CINCINNATI - Burn patients, usually children, come to Cincinnati from all over the country for treatment. But many of them can't afford the trip.
So a handful of Cincinnati-based pilots fly them where they need to go - for free – on small planes out of Lunken Airport.
Five-year-old Gavin Tillman flies regularly from Kennett, Missouri, for treatment at Shriners Hospital after a house fire a year and a half ago.
“It was like someone just knocked the wind out of me,” said his mom Natalie.
Retired Delta pilot Jim Schultz and seven other pilots with the local chapter of Pilots for Christ International have given her and Gavin their wind and wings.
“I've really grown to love Natalie and Gavin,” Schultz said.
“They so much help,” said Natalie. “We talk. We pray. They give us comfort. When we come in town, sometimes they get us from the hospital and take us out to eat and they are a big help. I mean, they're like family.”
What these pilots can't raise through popcorn sales at events, they pay out of their pockets to fund plane rental and fuel.
They're putting a call out now for help in spreading their wings.
“I've reached out to the major hospitals here in town,” said Schultz. “We just recently talked with the VA Hospital. We'd love to help our vets. I'm in the process of working up a relationship with Wounded Warrior Project.
Flying the Tillmans home this week was Dennis Estell, a retired truck driver.
“Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated with airplanes. I promised God that if I could learn how to fly I would try to serve him some way,” said Estell.
Rich Perry was co-pilot.
“I'm retired from Comair, so I have the privilege of being a pilot and I'd like to put it to use to help people who aren't as fortunate as I've been,” Perry said.
They do it for the love of flying, for the love of others and for the love of Christ.
“We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ,” said Schultz, “so this is the way we do it. We have this gift of aviation, a love for flying, and we can use it to further the Gospel.”
The group is looking for more pilots – and even an accountant.
Find out how you can help on their website, PilotsForChrist.org.
