Angel Flight West Honors Aviation Heroes at 2026 Endeavor Awards

Annual event celebrates volunteer pilots and organizations that use flying to change lives

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Angel Flight West (AFW) announced that the 12th Annual Endeavor Awards will be held on May 1, 2026 at the Wallis Annenberg Building in the California Science Center. The event honors volunteer pilots, healthcare organizations, and other aviation heroes who use their skills to provide free flights for those in need. This year's Inspiration Honorees are Will Cutter of Cutter Aviation and the Huntsman Cancer Institute, while the Endeavor Honorees are volunteer pilots Chris Bennett and Jerry Hill.

Why it matters

The Endeavor Awards highlight the remarkable contributions of charitable aviation organizations like Angel Flight West, which collaborate with healthcare providers and aviation companies to facilitate free flights for patients, veterans, and others facing difficult circumstances. The event raises funds to support these vital initiatives that leverage the power of flight to change lives.

The details

The Endeavor Awards ceremony will feature a red-carpet entrance, outdoor reception, silent and live auctions, and special videos showcasing the honorees' stories and the impact of AFW's partnerships. Patients who have benefited from volunteer flights will be invited to attend the celebration.

  • The 12th Annual Endeavor Awards will be held on May 1, 2026.
  • Angel Flight West announced the event details on Thursday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Angel Flight West (AFW)

A charitable aviation organization that provides free flights for those in need, including patients, veterans, and others facing difficult circumstances.

Will Cutter

President and CEO of Cutter Aviation, the oldest family-owned FBO (fixed-base operator) in the United States.

Huntsman Cancer Institute

The National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming.

Chris Bennett

Volunteer pilot with Angel Flight West.

Jerry Hill

Volunteer pilot with Challenge Air for Kids and Friends.

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What they’re saying

“The 12th Annual Endeavor Awards are a tribute to those who make our mission possible. By honoring heroes, we celebrate not only those who fly, but also the healthcare professionals who provide care and the dedicated supporters who make our work possible.”

— Mary Hunter, Executive Director, Angel Flight West (justhelicopters.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Endeavor Awards are available until April 10, 2026 at endeavorawards.org.

The takeaway

The Endeavor Awards showcase the vital role that charitable aviation organizations and their volunteers play in providing free flights and support to those in need, highlighting the power of flight to change lives and the collaborative efforts between the aviation and healthcare industries.