Joshua Pava has always been fascinated by aviation. As a youngster, he used to do his homework at the local airport, watching planes as they took off and landed. “I always wanted to be a pilot when I grew up, though I’m not sure I’ve grown up yet,” he jokes.
Just starting out in his career, Josh worked in tech doing software development. “My past paid for my flight lessons,” he says. “I got my private, instrument, and commercial ratings.” Today, living in Vista, California, Josh flies for his current employer of 18 years while still doing tech work on the side.
And while Josh finds more than enough reasons to take to the skies for work and personal reasons, he was drawn to the mission of Angel Flight West after his family’s own medical experience. Eight years ago, Josh’s wife sustained a brain injury and spent months in the hospital. “It kind of struck me,” recalls Josh. “I’m very fortunate. Not only do we have an airplane, but also connections to medical care in San Diego. What about the people who aren’t as fortunate?”
Reflecting on that thought, Josh goes on to say, “I can’t connect everyone with the resources I have, but I can help connect them to the resources they need.”
And that’s exactly what he’s done. Since 2021, he’s flown 55 missions as part of Angel Flight West’s network of volunteer pilots with 11 flights so far this year. Josh laughs that joining AFW was his justification for purchasing his Beechcraft Bonanza, and then, two years ago, a Beechcraft Baron. And while AFW may not be the only reason for those purchases, it’s safe to say he’s put the aircrafts to good use. “AFW is a great excuse to buy a plane,” he says.
Recollecting on past missions, Josh recalls a flight a couple of years ago for then two-year-old Nash. Living in Gilbert, Arizona with his family, Nash was diagnosed with liver cancer and needed to fly to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to see about being added to their transplant list. “Flying Nash and his parents — that was a really great mission,” Josh recalls. “He ended up getting his transplant at Phoenix Children’s, and he’s living a great life. It’s one of my best memories.”
Josh’s advice for pilots interested in signing up? “Stop and think about what you’re doing. It’s so impactful.
“Even if you can only do one mission a year, that’s pretty awesome.”
Learn more about becoming a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight West at angelflightwest.org/pilot-page!
