Will Donate 20 Hours Flying Time Per Member For Mercy Missions

Fractional ownership program iFly tells ANN it aims to donate hundreds of hours in its fleet of Columbia 350s each year in an effort to shrink the distance between those in need and medical care they require often hundreds of miles away. In partnership with Angel Flight West, an organization that matches those in need with aircraft and pilots, iFly will donate 20 flight hours per year, per member, to fly Angel Flight missions.

According to iFly cofounder and Angel Flight member Erik Lindbergh, the program is a natural way for iFly to give back to the community.

"I am an Angel Flight member and a strong believer in their mission," Lindbergh said. "Those living in rural areas, or needing specialized care that can only be found in a few locations, face a real challenge. The speed, safety, utility and comfort of our aircraft lend themselves well to these types of flights and our membership is very supportive of the organization. We’re pleased to enable our members to use these aircraft for such a worthy purpose."

Program member Dean Shold made iFly's first Angel Flight last week, transporting a six-year-old girl between her home in Hanford, CA and UCLA Medical Center, where she's undergoing treatment for an illness. The flight cut the travel time for the girl and her mother by about two-thirds.

"Angel Flights are a way that we pilots can really provide a valuable service to people who need assistance while doing something that we love to do – fly. I'm really proud of iFly for establishing this program and look forward to flying more missions in the future," Shold said.

The flight was organized by Angel Flight West, a member organization of Angel Flight America. Angel Flight West serves 13 Western states providing access for people in need seeking free air transportation to specialized health care facilities or distant destinations due to family, community or national crisis. Since its inception in 1983, Angel Flight West has coordinated more than 30,000 missions and now has more than 2,000 member pilots.

"I am pleased with Angel Flight West's unique partnership with iFly," said Jim Weaver, Angel Flight West executive director. "I am delighted with their willingness to use their resources to make a difference for those in need."

FMI: www.iflysmarter.com, www.angelflight.org