How It Works
A request for a flight is made stating the need. On acceptance, we attempt to match the request with a volunteer pilot to complete the mission safely, though flights cannot always be accommodated.
Eligibility
Heartland Lift assists stable patients who need specialized medical care far from home and lack practical transportation options. Eligibility requires financial need or significant physical or emotional hardship when traveling by other means. Flights are also available for stable patients with serious or terminal conditions who wish to travel by plane to medical appointments, regardless of financial status. All patients must be able to safely travel in a small aircraft without restrooms or air conditioning. Documentation of illnesses must be provided.
We also transport critical equipment when there is a pressing medical or humanitarian need, and provide disaster relief flights as circumstances require.
About
Heartland Lift is a Quad Cities-based nonprofit organization that offers free air travel for those in need of critical transportation. We match passengers with volunteer pilots who graciously donate their time and their aircraft to make these flights a possibility.
Our goal is to provide safe, reliable flights for those who otherwise struggle to travel. Heartland Lift is committed to serving our community through compassionate and focused service.
The Des Moines Airport as seen from 7,000 feet
Suleman Chaudhry, a flight instructor and commercial pilot from East Iowa, has been fascinated by aviation since childhood. After taking a discovery flight, he pursued his passion relentlessly—soloing at 16, earning his private pilot certificate at 17, commercial at 18, and becoming a flight instructor by 19.
Now a pre-med student with over 500 hours of flight time, Suleman founded Heartland Lift to bridge his two passions: aviation and medicine. The organization reflects his belief that access to medical care should never be limited by distance or circumstance.
How to Help
We need more pilots and people to spread the word.
Spread the Word
Tell healthcare providers and social workers about us. Many people do not know we exist.
Volunteer Pilot
Licensed pilot? We need you. Help us fly more patients to their medical appointments.
Required Forms
All air passengers must complete these forms before flying.
Contact
Need a flight? Have questions? Get in touch.
Call
309-295-2773