Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy (inability for muscles to relax after use) affects five year old Amy, as it does her mother, Kylie.

This condition has required many visits to specialists in Brisbane in past years. Kylie was in much need of some rest so Amy's dad Stuart took time off work for the Brisbane trip.

Dave Laughton - Pilot

Patrick McElligott - Earth Angel
(Patrick's 1st mission)

Angel flight 1 by Dave Laughton
Previous missions for Dave - M187 AF2, M209 AF2, M275 AF2.

Comment by Dave: "Up bright and early planning to leave Toowoomba at 6.15am for Roma, then back to Archerfield with Amy and Dad Stuart by 10.00am.

Things went well until we looked outside to see the city shrouded in fog. Undaunted, and assisted by apprentice Angel Brett Manktelow, we headed to the airport hoping to see the fog burn off, and two hours later that's still what we were doing. Hoping. Finally at 8.25am a little break and off we went to find that a few miles west of Toowoomba was clear sky, all the way to Roma.

Our passengers were waiting at the gate, with Amy as keen as mustard to go flying, and Dad a little less certain. Kiss Mum goodbye (Amy & Dad, not me or Brett) and 15 minutes after arriving, we were Brisbane bound.

In the meantime Peter Riachi and Earth Angel Patrick had rearranged appointments and personal schedules to adapt to our late arrival. Amy took a shine to the instrument panel and controls, and in no time at all she was up the pointy end of the plane helping with piloting duties, and a splendid job she did for quite a while before retiring to the back seat for a quick nap.

Right on midday, two hours later than planned, we were on the ground at Archerfield with Amy & Dad doing a rapid transfer to Patrick's car for the final leg into Brisbane and the postponed appointments. Four hours and thirty-five minutes after departing Toowoomba we were back there, having spent just on four of those hours in the air.

We were happy to have been able to help in some small way, not to mention having had a great excuse to skip a half day in the office."

Amy helping Dave at the controls.

Stuart Waddell with Dave Laughton and Amy.

For a special girl, a beautiful pink dress with matching coloured shoes for the journey.

Amy with her personal pilot, making sure the plane is steered in the correct direction.

Stewart Wilson - Pilot

Jim Hammond - Earth Angel
(Jim's 1st mission)

Angel flight 2 by Stewart Wilson Previous mission for Stewart - M242 AF1&2.

Comment by Stewart: "Everything went well on the flight."