About Us

Neighbors helping neighbors reach care.

Since our first flight, Pilots for Patients has grown into one of Louisiana's most active volunteer pilot organizations — built on a simple belief that no one should miss treatment because of the distance to get there.

Our Story

Founded in Monroe, flying across the region

Pilots for Patients is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer pilot organization based in Monroe, Louisiana. Our pilots donate their time, fuel, and aircraft to transport patients — they are not reimbursed for these expenses.

Patients who are medically stable fly free to wherever treatment awaits. We focus on transporting Louisiana patients who need specialized care, giving them access to medical centers that would otherwise be a long, costly, and exhausting drive away.

In September 2019, our volunteer pilots completed their 5,000th air mission — a milestone that represents thousands of patients who made it to the care they needed.

What makes a mission

Every flight is made possible by a volunteer who gives more than a seat.

  • A pilot's personal time, away from work and family
  • Fuel and aircraft operating costs, paid out of pocket
  • Coordination by our mission staff and ground volunteers
  • A comfortable trip for the patient and one companion
What We Stand For

Care without barriers

Free, always

Patients never pay. Flights are funded entirely by volunteer pilots and donor support.

Volunteer-powered

Every pilot, coordinator, and ground volunteer gives their time freely to keep patients moving.

Rooted in Louisiana

We focus on our home state, connecting local patients to specialized care across the region.

Leadership

Led by volunteers, for the mission

Pilots for Patients is guided by President & CEO Philip Thomas and a team of coordinators and volunteer pilots dedicated to keeping every flight free for the patients who need it.

Be part of the next 9,000

Fly a mission, request a flight, or fuel one with your gift. There's a place for you in this.