Pilots FAQs : Pilots : What We Do : Angel Flight East

Are you interested in becoming an Angel Flight East pilot, but still have questions?

Please review some of our most frequently asked questions below. Please contact the AFE office with any additional questions or concerns.

What is the standard distance of an Angel Flight East flight?

Our flights range from 100-1,000 nautical miles. For longer flights, we break them up into 300-nautical mile legs.
Do I need to be IFR certified?

Yes, AFE pilots are required to be IFR certified and current.
How many people typically travel on a flight?

AFE has a weight limit of 400 lbs. combined for all passengers. Usually an adult passenger will bring a companion along, whether it is a family member, spouse, etc. Any passenger under the age of 18 is required to have a parent or legal guardian with them on the flight.
How much luggage are passengers allowed to bring?

Passengers are allowed to bring a combined 40 lbs., regardless of the number of travelers.
Are experimental planes permitted to fly Angel Flight East flights?

No, the plane must be certified by the FAA under a Standard Airworthiness Certificate.
Are 2-seat planes allowed to fly Angel Flight East flights ?

No, we require volunteer pilots to have access to a plane with at least 4 seats.
Is there a preference for a plane with a high or low wing?

No, we encourage pilots with all types of aircraft to fly for AFE. Each passenger must meet certain requirements before they are able to travel with Angel Flight East. Passengers are made aware that they may have to step up 18-20 inches onto the wing of the plane. Some pilots carry a small stepping stool to help the passengers get into the plane.
How far in advance are flights posted on the website?

The passengers are requested to contact Angel Flight East at least 5-7 business days prior to their scheduled appointment. Some of our passengers receive a schedule of their upcoming appointments which enables us to update the system with several flights over the course of a month or more.
What happens if I need to cancel a flight because of weather, mechanical issues, or other extenuating circumstances?

Passengers are informed prior to scheduling a flight that they must have a backup plan in the event of cancellation. Weather is the most common reason for cancelling a flight.
How much flexibility do I have with changing the airports?

The Mission Coordinator selects the airports that are closest to the medical facility or the passenger’s home. On occasion, a pilot will change the airport that was selected. If doing so, the pilot must notify the passenger, as well as the Mission Coordinator to have it approved.
If I am able to fly a flight on a different day than what’s posted on the website, are you able to change the date?

Flights are entered based on the passenger’s appointment times, so our passengers have some flexibility with their schedule. If you are interested in flying a flight either the day before or the day after, please contact our office to see if the passenger is willing to change their schedule.
Am I able to combine passengers from different flights into one?

Yes, it is completely up to you in regard to combining flights. You will receive credit for each flight you accept.
May I accept more than one leg of a multi-leg flight?

Yes, it is very helpful to us if you are able to fly more than one leg. We break up the flights to help accommodate pilots with smaller aircraft or pilots who have a limited amount of time to fly, especially during the week.
What should I do if a passenger arrives with too much luggage, they bring additional companions, or they don’t meet the Angel Flight East requirements in some way?

The Mission Coordinator thoroughly reviews all of the requirements and expectations with the passenger before entering the flight into the system. If a passenger arrives at the airport and they do not meet the requirements that were expected, then it is up to you as to whether to take the flight or not. Please be advised that while you may be able to accommodate the extra weight or luggage, the next pilot who flies the passenger (return flight or the next leg of a flight) may not have the same capabilities. Please contact the Mission Coordinator as soon as possible if this issue does arise.
What type of medical care is performed during the flight?

We provide non-emergency flights for medical treatment, so none of our passengers receive any kind of medical care during the flight. Passengers are permitted to bring certain oxygen tanks and concentrators during the flight, if needed.