemental oxygen, stroller, or car seat, can generally be accommodated. You will need to notify us in advance of any additional equipment.
Wheelchairs need to be shipped or rented at your destination.
There are limitations to bringing medical equipment on your 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 the airplane.
Oxygen is the most common medical equipment passengers need for travel. Here are important points to remember when bringing oxygen on your flight:
- Passengers must notify LifeLine Pilots of what equipment they will be bringing on the plane and provide photographs upon request. Their physician should also explain what medical equipment is needed in the Physician’s Release.
- All Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) must comply with the acceptable criteria under FAA regulations. Passenger oxygen cylinders are NOT permitted. They contain pressurized gases and are considered hazardous materials.
- Approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators must be handheld or carried by strap/ backpack.
- Passengers must have enough batteries to power the POC for 150% of the trip, as per FAA regulations.
- Pilots must be able to inspect oxygen before boarding the plane and will have final approval.
A POC may be available for rent from an outside provider. Click here for more information: https://oxygentogo.com/
Find more tips for flying with a POC here.
Passengers may not automatically travel with a service animal. All service animals must be pre-approved by the Mission Coordination staff to travel on a LifeLine Pilots flight. LifeLine Pilots follows the guidelines set out by U.S. Department of Transportation, found here. Animals species, other than dogs, are not considered service animals.
The documentation listed on the U.S. Department of Transportation webpage will be required.
All support animals must be pre-approved and the animal's weight provided at the time of requesting a flight. This information will need to be included for a pilot to consider a flight request.
Safety is our first priority and adding an animal to a flight can pose a disruption. Any pets not included on the flight request and itinerary will not be allowed on a flight, without exception.
You are responsible for your own ground transportation. Some hospitals/medical centers offer shuttle services. Otherwise, taxi or rideshare options may be available.
Your pilot is not able to offer you ground transportation.
While marijuana is legal in some states, it is illegal under federal law. The federal law governs airplane travel in the United States, therefore passengers with LifeLine Pilots can not take any marijuana products on airplanes at any time. This includes medical marijuana, even if prescribed by a physician. This also includes when flying within a state where marijuana use is legal for medical or recreational purposes.
No smoking or vaping near or inside the plane. Please refrain from smoking or vaping prior to getting into the aircraft.
No drugs or alcohol are allowed on the plane. Passengers under the influence will not be allowed to board the aircraft. This includes medical marijuana.
LifeLine Pilots reserves the right to cancel or not schedule flights if our guidelines/policies/procedures are not adhered to. Flights are never guaranteed and all passengers must have a backup plan (see Backup Plan tab for additional information).
The Mission Coordinators and pilots put a great deal of time and money into making a flight happen. If a passenger fails to show up for a flight or is severely late for a flight, LifeLine Pilots reserves the right to cancel all future flights.
Returning Passenger Information
Our Mission Coordinators work hard to fill every flight request. When planning your trip, talk to the LifeLine Pilots staff about what works best for return flights. If there are only a few days between trips, it may be difficult to find pilots. Our staff are your best source of information. If you have questions, reach out to them on 800-822-7972.
All flight requests should be brought to LifeLine Pilots staff. Please do not contact any pilots who have flown you in the past to ask if they can fly you again. Contacting a pilot directly may make them feel pressured or uncomfortable.