Find Out How You Can Make A Difference
By Maxine Scheer
Giving to others is
one of the common denominators for many of those whose lives are
touched by aviation. At this year’s AirVenture, Fly4Life has
set up an exhibit at the south end of AeroShell Square that
includes static displays of aircraft flown for charitable purposes.
Fly4Life, in coordination with others, has also programmed a series
of workshops throughout the week to educate those interested in
public-benefit or mission operations and highlights some
challenging missions and lessons learned. This Fly4Life event marks
the largest recognition program ever presented for humanitarian
flying at an EAA event.
ANN talked with one of the event organizers, Rol Murrow, about
the goals of the event. “Many volunteer pilots help people on
an individual level and through various sized organizations
throughout the world,” says Rol. The contributions can be as
simple as delivering an animal or package to as complicated as
missions involving search and rescue, disaster relief or emergency
evacuations. The challenge now is that people are cutting back on
flying, so finding more individuals who are willing to help is a
big concern.”
One of Angel Flight’s volunteers, Mike Jesch, was helping
set up the exhibit. In his day job, Mike is a captain on a B-737,
and in his free time, Mike flies Angel Flight clients in his Cessna
182.
“Some of the most meaningful work is helping people during
what is often the worst times,” said Mike. When asked about
his experiences Mike recalled a woman who lived near Yosemite, CA
and was undergoing chemotherapy at UCLA Medical Center. “She
would drive 6-8 hours, each way, multiple times-a-week for her
medical treatment. Commercial flights took equally as long,
presented threats of compromising her immunity and both options
were exhausting.” Mike commented that before Angel
Flight appeared, she was actually considering discontinuing the
treatment because of the challenges with travel. Angel Flight
coordinated with the Kiwanis Club for ground transportation and
turned her ordeal into a comfortable 90 minute trip.
The Fly4Life program is support by EAA and others. “What
we discovered as we finalized the schedule for fly4life is there
are more wonderful stories involving aviation than could possibly
be told,” said former EAA vice president Bob Warner, serving
as the program’s chairman.
A Fly4Life website has been created to feature the remarkable
stories of public benefit and mission-based aviation and provides
links to the dozens and dozens of organizations who provide these
vital services.
Attendees at AirVenture can also find a listing of Fly4Life
events this week on the Fly4Life website.