Community: Flying with Purpose for Angel Flight East

As the managing partner at Ernst Brothers, my days are often filled with the challenges of running a business, overseeing projects, and ensuring client satisfaction. However, there's another role I value just as much: my work as a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight East.

For those unfamiliar, Angel Flight East is a nonprofit organization that provides free air transportation to patients who need medical care far from home. Many of these patients are battling serious illnesses and face long, exhausting journeys over the course of a few years to reach the specialists or treatment centers that can provide them with the care they need. That’s where Angel Flight East steps in. As one of more than 100 pilots who volunteer their time for this incredible organization, we have the privilege of helping to ease some of the burdens these patients and their families face.

This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for the aviation community and all the pilots and volunteers who contribute their time and resources to this cause. It's a powerful reminder that, regardless of our day jobs, we all have the potential to be a force for good. I am humbled to see so many pilots offer their time and resources in support of these patients and their families. Hearing their stories and witnessing their strength in the face of adversity is truly inspiring, and it reminds me of the profound difference we can make in each other’s lives every single day.

If you’re local to the Philadelphia area, I encourage you to attend Angel Flight East’s annual Wings N’ Wheels fundraiser on Saturday, September 7 from 11 am – 4 pm. I’ll be on hand to provide sightseeing flights to attendees on a first come, first served basis and Ernie – Ernst’s mobile bar and grill – will be there with our team serving complimentary grilled treats and apple cider.

For more information about Wings N’ Wheels, please visit AngelFlightEast.org.