Page 24 - April 20 TNT

Right to left: Steve Danz, owner-pilot of a Cessna 340; AFW volunteer with EarthAngel; AFW passengers. pilots with smaller aircraft or with limited time to accept missions to suit their needs and capabilities. However, for twin and turbine pilots such as Stuart and myself, we will not hesitate to request all or most legs. Our more capable aircraft make it more likely that the charitable mission will be filled and also helps improve the pa- tient flying experience. Time is saved by reducing interim stops to change planes and increases the comfort of our Angel Flight passengers. Join Us on a Mission This morning, our mission will be to fly mom, dad and the patient, a 9-month-old in an appropriate travel seat, from KDVT (Deer Valley, north of Phoenix) to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Often, we fly CHLA pa- tients and their families to KBUR, but KSMO and KVNY also work. The of- fice staff at AFW is more than willing to change suggested pick up or drop off airports if you, the pilot, request that change. (For example, f lying the passengers to your home base may make more sense if it’s almost as close as the airport listed on the available missions page). Before the flight is ever even scheduled, AFW office staff have pre-qualified the family as in need of a charitable flight through the referring social worker or physician. On this day, the family is waiting at the designated FBO and is ready to fly when we arrive. Many passengers have flown before and are familiar with the required Waiver of Liability. No mission departs without the passen- gers and any non-essential crew mem- bers signing a waiver. The Volunteer Pilot Protection Act also exists for pilot’s protection, but a waiver is an added level of protection for pilots and the organization. Passenger and baggage weights are confirmed before boarding, the child’s booster seat is secured, and you brief mom and dad on your safety proce- dures. The flight then departs, bound for Santa Monica Airport (KSMO), home of AFW, and where our patients meet Margo (or another Earth Angel volunteer) to drive them to their 22 • TWIN & TURBINE / April 2020 Alpine Acceptance Holdings, LLC