Patient AirLift Services (PALS) is a non-profit organization that helps those who cannot afford, or who are unable, to fly commercially. PALS volunteer pilots donate their time and aircraft with the goal of alleviating transportation issues that create a financial burden for families in need so they can focus on medical care and treatment. PALS also arranges flights for family members of patients as compassionate missions to ensure patients have support when they are away from home for long periods.
To qualify for a PALS flight you must:
1. Have financial or compelling need. Our volunteer pilots donate their time, aircraft, and expenses at great cost. Please exhaust all other transport possibilities first.
2. Provide notice at least five business days prior to desired flight date. PALS occasionally arranges a flight on short notice, but only in special circumstances.
3. Be medically stable to travel. Your physician or social worker must complete a Medical Release Form.
4. Be mobile. You must be able to sit upright in a standard aircraft seat, wear a standard seatbelt and get in and out of a plane with limited assistance.
5. Children over the age of two must be restrained in a DOT-approved aircraft seat or child restraint system.
6. Be able to fly in a small aircraft. PALS pilots fly non-pressurized general aviation aircraft with limited seating and cargo space. Our planes cannot accommodate a stretcher and are not air ambulances.
7. Be prepared for flight delays or cancellation. Ensure you can reschedule a medical appointment, or have alternate transportation available, in case of flight cancellation due to weather, pilot need or other circumstances.
8. Be responsible for your own medications.
9. Not have a communicable disease.
10. Provide supplemental oxygen and medical assistance, if required. Must be approved by the Department of Transportation.
11. Sign a waiver and release of liability form and provide Photo I.D.
PALS has a history of supporting humanitarian efforts in the event of natural or man-made disasters.
Contact PALS directly to learn about more services, including assistance to military personnel and their families – phone 888-818-1231 or 631-694-7257, or email [email protected]