General Aviation on a Mission: Wings of Hope Hangar Tour

By Carmelo Turdo

Wings of Hope, the global humanitarian aviation nonprofit organization based at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, continues to serve those in need around the world and here in the Midwest. For over sixty years, Wings of Hope has provided aircraft and supported aviation programs to sustain and improve the lives of people in Central and South America, Africa and Asiana through partnerships with local non-governmental organizations, churches and healthcare providers. Here in the U.S, the Medical Relief and Air Transport (MAT) Program provides a critical airlift mission for those needing regular treatments at specialty facilities in 26 states within 900 miles of St. Louis without charge to the patient.

The first MAT Program flight was made in 2003 using the single-engine, high wing Cessna 206 aircraft shown here in the Wings of Hope hangar. This aircraft type is frequently used in humanitarian operations around the world due to its high useful load and ability to operate out of smaller airstrips. The current aircraft fleet consists of two Piper Senecas and a Piper Navajo, twin-engine aircraft flying with two pilots, a flight nurse and/or doctor along with the patient and accompanying family member. Patients are usually ambulatory, but they can also be transported on a medical bed in the aircraft if necessary. 

Each volunteer flight crew brings a wealth of commercial flying experience and a servant's spirit to every MAT flight. Current and new patients can apply for flights by contacting the Wings of Hope Flight Operations Department. Most treatment plans require repeated flights to specialty cancer, orthopedic or cardiology centers over months or years, and the MAT Program covers the transportation and lodging for each trip. Flight schedules vary from week to week, with some days launching two flights. Here we show the hangar crew pulling the aircraft out of the hangar to position one of the Senecas for an MAT mission before returning the others to their places. The mission aircraft took off shortly thereafter.

 

Along with the MAT fleet, the Wings of Hope hangar contains donated aircraft being prepared for raffle and for sale to fund the non-profit's operations. The current raffle aircraft is a Socata TB-10 Tobago that is currently undergoing panel upgrades before it is awarded to the winner.   

Several aircraft are currently offered for sale, including this beautiful Ercoupe 415C and a Cessna 150L with 150HP engine upgrade. Others will be available after they receive inspections and any needed maintenance and repairs.

The Aero Experience thanks Wings of Hope for "Changing and Saving Lives Through the Power of Aviation" and serving as an excellent example of General Aviation on a Mission. Check back for our regular stories featuring Wings of Hope throughout the coming year.

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