STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
Photo Credit: Angel Flight Alberta Facebook page
angel flight alberta

Peace Region pilot earns award for commitment to Angel Flight Alberta

Aug 24, 2021 | 2:23 PM

A Peace Region pilot and director for Angel Flight Alberta was presented with an award on Monday, August 23.

Mike Edgar was presented with the COPA (Canadian Owners and Pilots Association) award for his dedication to the organization and his personal efforts to advance, promote, and preserve the freedom to fly.

Angel Flight Alberta is an organization that gives free flights to families throughout remote areas in the Peace Region and across Alberta who need to get to Edmonton or Calgary for medical services that are not available in their area.

The trip saves the families in need time and lots of money.

Edgar says he was the recipient of the award because of his dedication to Angel Flight Alberta.

“COPA stands for the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, and each year at their convention, the directors for each of the regional areas will put forward somebody’s name who they feel is promoting aviation in different aspects,” Edgar explained.

“I was nominated for this award primarily because of Angel Flight Alberta.”

Edgar began flying for Angel Flight Alberta five years ago. He tells EverythingGP he enjoys helping people, explaining that he found that out after he did a flight from Peace River to Edmonton when he started.

“After the trip, I realized what a great service it actually is for people, and I became very hooked on the whole cause of the organization,” he said.

“Since then, I’ve done the role as a director and a lot of flying. I’ve also worked very hard in the Peace Country on the fundraising.”

All of the flights given out to guests are for free. The pilots do not earn a dime from flying. They’re responsible for their own planes, maintenance, and routing the trip.

The only item Angel Flight Alberta pays for is the pilot’s fuel.

Edgar tells EverythingGP by being able to fly people to major centres, it takes tons of time off their commute if they were to drive. He adds he is also found the plane rides help take the stress off people.

“Generally, the trip and flying and looking over the beautiful scenery, it’ll often distract them from going to their appointment. It gives them a break from the burden they might be carrying at the time.”

Angel Flight Alberta only operates based on donations from members of the public.

Edgar encourages residents throughout the Peace Region to donate to the organization so they can help continue to serve Alberta.