Pete Miller flies a mission for AFW passenger Arceli
Angel Flight West’s volunteer pilots carry out acts of generosity each day by donating their time, talent, and resources to help others. Each time a mission is flown, a patient accesses the healthcare resources they need while being uplifted with hope.
Meet the volunteers who make it all possible in this monthly newsletter and, if you’re a pilot in the West, get involved today by visiting angelflightwest.org/pilot-page.
Volunteer Pilot: Pete Miller
Wing: Hawai’i
Aircraft: Cirrus SR20
AFW Member Since: 2022
Tell us a little about yourself and how you got involved in general aviation.
I am a retired US Navy officer. I was a nuclear submarine captain, and the Navy brought me to Hawaii in 1993. I got my private license in the same year and have been flying here ever since, off and on. Flying in Hawaii is incredible, and I never take the amazing views for granted!
How did you hear about Angel Flight West? What made you decide to sign up?
I got my commercial and multi licenses after I retired. During COVID, I heard about Angel Flight West from hangar chat, and it seemed like a very good way to help the community. Hawaii’s unique geography, and inconsistent interisland connections and medical infrastructure, really highlight the need for what we do.
Tell us about your missions. Have there been any particularly impactful experiences that you’ve had that you would like to share?
I fly to all the islands, but I really look for Molokai and Lanai missions because they are so under-resourced, both medically and logistically. The most fun trips for me are pre-sunrise or post-sunset, where there’s always an amazing show in the sky. Even folks who have lived here all their lives forget all their troubles. I also enjoy the first-time fliers – I take my time explaining what’s going on to ease their flying concerns and to maybe help with whatever medical stress is on their minds.
Why should other pilots look into getting involved with public benefit flying by signing up for Angel Flight West?
When you take friends or family for a flight, you know how much fun it is. Combine that with the incredible community service which you uniquely can give as a pilot is a gift to everyone, including yourself.
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Learn more about our mission today at angelflightwest.org/pilot-page
Sign up to change lives through gifted flights at afids.angelflightwest.org/join
