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.
Pilot Name: Shalil Jain
Wing: Colorado
Aircraft: Piper Dakota
AFW Member Since: June 2025
Please tell us a little about yourself and how you got involved in general aviation.
Unlike many pilots who grew up around aviation, I had never even considered being a pilot until I was halfway through my master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Thanks to a last second Valentine’s Day Groupon present from my dad to my mom, which featured an eight-week long ground school and a discovery flight, I was invited to join in this experience, and I soon realized that my passion lied in aviation. In tandem with my graduate program, I began my flight training. In May of 2020, I graduated with my master’s degree from the University of Colorado and two days later, I received my Private Pilot Certificate! Since then, I have been building hours and gaining new certificates, ratings, and experiences with the eventual goal of flying for an airline.
How did you hear about Angel Flight West? What made you decide to sign up as a volunteer?
After obtaining my multi-engine certificate, I was looking for ways to keep gaining valuable flight experiences while also using my aircraft and skills to give back. I began my research and quickly stumbled upon Angel Flight West. Having grown up around the medical world and with both of my sisters being physicians, I was quickly drawn to this organization and their mission. I signed up the same day and within a week, I was flying my first flight for Angel Flight West!
Please tell us about your missions. Have there been any particularly impactful experiences that you’ve had that you would like to share?
I have flown many missions for Angel Flight West, and each flight has been nothing short of pleasant. The passengers are always incredibly friendly and have wonderful stories to share. The many pilots that I have connected with during my flights from Angel Flight West and Angel Flight Central have been incredible themselves. However, it is my first flight that will always stand out. Of course, I was as excited as anyone about to fly their first mission, but when I saw who the passenger was that I was flying, it made me pause and realize how lucky I am to be able to help this family. It was for a three-year-old who needed to come down to Denver for her pre-cardiac surgery appointment. This little girl has been through more in her short life than what most of us will go through in our entire lives. Having this experience and flying this family as my first flight only reaffirmed my choice to fly for Angel Flight West.
Why should other pilots look into getting involved with public benefit flying by signing up to volunteer for Angel Flight West?
Many pilots are looking for any excuse to fly or to build hours. Instead of just going in circles around your local airspace, why not make it the most rewarding flying you can do? These flights will be the most impactful flights you perform and will leave a lasting impression on you beyond anything else you do in general aviation. Plus, it will allow you to see different areas of your state, or surrounding states, that you would never have a reason to go to otherwise.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your time with Angel Flight West?
There are several public benefit flying organizations throughout the US. What separates Angel Flight West and Angel Flight Central for me from the pilot’s side is how easy they make it to volunteer. The app and website make signing up for missions simple and straightforward, and the communication from the organization is always prompt and helpful. They’re always there to help whenever you have questions, and I thank them for all the help and opportunities they have given me.
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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
