Mission Flights

Wings for Children Mission Flights are conducted within a 500 nautical mile radius of Pittsburgh, PA. Two pilots for safety reasons pilot each Mission Flight. One concern is fatigue. We want our pilots fresh and alert for flight, so one pilot will fly the first leg of the trip, the second pilot makes the return trip home. Another concern is attending to the child and parent should they need help in flight. The non-flying pilot can assist the family instead of disturbing the pilot in command. This is extremely important in instrument conditions and approach procedures. Keep in mind, our pilots are not trained to handle a medical emergency.



Experienced & Skilled Pilots
  • All Wings for Children pilots must have the following qualifications:
  • Appropriate FAA license
  • Minimum 200 hours
  • Instrument Rated & IFR current as specified in FAR 91
  • Current Medical Certificate

The Planes

Aircraft used in Wings for Children Mission Flights are either owned by WFC volunteer pilots or leased from certified flight schools at Allegheny County Airport. These are single engine or twin engine aircraft, seating four to six people and traveling at speeds up to 216 miles per hour. We do have access to pressurized aircraft. Because Wings for Children utilizes general aviation aircraft, we can service families living in rural areas close to small airports not served by commercial airlines. We can and do, however, land at major airports within our service area.

Wings for Children, Inc. covers a pilot's fuel costs and insurance while performing a Mission Flight. Each pilot absorbs the remaining operating costs of the plane. In the case of Wings for Children, Inc. leasing a plane for a mission, the organization covers the leasing as well.