Pilot Information

Pilots Wanted...to help save lives!

Do you have a passion for flying? Do you want to use your skill to help people in need? As a LifeLine Pilots volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a life-changing impact on people with medical or humanitarian needs far from home.

Tim and Sue Pratt and Ken Reilly 8.24.16

Pilot Application

Where We Fly

Who We Help

Command Pilot Manual

Pilot Requirements

21 years of age or older
Be current with a minimum of 250 hours of pilot in command time
Provide proof of insurance with a copy of the declaration or certificate page
Send a copy of the most recent logbook entry for BFR or wings phase
Successfully completed the AOPA Public Benefit Flying Online Course and submit a certificate of completion
Meet the FAA minimums regarding flight status and currency
Provide updated information whenever reportable changes occur such as loss of privilege, contact, or aircraft insurance information

Why are volunteer pilots needed?

Every year, millions of Americans delay or go without medical care because they did not have transportation. People living below the poverty threshold had even greater odds of reporting a transportation barrier to receiving medical care. There are many initiatives that provide free bus/shuttle services for local transportation, but when people need to travel 100 or even 1,000 miles for treatment, those with limited incomes or living in rural settings go without.

With the generous help of volunteer pilots, LifeLine Pilots provides a free alternative for accessing healthcare far from home, therefore improving health outcomes for everyone, regardless of location or income. The people we serve are unable to access medical care because they live on a limited income, do not have a caregiver who can drive them, have medical issues prohibiting them from driving a long distance, or are unable to fly commercially due to medical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to fly with LifeLine Pilots?

Can I be VFR certified?

What can a passenger bring on the airplane?

Passengers are allowed 40lbs of luggage, in total for all travelers.

They are asked to declare any medical equipment when requesting their flight. All medical equipment and weight will be included on the flight request and itinerary. No animals are allowed to travel with a passenger unless they are a certified service animals AND they are included in the flight request.

Any medical equipment or animals not included on the itinerary should not be allowed on the flight. Other leg pilots or return pilots may not have the ability to carry the extra cargo. This process would have been explained to the passenger prior to the completion of their flight request.

Do you allow experimental aircraft?

What happens if I need to cancel a flight?

When you select a flight, you become the Pilot in Command. This means that you make all decisions around if and when you take the flight. In the Midwest, weather often plays an important role in a flight. We require all of our passengers to have a backup plan prior to submitting a request for a flight, such as driving or rescheduling their appointment.

If you need to cancel a flight due to weather or other concerns, you will contact the Mission Coordinators at 800-822-7972.

What type of medical is required?

Can I rent an aircraft to fly a LifeLine Pilots flight?

What type of insurance do you require?

Can pilots get fuel discounts and waived fees from FBOs?

Yes, often times FBOs will offer discounts to pilots flying for LifeLine Pilots. When refueling, tell the FBO that you just completed a compassion flight for LifeLine Pilots. Show them your identification badge and itinerary, if necessary for confirmation. Not all FBOs offer a discount, but it is worth always asking before paying.

If you need an updated LifeLine Pilots badge and lanyard, contact missions@lifelinepilots.org or call 800-822-7972.

Is LifeLine Pilots part of the Phillips 66 Compassion Flight Rebate Program?

Become a Volunteer Pilot

Complete the Pilot Application to join our roster of amazing volunteers. Once you sign up as a volunteer pilot, you decide how often you fly and which flights you accept.

Our volunteer pilots cover all costs associated with flying the flight. LifeLine Pilots is a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) organization, so your contributions may be tax-deductible.

Wanda and volunteers transporting blood for Red Cross mid-1980s

Pilot Application

Testimonials

“Flying for LifeLine Pilots has been a gift from God. I am able to do two things that I love, helping people and flying, how much better can life be?”

Brad
Volunteer Pilot

“I feel very fortunate to belong to a group like LifeLine Pilots. All pilots, whether their first year or 20^th, can be thankful for the opportunity to provide a safe flight between home and hope."

Fred
Volunteer Pilot