Frequently Asked Questions about Free Medical Flights for Children
When a child needs medical care far from home, the logistics can feel overwhelming. Travel costs, time away from work, complicated planning, and the stress of navigating treatment can make a difficult situation even harder. That’s why organizations like Helping Wings exist, to make sure distance is never the reason a child can’t access life-saving or life-changing medical care.
If you’re wondering how free medical flights work, who qualifies, or whether it’s safe, you’re not alone. These are the most common questions we hear from families, healthcare providers, and even potential volunteers along with clear, honest answers.
Helping Wings is one such charity, and we believe no child should be grounded by their circumstances. Here’s how charities like ours operate, and how we’re bridging the distance one flight at a time.
What is a free medical flight?
A free medical flight is transportation offered at no cost to the patient or family, typically provided by trained volunteer pilots who donate both their aircraft and their time. The goal is simple: to help children get to and from medical facilities when driving is not practical and commercial airfare is too expensive or too stressful due to the child’s condition.
Tip: Reach out to your child’s hospital social worker — they can connect you to trusted mental health professionals and local parent networks.
Who is eligible for a flight through Helping Wings?
Helping Wings supports children and young adults (usually up to age 21) who need to travel for medical treatment and cannot afford or safely complete the trip by ground or commercial air. Eligibility usually depends on:
- Medical necessity
- Distance from treatment center
- Financial need or hardship
- Ability to fly safely (doctor’s clearance required)
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to reach out, we’re here to help.
Remember: Accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a way to sustain your strength for your child.
Do flights really cost nothing?
Yes. There is no charge at any point — no ticket cost, no fuel cost, no hidden fees. The entire flight is donated, funded by pilots, private donors, and supporters who believe every child deserves access to care.
How safe are these flights?
Very safe. All Helping Wings flights are flown by licensed, experienced volunteer pilots who meet strict FAA standards. Many have thousands of flight hours, some are even retired commercial or military pilots. Aircraft are fully insured, regularly inspected, and follow the same safety requirements as standard passenger flights.
What kind of medical conditions do you fly for?
We support a wide range of medical needs, including but not limited to:
Cancer treatments
Organ transplants
Specialty surgeries
Rare disease specialists
Long-term or recurring treatments (e.g., weekly/monthly visits)
Follow-up care after major procedures
If ground travel would be exhausting, painful, risky, or logistically impossible, a medical flight may be the best option.
Do you provide medical staff onboard?
Our flights are not medical flights in the sense of having doctors or equipment on board (like an air ambulance). Children must be medically cleared to fly and stable enough to travel without in-flight medical care. A parent or guardian always travels with them.
If a child requires oxygen, wheelchair support, or other accommodations, we can often help, but we discuss those details in advance.
How is Helping Wings Funded?
Helping Wings operates through donations, grants, fundraising events, and volunteer pilots who contribute flight time and fuel. We are a nonprofit organization — not a charter service, airline, or medical provider — and rely on community support to continue flying children to hope and healing.
How do I request a flight?
You can submit a request directly here: Request an Inquiry
A coordinator will review your information, contact you for details, and walk through next steps. We handle as much of the process as possible so families can focus on what matters: their child.
How can I help if I am not a pilot?
There are many ways to support the mission:
Sponsor a flight in honor of someone
Share stories on social media to raise awareness
Volunteer as a fundraiser or event host
Connect us with hospitals, charities, or corporate partners
Every hour, share, and dollar helps a child get care they otherwise might go without.
Have a question we didn't answer?
We’re happy to talk. You can contact us anytime.
No family should face medical uncertainty alone — and no child should miss treatment because travel is out of reach. We’re here to change that, one flight at a time.
Helping Wings is dedicated to lifting the burden of distance for children who need life-saving medical care. We fund flights with the help of volunteer pilots to make sure no child misses essential treatment due to travel costs or distance. Together, we fly toward hope and healing.
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