Angel Flight West: 40 years and 100,000 missions

Dennis Torres – AFW co-founder and first mission pilot and Rob Ross – 100,000th mission pilot.

Luis had liver cancer at a young age, which, thankfully, was successfully treated. However, as a result of the cancer’s ravages, he needed a liver transplant as well. Fortunately for Luis Peña, he found an organ donor, saving his young life. The organ donor’s generosity allowed Luis, now 12, and his mother, Maria, to be the 100,000th mission recipient of Angel Flight West (AFW) on October 30th.

Now, Luis and his family have become frequent AFW fliers. He lives in southern San Diego County, and his medical team is based in Los Angeles. Driving to reach them takes a substantial portion of the day. With both parents working and other family to care for, such frequent drives can take a toll, especially when patients are undergoing treatments. That is where AFW and other public benefit organizations play a significant role – generous volunteer pilots are essential to people like Luis receiving care.

I met with Rob Ross, who flew his Meridian from Santa Monica (KSMO) into the Coast Air Center FBO at Montgomery-Gibbs Airport in San Diego (KMYF). Rob was at Coast Air to pick up Luis and his mother, Maria Pérez, for this momentous flight — just one of many he has flown— taking them to Santa Monica (KSMO).

As an AFW Command Pilot for several years and previously volunteering as their Safety Officer, I’ve gotten to know and appreciate all the other critical support staff and volunteers that ensure every mission is a safe success.

Flight missions begin with the patient’s providers requesting the service. Then, AFW staff work diligently to locate a mission pilot (or multiple pilots, depending on legs and distance). At the same time, Earth Angel volunteers transport patients between the airports and their appointments or lodging. Charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations also provide critical support to make flights like Luis’ possible.

AFW started 40 years ago in Santa Monica when a small group of pilots saw a need to provide medical air transportation when ground transportation wouldn’t suffice—flying more than 5,000 air missions annually with a volunteer roster approaching 3,000. Over 20,000 passengers have benefitted from the kindness and generosity of others.

Celebrating the success of the 100,000th mission celebration at the Santa Monica airport was the pilot who would fly Maria and Luis back to San Diego – Edward Norton, actor, filmmaker and philanthropist. Also at the event was Dennis Torres. Dennis and his wife Averi were two of the original founders of AFW. Dennis also flew the first mission and met Rob and Ed – pilots of the 100,000th.

During the celebration at Santa Monica, Luis and I discussed his passion for aviation! He loves to fly, and while there have been significant challenges in his twelve years, he wants to be a pilot. When his mother remarked on his medical issues, he proudly told her that his challenges wouldn’t stop him! When Luis is ready to hit the skies, he and I will set a date to go flying — not as a passenger — but as a student pilot. I’m excited and have his flight logbook ready! Perhaps he can fly the 200,000th mission for someone in need.