HIGHLANDER Tony Wheeler runs an NRMA office in Bowral, but it's what he does away from the office that makes him a guardian angel.
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Whenever he is called upon, Mr Wheeler rolls out his twin-engine Cessna and sets off on an Angel Flight - and will soon complete his 100th flight.
Established in 2003, Angel Flight Australia is a charity that co-ordinates non-emergency medical flights to and from country and regional areas for patients as well as their carers and family members.
Pilots such as Mr Wheeler donate their time and their aircraft and "Earth Angels" help out with ground transport and logistics.
Since it was founded, Angel Flight has conducted more than 12,000 missions through?out Australia and has assisted more than 2000 patients.
It now has about 2500 registered pilots and 3500 registered "Earth Angels" on it's books.
"Angel Flight isn't an alternative to the Air Ambulance or Royal Flying Doctor Services," Mr Wheeler said.
"We don't carry medical staff or equipment. It is really just a transport service for people needing non-emergency treatment, but it has become so successful that it is now viewed as an essential service by medical practitioners in country areas throughout Australia.
"I love flying, so being in a position to help people in genuine need is very satisfying.
"Most of us take good health for granted, but there are plenty of people out there doing it tough medically and living in a rural area can make it very difficult and expensive for them to get to and from cities for medical treatment, so its great to be able to lend a hand."
Mr Wheeler started flying more than 35 years ago and has been a long-time member of Berrima District Aero Club, which operates the Mittagong Airfield.
The club will hold an open day at the airfield on Sunday, April 29.
Admission will be free and the club will also raffle off some joy flights with any money raised going straight to Angel Flight.