FAQ

PALS arranges free air transportation services for people in need. PALS volunteer pilots bear all costs of each medical flight, including fuel, oil, landing fees, ramp fees and other expenses. Patients are not responsible for any air transportation costs.

However, patients must arrange for and pay for local ground transportation at both destination and departure locations, unless PALS specifically provides otherwise.

PALS arranges flights in/out of both major international airports and smaller regional airports.

The majority of individuals who qualify for PALS air transportation are receiving medical care for acute or chronic healthcare conditions. Often, they cannot afford commercial or charter flights due to the cost of treatment and turn to PALS after exhausting all other options. Learn more.

Compassion flights are accepted on a case-by-case basis. Passengers with a financial need may request air transportation to be with someone undergoing medical treatment or to attend an illness-specific camp.

No, as a matter of policy, PALS does not fly individuals to funerals.

PALS will arrange free medical flights as often as you need and support you until you no longer require our services.

First, request a flight. Required information includes:

• Patient: Name, date of birth, weight, height, address, email, phone numbers, medical condition.
• Doctor: Name, address, phone and fax numbers, email address and contact person.
• Medical Facility: Name, address, phone numbers, contact person and appointment date(s).
• Other Passenger/s: Name(s), contact number, email, weight, height.
• Emergency Contact: Name, phone number, email.
•  

The PALS mission team then reviews your criteria and eligibility. If all requirements are met, a Mission Coordinator works with you directly to arrange all aspects of the medical flight. Passengers are responsible for providing accurate information to the mission coordinator and pilot.

Typical flight times in our general aviation aircraft range from one to three hours per leg, covering from 200 miles to 600 miles.

Yes, passengers using PALS volunteer flight services must sign a waiver and release of liability form.  A physician or social worker must also provide a signed medical release form declaring you able to fly in general aviation aircraft. A PALS mission coordinator can explain the forms in detail and answer questions.

PALS volunteer pilots own and fly a range of general aviation aircraft. Most of the airplanes are unpressurized and seat four to six people, including the pilot. Some of our medical flights are in “low wing” aircraft, which require passengers step onto a portion of the wing as they board.

PALS requires a minimum of five business days to arrange volunteer air transportation. On rare and exceptional occasions, medical flights are arranged on short notice.

Passengers must be ambulatory and able to sit upright in an aircraft seat and wear a seatbelt. They must be able to get in and out of the plane with limited assistance and be under the aircraft’s weight restrictions.

Children two and older must be restrained in an approved aircraft seat or child restraint.

Patients using PALS volunteer flight services must be able to reschedule or cancel a medical appointment, or have alternative transportation arrangements, in case of flight cancellation due to weather, pilot need, or other circumstances.

Passengers are also responsible for obeying instructions of the pilot. He or she is in charge of and ultimately responsible for conduct of the flight. In flight, please be mindful of the relatively small quarters. Basic snacks and drinks are permissible but try to avoid spills and messes. There is no smoking permitted during flight.

Passengers have a right to courtesy, respect and privacy at all times. PALS pilots always strive to provide a comfortable, on-schedule flight.

PALS medical flights have a baggage limit of 25 lbs. per person. Luggage should be soft sided, so no suitcases or metal frames. Strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs must be collapsible. All medical equipment must be declared with weight recorded prior to takeoff. Oversized luggage and adult wheelchairs cannot fit in a small aircraft,

Patient AirLift Services arranges free medical flights and volunteer air transportation with exceptional service. This comes at great cost to the organization and its volunteer pilots. There are many ways to support PALS:

1. Make a tax-deductible donation
2. Become a pilot
3. Volunteer
4. Attend a fundraising event
5. Review us on Great Nonprofits
6. Shop PALS

You will also need to sign a Covid Addendum acknowledging the risks of flying during the Coronavirus Pandemic