Pilot Requirements

Before joining our network of volunteer pilots, you’ll need to meet a few FAA and Angel Flight West qualification requirements designed to ensure safe, reliable missions.

Volunteer pilots are the heart of Angel Flight West. As a Command Pilot, you choose:

• When you fly
• How often you fly
• Which missions you accept

There are no minimum flight quotas, and you are never obligated to accept or complete a mission. If you need to cancel for any reason, that’s always your decision. Our passengers understand that volunteer pilots donate their time and resources, and mission availability cannot be guaranteed.

Whether you own your aircraft or rent from a flight school or club, you’re welcome to apply. While Angel Flight West pilots can live anywhere, missions take place throughout the western United States, including Alaska and Hawai’i.

To serve as an Angel Flight West Command Pilot, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Flight Experience

You must meet one of the following qualifications:

• 250 hours total pilot-in-command (PIC) time and 75 hours cross-country PIC time, or
• Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with at least 75 hours cross-country PIC time, or
• Hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.

Recent Flight Activity

Applicants must have either:

• Logged 50 hours PIC within the previous 12 calendar months, or
• Completed one of the following within the previous 12 months:
  • A Flight Review (FAR 61.56)
  • A WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program level
  • A new rating checkride resulting in the issuance of at least a Temporary Airman Certificate
  • An Instrument Proficiency Check (FAR 61.57(d))

Pilots must retain documentation verifying completion of any qualifying activity.

Medical Certification

Applicants must meet the medical requirements of FAR 61.53, including holding a current FAA medical certificate or qualifying under BasicMed.

Aircraft Insurance

The aircraft used for Angel Flight West missions must be covered by liability insurance providing:

• $500,000 minimum liability coverage
• $100,000 minimum per-seat passenger coverage

If flying a rented aircraft or aircraft owned by a flying club or another individual, the aircraft owner’s or organization’s insurance must meet these minimum coverage requirements.

FAA Compliance

During orientation and annually thereafter, pilots must affirm that they:

• Will comply with all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
• Hold the certificates, ratings, endorsements, and type ratings (if required) for the aircraft they operate
• Maintain the required insurance coverage
• Comply with applicable FAA drug and alcohol regulations

Review the Pilot Affirmation

Age Requirement

Command Pilots must be 18 years of age or older.

Aircraft Eligibility

At this time, experimental and non-certified aircraft may not be used for passenger missions.

Experimental aircraft may be used only for approved non-passenger missions, such as transporting blood or other medical supplies.