All across the country, Volunteer Pilot Organizations (VPOs) help patients in need access distant medical care or supportive services by arranging FREE flights through volunteer pilots.
With one simple form, we'll help you find a qualified medical transportation organization and we'll connect you directly.
Find a FREE flight to medical care today.
Note: These flights are not air ambulances. For information about air ambulance transport, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteer Pilot Organizations (VPOs) are non-profit charitable organizations that arrange free flights through volunteer pilots who fly their own private aircraft and pay for all expenses of the flight
VPOs arrange travel for patients with a variety of medical conditions who require care not available where they live. Some examples include:
- Specialized surgery or treatment
- Pre-Transplant or Post-Transplant appointments
- Diagnosis/treatment of a rare condition
- Pediatric specialties
- Clinical trials
- A second opinion
Many VPOs also arrange flights for other compelling reasons including individuals who need to visit or be a caregiver for a critically ill family member, survivors of domestic violence, or for children and adults to attend camps for special needs.
The Air Care Alliance (ACA) is an umbrella group that promotes, supports, and represents Volunteer Pilot Organizations nationwide. Our website offers a starting point for those in need of free air transportation to medical care and for other supportive services. ACA connects those in need with resources. We do not provide flights directly.
When a person completes a flight request on the ACA website, the information is sent directly to the regional organization most likely able to help.
VPOs service the entire United States. Each organization generally covers a specific geographic region, though they often work together with other VPOs to accommodate requests that span regions. Because pilots are flying smaller private aircraft, they are able to utilize small airports. This means they can pick up passengers at an airport near their home or treatment facility, even if the passenger lives in a rural area or far from commercial service.
Because pilots are typically flying smaller aircraft, flights arranged by Volunteer Pilot Organizations are generally limited to 1000 miles in each direction*. Longer flights are usually broken up into segments of about 300 miles each. A flight that is around 1,000 miles long would be done in 3 separate planes and take about 6-8 hours of flying time. A travel day on either side of your appointment would be necessary.
*Some organizations have relationships with commercial airlines that supply vouchers for very long distances, though this will vary by organization and is usually only available for patients requiring medical care.
Flights arranged through Volunteer Pilot Organizations are FREE. Volunteer pilots fly their own private or rented aircraft, paying for fuel and all other flight-related expenses. These pilots donate their time, resources, and piloting skills to make critically needed travel possible without any cost to you.
Each individual organization will have its own requirements for passengers. Below are some examples of typical passenger requirements. These are not all inclusive and may vary by organization.
- Being medically stable
- Not requiring medical care during the flight
- Ability to enter and exit a small aircraft with minimal assistance (in some cases this means climbing steps or onto the wing of an aircraft)
- Ability to sit upright in a seat with seat belt fastened for the entire flight
- A verifiable medical need or other compelling need for travel. Most VPOs will request a medical release from the patient’s physician.
- A financial need or other compelling circumstances. This will be determined by the organization, often on a case-by-case basis.
No. VPOs are not air ambulances and do not provide any medical support on board. Generally, it will be required that passengers are medically stable and able to walk and sit up in a seat with a seat belt fastened. Most VPOs do allow a companion to accompany the passenger to attend to any minor in flight needs.
For information about Air Ambulance transport, click here.
Passengers will most likely be flying in a small, private aircraft that has 4-6 seats*. In order to board the aircraft, passengers may have to step up onto a wing that is 16-20 inches above the ground, crouch slightly to fit through a small door, and then lower themself into the back seat.
*Some organizations utilize larger aircraft or have relationships with commercial airlines and offer vouchers for airline travel. Commercial voucher availability will vary by organization and is usually only available for patients requiring medical care. In these limited cases you would travel on a regular airline.
You will mostly be flying in a small, private aircraft that has 4-6 seats. In order to board the aircraft, you may have to step up onto a wing that is 16-20 inches above the ground, crouch slightly to fit through a small door, and then lower yourself into the back seat.
This video, provided by ACA member Angel Flight West is a great example of what it's like to travel with a volunteer pilot organization.
Generally, there is no limit to the amount of flights a person may request through a VPO, as per a doctor’s recommendation.
Yes, Most VPOs will allow you to travel with a companion.
- Travel expenses are often not covered by insurance
- The cost of travel, especially when multiple trips are required, can quickly become a financial burden for many families
- Private air travel is more convenient than a commercial flight (no long TSA lines, or navigating large airports)
- Patients may not be able to travel commercially because of a weak immune system
- Flights are typically made in a small private plane that can easily pick up passengers at small airports near their home, even in rural areas.
- Private air travel is much faster than a long drive and quicker trips can mean less of a burden on family members, less time off work, and more time with family
.