ABOUT US

Ralph Gorby - Chief Pilot

Ralph earned his flying license near Calgary in 1986 - the fulfilment of a life-long dream. He trained on a short gravel airstrip narrower than the wingspan of the trainer aircraft, which made precise landings a given! He acquired the Piper Arrow he still flies soon after, and added Night Flying and an Instrument Rating to his qualifications. He and Judy have made many trips across the prairies to visit families living in Regina and Brandon and have also flown extensively through the mountains. The aircraft has been to both coasts of Canada on family holidays with their two children on board and to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon - Ralph's then 80-year-old mother was along on that trip! He and Judy celebrated retirement from his Engineering career in 2001 with a flying trip to mainland Mexico and the Baja.

Ralph and Judy enjoy flying around Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland as well as to San Francisco to visit their new granddaughter. Ralph is a former Scout Leader and has introduced many young people to aviation.

Ralph comments that "Angel Flight is the perfect way for me to use my love of flying to make a contribution to others."

Brent Parke - Manager Flight Operations

Angel Flight is very happy to have Brent Parke on board. He brings with him a passion for aviation and extensive experience in emergency medicine.

Brent was an advanced life support paramedic with the BC Ambulance service for 30 years and was attached to the Airevac station in Victoria before he retired from the Ambulance Service in 2006.

He received his private pilot's license after completing high school in 1972, his commercial license in 1993, and he added a float rating that same year. In October 2000, Brent fulfilled a life-long dream by purchasing his own aircraft, a Piper Cherokee 180. Since then he has made several trips visiting family and friends throughout the interior of BC, as well as attending air shows in Washington State. When poor weather keeps him on the ground, Brent spends his spare time at the Victoria Flying Club "hanger flying" with other club members — swapping stories and experiences of flying in British Columbia

Brent is now pursuing his dream of joining an airline in Canada. We wish him well in his endeavours in this regard.

Brent is married to Belinda and has two grown children - Shaun and Jenn.

He looks forward to flying with Angel Flight as frequently as his work allows: "Giving back to the community doing something you love … it doesn't get better than that!"

Jim Sutherland - Angel Flight Pilot

Jim earned his flying wings from the Victoria Flying Club in 1970. He flew recreationally for a number of years until the "Years of the Children" - when flying took a back seat. However, occasionally Jim found the time to fly - with his friends paying the fuel bill! Jim's flying license endorsements includes Night, and Instrument ratings. He has been a director and President of the Victoria Flying Club for many years. Jim is also the current Tribe Chief for the International Comanche Society - West Canada Tribe.

In 1990, Jim's father, Wally, was diagnosed with cancer and he passed away in 1991. As a result, Jim was able to take over his father's love of flying - in his father's well-looked-after 1964 Piper Comanche PA-24-180. During the years since, Jim and his wife Susan (the most capable navigator!) have made many long trips around North America. They have made many friends during these trips and continue to visit by flying.

Jim is recently retired after almost 32 years as a Police Officer in the Victoria Police Department, supervising the Motorcycle Traffic Enforcement Unit. Jim joined Angel Flight at its inception in early 2002 - in time to help with the early flights and the initial organization. Jim currently sells Harley Davidson Motorcycles for a local dealer.

Jim is eager to participate in this very worthwhile Angel Flight program.