Angel Flight

"That was it. It combines everything most of us like about flying, challenge, service, beauty, appreciation and good people.

And if you're lucky like me, the city slicker gets a little bit of the country to take home each time, as well."

Graham Bell	"Yesterday (Monday) Tina and Myself boarded a local bus.... We asked the driver (as is the custom) to take us to town, he agreed and we got in and he then asked how many Angel flights have I done and where to! I was amazed and asked him how he knew I was involved with Angel Flight. (I had forgotten Tina had packed my new Angel Flight polo and I had it on.). The driver then went on to explain the he had a satellite dish at home and was able to access some Brisbane TV and saw the Angel Flight advertisement and the logo on my shirt. He also had a son that had been treated at Westmead Hospital. He wondered if we could run the same type of service from his town. It was indeed an eye opener as we were in Port Vila - Vanuatu. Modern technology is remarkable.

John Ballantyne M641 AF1	"Young Aden had his arm in a sling supporting his fractured collarbone which he suffered in a fall from a flying fox. Its great to see these kids still manage to get have fun like all kids hiage despite his serious illness."s

Angus Shea M399 AF1	"I cannot describe the emotions that I went through flying these two wonderful people to Essendon today, I felt I was the lucky one and not them."

Simon Mathews M379 AF1	"That was it. It combines everything most of us like about flying, challenge, service, beauty, appreciation and good people. And if you're lucky like me, the city slicker gets a little bit of the country to take home each time, as well."

Graeme Burke M376 AF1	"In my 17 years as a private pilot, I must say flying Travis and his parents from Forbes to Banktown was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life. Travis has a smile that would the melt the hardest and toughest person on Earth."

Peter Longton M371 AF2	"My final thought - how privileged I was to be able to help this incredible lady. God bless her."

Ben Newman M369 AF1	"It's fabulous to get great help and co-operation from people, ie, RAAF Operations Williamtown as well as Williamtown Airport Corporation, for such a great cause. All you have to do is mention Angel Flight and people are only too happy to help. As an ambassador to aviation working with Angel Flight, I hope this mentality continues to flourish."

Steve Gregory M364 AF1&2	"I am thrilled that Angel flight is going from strength to strength, I found the TV ad captivating, and it is what motivated me to volunteer, because we as pilots, are privileged to be able to do something so unique as flying, and that maybe for the brief time of the flight we take the familys' minds off their troubles.”

Mike McFarlane M363 AF 1	"Angel Flight is a great concept and is THE best way to be of service to the wider community that a private pilot can be part of; knowing that he is flying with a real purpose which is very much appreciated by the Angel Flight recipients. Keep up the good work Angel Flight Central!!"

Steven Tsimos M342 & M344 AF2	"The trip back to Melbourne whilst lonely, gave me time to reflect on just how lucky most of us are and how unfortunate some people in the world are. I was honoured to be able to help in some small way."

Per Carlsen M330 AF1	"Both Kirsty and Peter were very appreciative about being able to see their small daughter even for a short time. Their daughter almost managed to run straight through the security fence around Launceston Airport she was so excited to see them. This made all the efforts worthwhile."

Dave Hayes M314 AF1&2	"Reuniting Travis and Lisa with John was great, as was the opportunity to once again be part of a great team that makes a difference. Thanks for having me."

John Ashcroft M304 AF1	"It was great helping this family because everyone else I take flying doesn’t have to get anywhere, but this had a very real and worthwhile purpose.” When asked why he decided to join Angel Flight as a volunteer pilot, John said that having a family of his own has something to do with it, but it was the testimonials on Angel Flight’s website that really motivated him. “When I read the comments made by people who have already been helped by other Angel Flight pilots I realized just what a valuable service this really is,” he said."

DaveLaughton M297 AF1	"Amy took a shine to the instrument panel and controls, and in no time at all she was up the pointy end of the plane helping with piloting duties, and a splendid job she did for quite a while before retiring to the back seat for a quick nap."

John Gillett M295 AF2	"We became good mates over a chat and a few barley sugars during the two hour flight to Merimbula. He is scheduled for another check-up in six months so we're looking forward to an aerial reunion. "

Keith Wheeler M294 AF2	"I thought that the pre-planning by Angel Flight was excellent and other than the bad weather, the day was a great experience and I hope to be able to do the same again in the near future."

Alex Baldwin M292 AF1	"I love flying and am always looking for ways to fly regularly but most of the flights lack real purpose whereas an Angel Flight Mission really helps people. My first Mission was great. It was quite a humbling and beautiful experience and now I just want to do more."

David Adkins M291 AF1	"What a wonderful way to relieve suffering and stress by applying our skills and resources to serve the community in which we all live. We are proud of our involvement with Angel Flight and will continue to support its mission."

Jens Meinecke M289 AF1	"Rebecca and Jens had had a few telephone conversations prior to the flight during which Rebecca had mentioned that unfortunately the boys would be missing out on the Circus that was coming into town on the Wednesday after the flight. Jens decided to make sure that they would at least see one clown."

Fred Malcolm M289 AF2	"Alister was keen to get into the front seat and have a look at what was going on. Once buckled in, he pointed out that the wing was still there and the engine was okay. It was good to have a co-pilot to help out."

Tony Taggart M278 AF2 & M286 AF2	"So after head winds the whole way except for Holbrook to Albury, it was 10:50am by the time we got back. A four-hour mission of pure enjoyment, where I got a very good look at the inside of the aeroplane because there was precious little else to see!!"

David Blake M284 AF1	“My first Angel Flight Mission. That I have the opportunity and skills to be able to help someone in need is most humbling. My small insight into what has driven Bill Bristow to establish a service such as Angel Flight and why so many have taken the concept on board is self evident."

Trevor Steel M281 AF2	"Overall, the mission was most satisfying in that I believe I had contributed to making the return to Roma for Tom, Yvonne and Michael, much easier than they would have had endured by road."

Tony Taggart M278 AF2	“I have a seven-year-old granddaughter who has all her faculties and I can appreciate just how lucky we are. It was wonderful to meet Sarah and I feel it’s a privilege to have been able to help her in this way.”

Steve Burgess M277 AF1	"As a parent of healthy children I try and put myself in the place of parents who aren’t so fortunate and especially those with sick children who aren’t well off financially and think how difficult it must be for them."

Barry Arentz M271 AF1	"Heart rendering as the whole experience was, both Cheryl and I are thankful we were in the position to deliver Beau's last wish."

Peter Longton M269 AF1	"He has an excellent outlook on life and I was very impressed. I would like to do further missions, and congratulate you on your handling of this mission."

Brian Thornton M266 AF2	"The 100% discount on fuel reflected the appreciation of the community towards the service given by Angel Flight and the heart of the community towards those who live there."

Clyde Stubbs M261	"Although the pilots and Earth Angels are the ones that are seen to be out there delivering the service, I'm very much aware that it would not happen at all without the organization, and not only does it happen, but it all happens very smoothly.""

Wayne Cotterill M250 AF1	"As an Angel Flight volunteer pilot, it's good to hear that the people we transport also receive love and support from their local communities."

Jack Barbat M250 AF2	"However these trips have always been pleasure related, but they have given me a real awareness of just how isolated some people are and an understanding of the different pressures placed on families, many of whom are doing it tough. So, when I’m flying an Angel Flight Mission I feel I have a definite purpose for doing what I’m doing and just love the experience of combining something I love with making a difference."

Peter Dawes M249 AF1	“I have some understanding of what Robert is going through. It’s a traumatic time and I just wanted to do my bit to make it easier for him."

Tim O'Brien M247 AF1	"It was so good to help such a lovely child. He is truly inspirational. Interestingly it hadn't struck me in this way when I registered with Angel Flight, but then I met Ford and it meant more on an emotional level."

Brian Thornton M243 AF1	“I have a seven-year-old granddaughter who has all her faculties and I can appreciate just how lucky we are. It was wonderful to meet Sarah and I feel it’s a privilege to have been able to help her in this way.”

Chris Farrell M236 AF2	“As Eddie and I flew back to Canberra we both agreed that the smiles on the faces of those around us back at Young had made it ‘our best flight ever’, tempered only by the sobering thought that Channae still has 2 years of chemo in front of her.”

Craig Sargent M236 AF1	“I get a great sense of freedom when I’m in the air and it’s such a great way to see Australia and now I have found it’s a good way for me to help my local community and those who are less fortunate than I am.”

Chris Brooks M229 AF1	"When I saw the Angel Flight advertisement on TV I immediately saw an opportunity to combine my regular trips to and from Melbourne on business with helping someone in a 'fragile' state have a more comfortable ride. Angel Flight is a great idea because it better utilizes an infrastructure that operates anyway and I know there are a lot of country pilots who can do this at little or no extra cost to themselves."

Roger Lenne M220 AF1&2	“In my heart I just want to share the burden with wonderful people like Paul’s carer, Pam, and I’ve always felt some sympathy for people who find themselves in a situation they couldn’t help. On top of the problems he had with his health, sadly Paul had no other family in Australia. If I was in the same situation I would like to think there was someone there for me.”

Peter Stacey M210 AF1	"The Alexanders are a wonderful caring family and have been dealt a real hard blow. The two daughters are very polite and great young ladies. Zoe handled the busy day very well considering. ……….. I would just like to thank the Angel Flight team for all the time and effort in supplying the information and providing the assistance for my first Angel flight. I can assure you that the experience is profound and I feel very privileged to be involved.”

Dave Laughton M209 AF2	"Despite his disabilities it soon became apparent that Craig didn't miss a trick. It's just that it took us newcomers a few minutes to pick up that the hand movements and wicked grin said all he needed to say. "

Bill Bristow M209 AF1	"But the memory that will stay with me is of Craig holding his left hand toward me as his father held him in his arms. "He wants to shake your hand", his father advised. I shook Craig's hand and he pulled my hand to his heart and smiled. The most spectacular thank you I have received to far.”

Glen Smith M208 AF1&2	“When I decided to register with Angel Flight they talked to me about ‘missions’ ‘angels’ and ‘earth angels’ and it all seemed a bit strange. I certainly don’t see myself as an angel. I’m just doing my bit to help someone who needs all the support she can get during a very difficult time.”

Mike Bernays M204 AF1	“These people are amazing! They have been through an awful tragedy and I think there was possibly some pressure put on the Burns Unit people to let him go before he would normally have been let out to do anything at all, so that he could get to his little nephew's funeral. ………. I was very touched by the reaction of one of their little daughters who put her arms around my legs and said ‘thank you for bringing my daddy home’. Usually I don't have the experience of tear jerker experiences when I go flying. Anyway all in all an uplifting experience for all concerned."

Peter Driver M203 AF1	“It is very enlightening and sobering to meet these wonderful people who cope daily with the pressures of their sick children. I feel very privileged to be able to play a small part in assisting them to cut the travelling time to their destinations. It certainly is a magnificent organisation that we belong to and a wonderful group of people."

Alex Baldwin M200 AF2	“Because of my life-long love of flying, when I heard about being able to help people through Angel Flight I thought it was a truly awesome idea. It’s really exciting being able to help sick people and explore different parts of Australia at the same time.”

Craig Sargent M200 AF1	“I’ve always had an interest in flying and love nothing more than exploring Australia from the air. So, it’s great to be able to do something I enjoy and to be able to help Phillip and Roslyn at the same time. It’s also a thrill for me that my first Angel Flight mission was to help people from Cootamundra, as this is where my mother and her family came from."

John Raby M194 AF1	“I am feeling extremely lucky and privileged to have a plane and to use it to share my good fortune to help other people and (conduct) my first Angel Flight mission."

Greg Rutherford M190 AF1&2	“Thanks to Miranda (Angel Flight) for her organising, Peter and Kelly the Earth Angels, the Royal Aero Club of WA for the use of their facilities, and Jandakot Airport Holdings for waiving their fees. As for the pilot.... best excuse I have had to go flying for a long time, with the big bonus of able to help a couple whose road to travel has been far from smooth."

Nev Donald M187 AF1	"I've always wanted to give a bit back to the community, and especially to help people who are unwell and need support to get them through hard times. This was a very special flight for me."

Murray Free M175 AF1	"It is with mixed feelings that I complete my first Angel Flight mission. My excitement and love of flying contrasted the sadness of Gary's condition. Having witnessed my own father's deterioration, I can only begin to imagine what he's going through. I wish Gary (and all our charges) well for the future and look forward to the next time I can make a small difference in their lives."

Peter Gibson M168 AF1	“Zac and his mum were excellent passengers. Zac is a very impressive kid - and so brave. I could not help feeling touched and humbled by two very dedicated, loving and absolutely remarkable people.”

Wayne Cotterill M164 AF1	“Along the way had a chance to converse with Kathy, finding out a little about Mitchell's condition. Also, from Kathy I gained a strong feeling of appreciation towards Angel Flight, how Angel Flight have made their difficult and uncomfortable journeys a thing of the past."

Randal Tokody Miission 154	First mission for Randal since registering with Angel Flight in early 2004. As Chief Pilot for Oasis Air, Randal understands the advantages of air travel for those living in outback Australia, but more significantly he understands the challenges facing those requiring medical help. "Last year I had to have treatment for cancer and now that I am fully recovered I want to use my talents and skills to help Angel Flight which I know transports many cancer patients." Mr. Tokody said

Tony & Di Taggart Mission 140	"This was my second Angel Flight mission and you wouldn’t believe how happy I am to be able to help in this way," he said. "My first mission also involved a small child and it was the greatest buzz of my life." A Chartered Accountant from Melbourne, Mr. Taggart says he wanted to fly since he was big enough to walk but his circumstances didn’t enable him to do so until 1987. Now holding a commercial licence, he has used his love for flying to run a small air tour business but now flies purely for recreation. "I know that being able to fly like this is a real privilege and I have never taken it for granted," he said. "I’ve got grown up kids, but we’ve been so lucky and haven’t had this kind of trauma in our lives. I find it hard to imagine what it must be like for Annie and her family and others like them who are really struggling but the kids are so brave. So, I now feel privileged to have the opportunity to use my skills to give something back to people less fortunate than I am."

Adrian Gould Miission 134	"I found out about Angel Flight operating in the USA about 4 years ago and thought then that it was a pity it wasn’t in Australia, so I was excited when about six months ago I read about the Australian version and was keen to be involved," Mr. Gould said. Growing up in PNG, Mr. Gould said that for him flying was a way of life. "I understand what it’s like living in remote areas and the challenges that have to be faced on a daily basis and I have committed my life to doing as much as I can for the people of the Kimberley as a pilot with Kingdom Aviation Ministries. So, I am really excited about my first Angel Flight mission and hope that it will encourage more people with resources to get involved," he said.

Tony Taggart Mission 110	"Thank you so much for the opportunity to be of such minuscule service and to be able to help the Causon's to get home to Mildura. I can assure you that it is me who has got the best end of the bargain. Ben is a gracious young man who is battling unbelievable odds with a strength that I could not hope to enjoy. His folks, Julianne and Glen, are "salt of the earth" people battling similar heavy odds. I wish them every success and pray that Ben will go on to improve. So all in all, I am just so pleased to have had this opportunity and hope that I can be of service again."

Kerry Delaney commenting on his first two missions M99 & M92	"Both these Angel Flights have been very rewarding in terms of the alleviation of long and distressing travel for the patient and parents. It seems that this benefit was real given the appreciation all expressed to the Angel Flight organisation. As well as giving this sense of fulfilment for Rory and myself, both trips presented operational challenges to the recreational pilot and in that sense also were very stimulating and enjoyable."

Andrew Bullard Mission 67	"A very sweet lady indeed. We are quite humbled by her most positive and alive attitude under such adversity. She must be so very well loved in her Coonamble community that she has served as a nurse for a long time. It really warms one to the core to see that same community supporting her, in now, her time of need. These and those rewards are simply priceless."