They are often the social fabric of a town and help keep it ticking, whether through everyday acts or when an emergency strikes.

The invaluable and lifesaving service, Angel Flight, relies on local volunteers to assist in flying sick Aussies of all ages to medical treatments around the country, free of charge.

Retired Gunnedah farmer Michael Barnier is no exception. He is just one of thousands of pilots throwing up their hand to keep this service in flight across the country. 

Alarmingly, Mr Barnier is the only volunteer pilot based in the region for call-outs.

The sobering reality is, a cloud hands over the future of the service in the face of volunteer shortage.

Angel Flight is on a recruitment drive in the Gunnedah area to secure pilots willing to give up their own time for the sake of others, by offering free air transport to those financially and medically less fortunate.

Mr Barnier has always loved to fly, but taking to the skies for sick Aussies in need is just another reason he throws his hand up to volunteer.

Mr Barnier has completed countless missions across the region but recalled one trip for a sick little boy with infectious optimism, who was flown to Queensland for cancer tests.

Knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life is testament to the good will of these volunteers. 

With many more patients than volunteers, Angel Flight is now calling for more pilots to join their ranks.

Pilots donate their time and aircraft, but have other expenses waived or reimbursed, like fuel. 

Angel Flight pilots do not carry aeromedical staff or medical equipment and do not act as an alternative to the Royal Flying Doctor Service or Air Ambulance. 

The flight credentials of the volunteer pilots exceed the minimum requirements of CASA and the aircraft meet specified regulatory and insurance minimums.

Volunteers are often the backbone of communities – from sports canteens to meals on wheels and from op shops to caring for the less abled. Angel Flight is just another example of locals doing amazing things. To find out more about Angel Flight, see http://www.angelflight.org.au/