Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

For those of you who may not know much about The Pegasus Project, here are some highlights that will help you understand what our organization. We hope that you will consider supporting Pegasus, as it is the lifeline that has helped hundreds of our brothers and sisters at AFA carriers to feel connected with their flight attendant family and helped to financially see them through the most difficult times of their lives. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about The Pegasus Project.

When was Pegasus established?

The Pegasus Project (Pegasus or The Project) was established in 1993 by concerned flight attendants at various AFA carriers. The intent of the founders and the current Pegasus Board is to help AFA members who are in need of financial aid due to a critical, life-threatening illness or disabling injury.

Is the Pegasus Board of Directors paid any monetary salary?

No. All members on the Pegasus Board of Directors are volunteers. Six of the ten Board members are active flight attendants from Alaska, America West, American Trans Air and US Airways. One of our Board members is retired from US Airways. All Board Members who are active flight attendants, fly a full line and volunteer their time to serve our members.

Who is Eligible?

Members of AFA 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 our Pegasus website a thepegasusproject.org under the Pegasus Forms link.

How long will Pegasus assist members in need?

In order to assist as many AFA members as possible The Project assists members with $350.00 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)

The success of the Pegasus Project depends on the kindness and generosity of members giving their time, talents, resources and donations to The Project to support our coworkers in need.