Every pilot knows the $100 hamburger — the flight with no real destination, just an excuse to burn some fuel and put a landing in the logbook. At today’s avgas prices, that same burger runs closer to $500. A Wings For Angels mission costs about the same tank of fuel. The only difference is what it’s for: instead of a burger and a story for the pilot lounge, someone gets to the treatment they couldn’t otherwise reach. Same airplane, same fuel bill — a reason to fly instead of an excuse.
Every mission we fly happens because a pilot decided their airplane could do more than that. If that’s you, here’s what it takes.
What we require
- Meet Angel Flight West’s minimums. We hold our pilots to the same standard Angel Flight West sets for its own volunteer pilots.
- Pass a Wings For Angels screening and test flight. Before you fly your first mission, we fly with you.
- Attend monthly safety and training seminars. Sharp pilots stay sharp. This isn’t a one-time checkbox.
- Meet FAA recency-of-experience requirements. Current, proficient, and legal — every time.
What we ask beyond that
- Minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 / $100,000 per seat.
- Every flight is flown under Part 91 — no compensation, no charter, just a pilot donating their time and airplane.
- You choose which missions you fly. No one assigns you a trip you can’t make work.
What you get
Real hours, a real reason to fly them, and a seat at the table with other pilots who’d rather donate a flight than let an airplane depreciate in a hangar.
Ready to find out more? Contact us / Apply to start the screening process.