Wings of Mercy East Michigan
www.wingseastmi.org
Phone: 866-32-MERCY,   Fax: (989) 652-6531,   E-Mail: codywelch@charter.net
15057 Lindbergh Court, Linden, MI, 48451
Suzanne Rutkowski

In todays environment of miracle cures and out-of-sight medical costs, Wings of Mercy East Michigan, a non-profit charity, is assisting families with ill children by flying – for free– these young patients to medical facilities for treatment. Founded in 1996 by a group of pilots from the Midland-Saginaw-Bay City Michigan area, it is the sister organization to Wings of Mercy, Inc. which services the western half of Michigan and Wings of Mercy Minnesota, Illinois & Indiana. All five charities provide flights at no cost to financially needy persons who required specialized medical treatment at distant medical centers. Wings of Mercy East Michigan serves a radius of approximately 500 miles.

Based upon experience, upward of 80% of Wings of Mercy East Michigan clients would not be able to go for specialized treatment if this kind of service was not available. Volunteer pilots and aircraft owners/operators willing perform these services on their own time and are reimbursed for fuel only (about 1/3 of the actual cost of operating an aircraft), and some refuse any compensation.

Unlike some organizations, Wings of Mercy East Michigan requires TWO pilots on every flight – a Pilot In Command / Second Pilot. Their requirements are as follows - Pilots flying Missions are subject to FAR Part 91, and shall have a pilot certificate, current medical certificate, and most recent experience. Pilots in Command (PIC) shall have the ratings and endorsements for the flight and aircraft flown. Single engine piston aircraft are prohibited from flying at night or over larger bodies of water while carrying Recipients.

Free Medical Air Travel from Michigan