When Patrick Machado touches down in his sleek black Cirrus Vision Jet on remote airstrips across New South Wales, it’s more than just a striking sight, it’s a symbol of hope. A dedicated volunteer pilot with Angel Flight Australia, Patrick has already flown nearly 40 missions since joining the charity in September 2024, helping bridge the vast gap between rural communities and the medical care they desperately need.
Recently, Patrick flew Michael, a Lightning Ridge local, to Sydney for specialist treatment. The flight, lasting less than one-hour, spared Michael from what would have been a gruelling 11 hour journey by road. “It is only the second time I have flown and was an excellent experience,” Michael said, still in awe of the plane and the generosity behind it. “I’m so grateful this flight, removed the stress of such a long drive to Royal Prince Alfred. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
For Patrick, a newly minted Australian citizen, volunteering with Angel Flight is both a passion and a privilege. “It’s one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” he said. “Every flight reminds me of how connected we are as Australians. I get to see the country from a bird’s-eye view and, more importantly, I get to help people who really need it.”
Patrick is just one of over 1,200 volunteer pilots registered with Angel Flight in NSW, part of a national network that has made a profound difference to rural lives. Since its inception in 2003, Angel Flight has coordinated over 100,000 free missions, helping people from some of the most isolated pockets of Australia reach city hospitals and specialists.
From humble beginnings, the charity has grown into a critical support service in the rural health space. Angel Flight’s primary focus has always been to close the gap in rural health care, helping individuals access treatment that would otherwise be out of reach due to distance, cost, or physical hardship. But the charity’s mission is evolving, too. More and more, Angel Flight is working to flip the traditional model of healthcare delivery, flying health professionals out to towns like Brewarrina and Collarenebri, where permanent medical services are limited or non-existent.
“The need is ongoing and growing,” an Angel Flight CEO Marjorie Pagani said. “Many of our passengers suffer from chronic illnesses like cancer or autoimmune conditions that require regular specialist appointments. For people living in places like Lightning Ridge and Walgett, our service is literally a lifeline. Some passengers have been flying with us for over a decade.”
Unlike emergency services, Angel Flight focuses on non-urgent medical transport—providing free flights for patients and carers and ensuring comfort and dignity throughout. Every mission is made possible by the kindness of volunteer pilots and Earth Angels (ground transport drivers), all donating their time, aircraft, fuel, and compassion.
Angel Flight receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of private donors, as well as corporate supporters like The Harrison Group, who have recently come on board as a major sponsor, helping to keep this vital service in the air.
“We’re incredibly proud of volunteers like Patrick who make these flights possible,” said Ms Pagani. “But we also need to keep reminding rural Australians that this service exists. If you’re a health professional needing to reach remote communities, or if you know someone struggling to attend medical appointments due to distance, please get in touch.”
