What is AeroAngel?

AeroAngel is a national aviation charity based in Denver that provides free, medical flights for seriously ill children using donated flights as well as purchased and donated charter flights. AeroAngel is not a commercial operator but for its flights utilizes professional pilots (certified Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot, or those type-rated for a particular jet).

What kids get to fly?

Every situation is different. In general most of our kids have a fragile medical condition that prevents them from flying on a commercial airline. Most of our kids also need to travel a long distance for a medical procedure, operation, checkup or initial evaluation. Many of the children have some form of cancer and many have a weak immune system that prevents them from being in a crowded environment such as a large airport terminal. To ensure the safety of our passengers, we obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity that states the medical reasons to justify a private business jet flight as well as a certification that a child is medically safe to fly on a pressurized business jet for the expected duration of the flight. 

Are there distance requirements for the flight?

While there is no set minimum mileage distance requirement, most of our flights are at least 500 miles long from the child’s home to their destination. The business jets we fly have a non-stop range of 4 hours or about 2,000 miles (but we can attempt to accommodate longer flights as well).

We don’t live in Denver, will you fly to us and pick us up?

Absolutely. We coordinate flights across the United States. Many of our flights involve a flight originating from a nearby airport that can pick up a family in another location for a flight to their destination.

Is there any cost to transport to my child?

There is no cost to any of our families for flights that are donated. We are completely dependent on donations to cover our costs. (We can also recommend other options, such as a commercial charter flight if other options are not available.)

We live in a rural area, and there is a small airport near my home, can you pick us up there?

Most likely yes. Our goal is to minimize your ground travel time. Our business jets are capable of flying into much smaller airports than a typical airliner.

How much notice do I need to give you for a flight?

Ideally we would like at least 2 weeks’ notice. However, we understand that children with serious medical conditions have urgent needs. We will do everything we can to serve your situation.

Is there a limit to the number of flights I can request?

No. We will support you until your child no longer needs our services.

What percentage of donations are spent on flights?

95% of our donations go directly to the cost of our flights. AeroAngel has volunteer staff in addition to several paid staff, and also relies on the generous donation of time and talents from our volunteer professional pilots.

Does AeroAngel make a cost-benefit analysis in deciding which flights to accept?

Yes.  The decision to undertake a flight is entirely discretionary.  In order to be a good steward of the resources entrusted to AeroAngel, priority is given to those flights which are not feasible by commercially available air transportation.

To what states will AeroAngel make flights?

AeroAngel can fulfill flight requests to and from all 50 states.

Does AeroAngel accept stretcher and non-ambulatory patients?

At this time, AeroAngel is unable to provide such a service.

What is the organizational structure and governance of AeroAngel?

AeroAngel was founded in early 2010 as a Colorado nonprofit corporation.  It is overseen by a Board of Directors.  It is managed by its volunteer President and Executive Director.

Are contributions to AeroAngel tax deductible?

Yes.   The IRS has issued AeroAngel a determination letter that it is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and that contributions are tax deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.

I can’t afford to donate right now, is there another way to help financially?

Yes. Please consider AeroAngel as part of your long-term estate planning to help seriously ill children in the future.

If you have a question not answered above, please email info@aeroangel.org and we will provide you an answer.