Angel Flight West: Our mission and stories about those we serve
In briefAI summary — tap to read
Clay Ross from Angel Flight West describes how volunteer pilots and drivers transport patients to specialized medical care at no cost, serving over 4,000 missions annually across 11 western U.S. states. Through moving personal stories, he illustrates the profound impact of this service on patients facing life-threatening illnesses and the deep sense of purpose it brings to volunteers.
Key takeaways
- Angel Flight West has operated since 1983, providing free flights to patients requiring specialized medical treatment hundreds of miles from home, with volunteer pilots donating flight costs entirely out of pocket.
- Beyond medical transport, the organization flies burn victims and disabled children to summer camps, relocates domestic violence victims, and supports veterans—enriching lives at critical moments.
- Ground volunteers called "Earth Angels" are equally vital; they drive patients from airports to appointments and provide companionship that pilots cannot offer during flight, sometimes creating life-changing final memories.
- Approximately 70% of Angel Flight West's 380 Northern California pilots are inactive, representing an opportunity to re-engage volunteers and expand the organization's capacity.
- The organization thrives on the three T's of volunteerism—talent, time, and treasure—with many former pilots able to contribute financially when scheduling prevents active flying.
About Clay RossClay Ross is a pilot, Scout Master, and Northern California wing leader for Angel Flight West, where he volunteers roughly half his flying hours to transport patients to specialized medical care.
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Program: Angel Flight West: Our mission and stories about those we serve
Speaker: Clay Ross
Every week we bring you a new program on innovation, entrepreneurship, and education, and how they contribute to service to others.
Learn about the philanthropic mission of Angel Flight West and the 1,800 pilots who volunteer their time and the cost of the flights so that complete strangers can get to life-saving medical appointments for free. These passengers need to travel hundreds of miles to reach their critical medical treatments, or are unable to afford the cost of flying, or face a long drive which itself could be life-threatening.
Hear about the impact that these flights have had on several of our passengers. You'll learn the story of one pilot, who has flown a particular passenger more than 300 times. For the passengers, the flights are life-savers. For the pilots, "every flight is a rewarding journey that reminds us how fortunate we are, and the importance of helping those in need."
Our speaker, Clay Ross, recently became the Northern California Wing Leader for Angel Flight West, an organization whose volunteer pilots provide free medical transportation to patients in need. He has been flying patients for more than five years and is very passionate about the mission and the organization. He is excited to share some of his experiences with Angel Flight West, and to use his new role to help expand the impact of the organization and serve more people. Clay is an instrument-rated private pilot who has been flying for more than 40 years.
Outside of Angel Flight, Clay has been a very active volunteer in the Scouting America organization, serving as scoutmaster for a decade, and in leadership roles in the scouting district and council for seven years. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a youth and is committed to mentoring today’s youth to be strong leaders and good citizens. In recognition of his service, he has received the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award, one of Scouting's highest honors.
Members and guests, please welcome Clay Ross!
To learn more, go to:
Angel Flight West: https://angelflightwest.org/
Watch a passenger testimonial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLfwVqRKCDI
Watch "Flying with Angels": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgGd-Lkp9Kg
Air Care Alliance: https://aircarealliance.org/
Our Three Podcast Series
Our main program speakers are available as podcasts in addition to YouTube videos.
Inspiring People — Stories of Innovation and Service
Inspiring Solutions for a Better World
Inspiring Women: Celebrating Trailblazers
Upcoming program recording schedule
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