The type of aircraft used for the flight is not always known. Space is limited, and as you prepare for your first flight there are some basic steps you should take to ensure the flight is as comfortable as possible for you.
Paperwork for flight
Your Angel Flight Co-ordinator will ensure you are briefed on the details and timing of your flights. All the details will be emailed to you and your Healthcare Professional.
Please bring this paperwork with you as it contains important names, addresses and telephone numbers.
Documents for hospitals and appointments
Don’t forget any essential items such as x-rays, medical assessments, referrals and doctors’ letters you may need for your appointment.
Minimum baggage in soft bags
An accurate weight of passengers, baggage and all accompanying equipment must be known by the pilot to allow for correct balance of the aircraft.
Weight limitations and limited cabin space are common. Please plan carefully and limit baggage to only essential items.
Please pack what you need in soft sports type bags, as your belongings will often be carried with you in the cabin. Hard suitcases with sharp corners must be avoided.
Comfortable Clothing
Make sure you wear comfortable clothing for your flight. The inside of a small aircraft is similar to travelling inside a family car. It can also get quite chilly in small planes, so we suggest you bring a jumper.
You should consider wearing trousers as entering and exiting some aircraft can be quite challenging.
Sturdy Shoes
Wear sensible and comfortable shoes. Footwear such as jandals and high heels can make it difficult getting in and out of the aircraft, especially in an emergency.
Mobile phone and charger
We suggest you take a mobile phone and charger with you on your Angel Flight mission. Occasionally due to weather conditions or other unplanned events, your mission schedule may change. Having a phone means your Angel Flight co-ordinator can keep you, your pilot and Earth Angel up to date on any changes.
Pushchairs are best
Large non-folding prams cannot be carried due to space restrictions, but a small collapsible stroller is OK.
Children's Car Seats
The rules that apply for the safe restraint of an infant or child in a car also apply in an aircraft. Parents must provide their car seat or baby capsule so that babies and infants can be carried safely.
Upon arrival at your destination, your car seat will be transferred to the Earth Angel’s car so that they can safely and legally transport you to and from your appointments.
Vital Information
Angel Flight New Zealand welcomes a friend or relative to accompany a patient/primary passenger on their mission.
All Patients/Primary Passengers, other than babies or infants, must be able to enter and exit small light aircraft without pilot assistance. They must also be able to sit up in the plane with a seatbelt on, and communicate with the pilot, if necessary.
As most of the aircraft used by Angel Flight have only four seats and there is a weight limit of 95kg per Patients/Primary Passengers.
Only those Patients/Primary Passengers approved to be flown by Angel Flight are allowed on the flight. A pilot will refuse to carry unauthorised persons, as this impacts on weights, balance and space available on ongoing flights and transport provided by Earth Angels.
