HGA - Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost the patients?	There are NO costs of any kind for a HGAP mission - neither to the patient or the patient's family. The Houston Ground Angels & Pilots call upon a network of volunteer pilots and Ground Angels who fly their own private or rented aircraft and drive their own automobile, paying for fuel and all other related expenses.
How much does it cost to be a volunteer?	There is NO cost to become a volunteer with HGAP. We do need active volunteers only so if for any reason you can not be an active volunteer please let us know so we can remove you from our active list.
How can I help other than becoming a volunteer?	Houston Ground Angels & Pilots has been granted 501(c)(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service, which means that all contributions are tax-deductible. As a charitable, nonprofit organization, we depend on the service and generosity of individuals, corporate sponsors and foundation partners.
How do I become a volunteer?	Pilots, Use Pilot Application form. Fill in the required fields and click submit. Ground Angel, Use Contact Us form and send an email to one of the individuals listed. (Application Form coming soon!)
How long will it take for me to hear a response?	Within 24 hours you will be contacted by email at which time you will receive your Ground Angel/Pilot log in password.
How do I log in?	On the Ground Angel web site click on Angel Menu or Pilot Menu located in the left hand column under Ground Angels or Pilots. Next, click Available Ground or Available Air
How do I accept a Mission?	Once you have viewed the available Missions, chose the Mission(s) that best fit your personal schedule, click on open, and click on accept. Note: You must login to be able to accept missions.
How and when do I contact the patient?	Contact the patient by phone approximately 1-3 days in advance to finalize your pickup for that Mission. Give the patient your cell phone or contact phone number in case of any change of plans.
How long does a Mission take to complete?	Actual Mission times may vary depending on your personal location, the location you are picking the patient up from, the location you are dropping the patient off and traffic and weather. However, Missions average around 2 hours from beginning to end.
How will I recognize the patient, and how will the patient recognize me?	The patient may stand with the word "Angel" visible on a sign or you may tell the patient the color and make of your car. He or she can describe themselves to you.
Do I need to have the patient sign a liability form?	Yes, it is very important before driving off with the patient to have them sign the "Authorization Release and Indemnity Form" protecting you and your heirs and Houston Ground Angels from any liability in the event of an accident, incident cancellation or delay in connection with the Mission. The form is found under Forms/Downloads in the left hand column of the web site.
How do I get to Conoco Phillips and around the MD Anderson campus?	On the Forms/Downloads screen there are forms you can download with instructions on how to get to Conoco Phillips and around the MD Anderson campus.
What do I do after I complete a Mission?	Once the mission is safely completed you may either keep the release form for your own records or you may destroy it. If the mission is cancelled by the patient please email Kathy Cardiff so she can update the website as well as her files.
What if I am unable to make the Mission due to a personal issue?	If there is time permitting to reschedule for another Ground Angel, call or email Kathy Cardiff as soon as possible. If the patient is waiting for pickup and an emergency occurs on your end, please call the patient as soon as possible and when time permits contact Kathy Cardiff so she can update the records.
Do I need to update my personal info if anything changes, such as, my address, email address or car insurance?	Yes, please complete the Personal Info update under Profile Maintenance after logging in.
What if I forget my login id and password?	Send an email to the webmaster or one of the individuals on the contact us page requesting your id or password reset?