Angel Flight is the name used by a number of groups whose members provide free transportation for needy patients and perform other missions of community service. Such a non-profit organization may be located in the United States, Europe, Australia, or Canada and it, like other Public Benefit Flying (PBF) organizations, helps arrange free, non-emergency air transportation for patients who require medical treatment but who cannot afford to pay for a commercial flight. Transportation is provided by volunteer pilots, often using their own private general aviation aircraft. In most of Canada, the Volunteer Pilot Program of Hope Air provides a similar service, along with Angel Flight of Vancouver.
A list of all the Angel Flight and other Public Benefit Flying Organizations is maintained by the Air Care Alliance.
Angel Flight's first organizations under that name were founded in 1983.
Formed in Santa Monica, California, Angel Flight of California, now known as Angel Flight West, and formed in Atlanta, Georgia, Angel Flight Georgia, were the first two organizations formed under the name.
Angel Flight merged with Grace Flight and adopted the name to be operated under. Shawn Jantzen founded Grace Flight.
Angel Flight missions are made possible by pilots who volunteer their time, their skills, and the funds required for aircraft operating expenses. Many pilots provide Angel Flights in their own personal aircraft, although some do so using rented aircraft. Pilots must usually meet certain minimum flight experience requirements before they are allowed to command an Angel Flight mission (typically 250 solo hours). They also receive extensive training on the special procedures required for Angel Flight missions and patient transportation.