Who is Eligible?

Members of AFA-CWA in good standing are eligible to apply for assistance.

What types of illnesses and injuries does Pegasus assist with?

The Project assists with critical, life threatening illness or disabling injuries, like lupus, cancer, exposure to toxic fumes on an aircraft, degenerative disk disease, AIDS/HIV, hepatitis and chemical dependency just to name a few. The fund was not intended to be used for medical procedures, which are more common and less threatening to the individual, like tonsillectomies, hysterectomies and broken bones etc. 

Besides being a critical, life threatening illness or injury, what other factors does The Project consider to determine eligibility?

The Project also looks at the “total household income” of the member applying for assistance, including income from spouses/committed partners or roommates, to determine the financial need of the applicant.

Does Pegasus pay towards credit card debt?

No. While The Project recognizes that credit card debt may have been incurred due to the lack of income or reduced pay status, The Project cannot pay towards credit card debt. We do consider the monthly credit card payments as part of the applicants’ total expenses when determining whether there is a financial need. 

What types of bills will Pegasus pay towards?

The Project assists with bills which support basic necessities of life. Our goal is to help prevent utilities from being shut off, mortgages from being late, and to keep food on the table. All funds are paid directly to the applicants’ creditors.

How does someone apply for assistance?

Members needing assistance can obtain an application by calling our toll free Pegasus number and requesting an application (1-866-785-0449) or by downloading the application from this website. 

How long will Pegasus assist members in need?

In order to assist as many AFA members as possible The Project assists members with $500.00 a month until the applicant has returned to flying or has reached the lifetime maximum grant amount of $5,000.00. 

Is information that is provided to The Project confidential?

Yes. All information shared with The Project, either by telephone or via the application process is completely confidential and is only shared with Pegasus Review Board members to determine eligibility for the grant.

Are donations to The Project tax-deductible?

Yes. The Pegasus Project is a non-profit organization with a 501 (c) (3) status. (Tax EIN 52-1813235)

Can I donate funds to a specific person in need at my carrier?

The Project provides a way to assist specific members through a Specific Grant Allocation. The member needing assistance must complete an application to insure that they have met the eligibility criteria. The member in need then signs a Specific Grant Publication Release Form, which allows The Project to solicit funds specifically for them. The release form also provides a space for the applicant to describe how they would like to express to their fellow flying partners their medical illness or injury.

Can I apply for assistance if my own AFA carrier has a similar program for assistance?

Yes, but you must apply for assistance from your own carrier’s organization first. If your own carrier’s organization cannot assist you to the full extent of your needs, or you have reached the maximum amount allowed by your carrier’s program, then Pegasus can consider assisting you also.

Besides supporting Pegasus through payroll deduction, what else can I do to help The Project?

There are many opportunities for involvement with The Project. We are currently seeking individuals who would be willing to work on the following committees:

• Grant Writing (Grant writing is a process of requesting funds from a government agency, foundation, or a corporation)
•  Communications (Writing articles and coordinating with AFA leaders, webmasters as to events and needs of The Project)
• Fundraising (Helping carriers establish and support fundraisers at their Local Councils)
• Education (Developing training information for new committee members and working on a Pegasus Awareness Campaign at your carrier))
• United Way Campaign (Educating the membership about donating to Pegasus through United Way Campaign Drives)  

If you have any further questions, please contact us at pegasus@thepegasusproject.org