Angel Flight

MISSION 72 - COONAMBLE / BANKSTOWN / COONAMBLE

In the past, it has been necessary for Kaya, 3 years old, to attend the hospital in Sydney every three months for tests and check ups. This has required a long seven-hour plus car journey with his parents, Leanne and Matthew, who have each had to take at least three days off work without pay.

Naturally, this has put added pressure on the family who have two other children aged 7 and 11 to care for. "The journey is really tiring for all of us," Leanne said. "It’s especially hard keeping a three-year old amused, on top of responding to his medical condition. Travelling by air has made an enormous difference to the whole family as we didn’t need both Matthew and I to go, and the time away was much less."

Kaya’s father, Matthew, said he couldn’t believe the generosity of so many people. "When you live in a fairly remote area life can be quite difficult not having all the resources of those living in a city. But everyone has been really wonderful including our own "Bush Teddies" who told us about Angel Flight. I just can’t find the words to thank all of them for helping us out and making life a bit easier for all of us."

This story appearing Coonamble Times.


Michaelle Hazelton - Pilot	Angel Flight 1 report by Michaelle Hazelton "Thank you for the oportunity to participate in this program. It is very satisfying to see first hand how a small gesture can help another person in such a large way."

Plane supplied by Grant Burley (registered Angel Flight pilot) and Kym Burley.	Cessna 310 VH-LGC

Graham Bentley - Pilot Helper and Earth Angel Graham is also a registered Angel Flight pilot	Earth Angel report by Graham Bentley "Met Michaelle at Bankstown at 0900 and we departed at 0920 in ideal conditions with a 20k headwind. Arrived at Coonamble 1050 landing in about 15k of crosswind. Leanne and family were waiting for us and we were offered tea or coffee by one of the local ladies. We boarded Leanne and Kaya (who had never flown before) and took off at 1125. Conditions were quite good although we hit a couple of big bumps near Katoomba. Cruise was at about 200 knots thanks to a tail wind. We landed at Bankstown at 1235. The drive to Bankstown started off well but the M5 was closed at Beverley Hills so we had to divert in heavy traffic onto lesser roads to Randwick. We dropped Leanne and Kaya off at 1415. Thank you Michaelle for taking me on the flight. Thank you Grant for the use of your delightful plane."
	Taken at Coonamble, Graham, Leanne (now an Earth Angel), Kaya, Michaelle and, of course, Cessna 310 VH-LGC

Dr Jack Barbat	Angel Flight 2 - Jack Barbat Angel Flight pilot Dr. Jack Barbat, a Sydney based dental specialist, flew Kaya and Leanne home in his Beechcraft Bonanza which is normally used for business purposes. "I visit Bathurst once a month to see patients and appreciate the fact that I don’t have to travel by road. When I heard about Angel Flight, I knew that I had the opportunity to help people who are struggling and need the comfort and convenience that my plane can give them. I am really happy to have met Kaya and to have helped him and his family in this way."

Tina Brown - Sydney Earth Angel	Tina Brown – Earth Angel Tina, director of NEWT’S Group an events and promotions company, generously conducted Earth Angel duties, driving Kaya and Leanne from the Sydney Children’s Hospital to Bankstown Airport.

Harold & Lisa Smith - Coonamble Earth Angels	A special thank you to Harold and Lisa Smith Coonamble based couple, Harold and Lisa Smith provide tea and biscuits to Angel Flight pilots and passengers at Coonamble Airport. Harold & Lisa Smith are prior Angel Flight passengers (mission 59).