Private Flights

Public Benefit Flying Uplifts Survivors

Over 60 charities under the Air Care Alliance offer private aviation flights for a variety of causes from medical transport to animal rescue to environmental studies. Across the US, an estimated 28.5 million general aviation flight hours per year¹ are flown by pilots with a passion for flying. Turning the love of flight to benefit survivors is one more way we accomplish our mission.

Travel by Private Flight

Unlike commercial flights, private aviation flights offer more flexibility. There is no photo ID required, flights are not on a fixed schedule, and you can travel with containers larger than 3 ounces. Most flights depart from smaller airports where you walk to the aircraft to board. Aircraft used for charity flights vary. The amount, size and weight of luggage varies based on the aircraft. Some have very limited seating space equivalent to being in a sub-compact car.

The ability to travel by private flight rests entirely on whether or not a pilot who receives the alert for a client’s need responds. When no pilots step up to volunteer their time and aircraft then our Operations team offers other travel options such as bus, commercial flight, or car rides.

Our Commitment to Safety

Volunteer pilots with Families to Freedom must meet high standards to ensure a safe flight for everyone.

• Flown at least 250 hours as the pilot-in-command, and
• Flying at least 50 hours in the year prior to each flight
• Demonstrate medically fitness
• Able to fly by Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) when needed
• The aircraft and pilot are both insured
• Present a signed affirmation of safety prior to each flight

In addition to pilot and aircraft safety, we also have internal safety measures: Families to Freedom office staff facilitates all communication with clients leading up to a flight.

• Staff coordinates luggage, child car seats, and ground movement to the airport.
• Drivers may present a kit prior to the ride to the airport to ensure clients are sober and drug-free.
• We inform all parties, departing and arriving, about what to expect to give peace of mind.

Area of Service

Families to Freedom provides private charitable flights for victims and new survivors calling from North Texas (purple box) or the upper Gulf Coast region (blue area). We are unable to accommodate departures that start from outside of the service areas. For travel, to a family home, it must be located outside of the service area you leave from. Transportation that stays inside of a box, will likely be honored by car/van ride. See our Ride to Safety page for information.

Departure Times

Same-day private flight is not an option. Departure is generally scheduled in advance by a day or longer. If you feel you are not safe to wait before your scheduled departure we urge you to seek temporary shelter. We can provide a ride to a shelter that accepts you. For a list of shelters, see our directory here.

Need a suitcase or travel bag? Maybe we can help!

Baggage restrictions may apply for how much luggage is allowed based on the aircraft type. Families to Freedom is unable to pay for travel costs with excess baggage and unable to ship items left behind. We will provide for your ride to the airport, unless your domestic violence shelter agrees to provide that on our behalf.

Answers to Common Questions

• Luggage weight and quantity varies based on the aircraft the pilot uses. In general, larger and faster aircraft can accommodate more luggage than smaller aircraft, in the same way a subcompact car has less trunk space than a larger car or SUV.
• Aircraft sizes vary. Some aircraft have steps leading up an entrance on the side while others have an entrance similar to a car or even steps on the wing to get in the aircraft. The pilot will give guidance prior to flight.
• Our volunteers’ aircraft must have at least four seats.
• General aviation pilots tend to avoid major airports when possible preferring smaller municipal or regional airports.
• Our pilots are all volunteers who have passed a criminal background check, a flight minimums check, and who we have an ongoing relationship with.
• Using the bathroom in flight is not an option. Most smaller aircraft do not have bathrooms so you’ll go before flight and your pilot will plan a stop for everyone to go again if going on an extra long journey.
• Some pilots and aircraft can accommodate travel with animals.
• We do not offer international flights. We can support travel to a border city for crossing the border on your own.
• Flight could be cancelled for inclement weather, unexpected mechanical issues, unexpected illness, or client unwillingness.

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