Who We Are

Angel Flight East (AFE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community by facilitating free air transportation to children and adults in need of medical treatment far from home and other compelling needs. AFE’s footprint is Virginia to Ohio to Maine and for destinations beyond that; we link up with other volunteer pilot organizations.

There is absolutely NO charge for the services provided by Angel Flight East. Volunteer pilots use their own aircraft and take on all costs of the flight including fuel, landing fees, and other expenses.

Angel Flight East pilots provide non-emergency transportation for a variety of illnesses and conditions including: follow up for organ transplantation, ongoing burn treatment, chemotherapy, and other medical issues that must be addressed far from home.

Yes, such a flight would be considered a compassion flight. A few examples include visiting a loved one in treatment and disaster relief. All necessary paperwork is still required to facilitate such a flight. These situations are handled on a case by case basis.

Requests come from social workers, physicians, and other health care professionals who are in a position to verify both a passenger’s financial need and medical suitability to fly.

Angel Flight East is not an air ambulance service. Passengers must be medically stable, ambulatory, and able to sit upright for the duration of the flight. AFE requires patients have a compelling need and must have a medical approval form signed by their doctor before coordinating the flight. Once all necessary paperwork is filled out and approved, mission coordinators will begin looking for pilots. We require a 5-7 day notice to schedule a flight.

Unfortunately, we cannot 100% guarantee your flight. Passengers are always made aware to have a backup plan or be flexible with rescheduling their appointment. Although we have a large network of pilots, these men and women are all volunteers. We do not have any on call pilots. Other reasons for cancellation may include weather and mechanical issues.

There is no limit to the amount of times you can use our service.

Angel Flight East has many ways to become involved. As a pilot, you must have a private pilot’s license, 300 hours of logged flight time, instrument rated and current for the carriage of passengers. We always welcome volunteers to help with ground support, committee work, special events, or a board member.