Growing up on a farm in Michigan, the Earth beneath his feet was more familiar to Joseph Zammit than the sky. But even as a kid, Joseph found himself looking up toward the blue, dreaming of one day becoming a pilot or astronaut. “I always wanted to fly,” he says.
Twenty years ago, Joseph achieved his goal, earning his private pilot license. But it wasn’t only about flying, it was about becoming a better, safer pilot, capable of making smart decisions in the air. Volunteer work had always been important to him, too. Joseph spent years flying for different causes, transporting food, books, and Bibles to communities in need.
Then, five years ago, Joseph completed his multi-engine rating and bought his own multi-engine aircraft, a Cessna 414. “That was a game changer for volunteer flying,” says Joseph, noting his ability to fly longer distances and carry more passengers. A couple years later, Joseph decided to fly even higher by signing up to be an AFW volunteer pilot.
He’s been flying angel flights ever since with 30 missions to date.
When reminiscing about his many memorable flights, Joe recalls flying six-year-old HT to San Francisco for medical treatment. HT was born with a rare condition known as Bubble Boy Disease, requiring extensive care as a baby. His maternal grandmother, Laverne, provided this care, allowing his parents to work and maintain their family health insurance. Donated flights have enabled HT to receive the crucial follow-up treatment he needs.
Joseph speaks fondly of this experience, saying with a smile, “I’ll never forget the look on his face as he watched my airplane. His mom told me he talks about becoming a pilot one day. For the brief time we’re flying, it takes HT away from whatever he is going through. It’s exciting to see him experience this.”
Given his ability to fly longer missions efficiently, Joseph often signs up for multi-leg flights, or he flies more than one passenger in a day when their routes cross paths. “I fly the airplanes, but I also appreciate the staff who are coordinating with patients and connecting them to other pilots,” he says. “I value the community coming together to make a positive impact.”
Joseph hopes his fellow pilots to consider donating their time and resources to help, saying, “I would encourage new pilots to try it — sign up and volunteer. It’s such an eye-opening experience for us as pilots, and as human beings, to see how delicate life is.”
If you live in one of the 12 Western states served by AFW and are interested in becoming a volunteer pilot, learn more and sign up at https://angelflightwest.org/pilot-page.
