The Wings for Children, Inc. provides free air transportation to children with chronic and life threatening illnesses. Their families cannot afford commercial airfares and oftentimes, the child's physical condition prevents them from taking a commercial airliner to therir destination. Mission flights are available to children, infant to 18 years-old.

The Need

Any child, infant to 18-years-old, can utilize the services of Wings for Children, Inc., provided their family can demonstrate the need for a charitable flight. Wings for Children, Inc. looks at the whole picture. We need to establish a financial need for the flight, but will consider other components to the family's situation. This will be verified through a social worker, doctor's office, employer or clergy member.

In addition we need to know the following:

• Other modes of transportation are not an option. (A written notice from the child's doctormay be required in this case.)
  
  
• The child will be able to walk or be carried to the plane and board the plane alone or with the help of a parent or guardian.
  
  
• Once in flight, a parent or guardian will be able to handle all care required by the child.
  
  
• Child will be able to sit up in a seat or travel in a car seat during the flight.
  

The Referrals

Referrals to Wings for Children, Inc. come to us in a number of ways. Most come through social workers at hospitals or clinics. Many come from family members themselves. Some referrals come to us by way of another volunteer pilot organization looking to link with us to complete a trip outside their operating area. We can be reached at 412-469-9930 or 800-743-5527.


Pre-Flight

Before a Wings for Children Mission Flight takes off, there are a few details a family should consider.

• Mission Flights are weather dependent. If your child absolutely positively has to be at their doctor's office, hospital or clinic at a specific time, have a back-up plan ready to go.
  
• Wings for Children is not an air ambulance and therefor cannot respond to emergencies. The more notice you give us, the better chance we have at coordinating a flight to fit your schedule.
  
• All participants on a Wings for Children Mission Flight must sign a waiver releasing pilots and Wings for Children, Inc. from any liability in connection with your Mission Flight.
  
• Luggage allowed is minimal. We suggest two or three small to medium soft-sided bags weighing no more than 100 pounds in total.
  
• You are responsible for arranging ground transportation to and from the airport at your departure sight as well as your arrival sight. Please plan on being at the airport a full 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.