AEL Pilot Celebrates a Legacy of Saving Lives

For more than three decades, Fred Finnell has answered the call — 4,000 times and counting. As the first pilot in Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL) history to reach 4,000 patient flights, his achievement marks a level of dedication and longevity few in air medical transport ever attain.

Finnell has flown thousands of critically ill and injured patients to safety, often in their most urgent moments — delivering care when every second counts. His record reflects more than flight hours; it tells the story of a career grounded in compassion, consistency and leadership.

A career marked by moments — and one he’ll never forget
Finnell began flying with Air Evac Lifeteam in 1991, following his service as a National Guard helicopter pilot. Though he had years of aviation experience, one early flight changed his perspective forever.

“I thought I knew what it meant to fly,” Finnell said. “But when I lifted off that first time with a patient in the back, something shifted. That’s when I understood — this wasn’t just flying. This was carrying someone’s life.”

That realization has shaped every mission since, grounding him in purpose.

Finnell’s 4,000th patient flight over the summer brought that journey full circle. The mission was dispatched by his wife, Melanie, a nurse in the Mercy Perry Hospital emergency department.

“I heard her voice over the radio,” he said. “For over 30 years, she’s been part of this journey with me. But that moment — knowing she was the one sending me to help someone — I won’t forget it.”

Behind every flight, Finnell says, is a patient. And behind every pilot, a family waiting for them to come home.

More than a pilot — a leader, mentor and friend
As base pilot supervisor at Air Evac 80 in Perryville, Missouri, Finnell’s leadership goes far beyond the cockpit. A respected flight instructor and check airman, he has trained and evaluated pilots across the organization, shaping Air Evac’s safety culture and mentoring the next generation.

“I tell every new pilot: get your crew home safe. Every single flight. That’s your job.” Fred’s guidance has had a lasting impact.

“Fred’s name is synonymous with trust,” said Doug Nash, regional director of flight operations. “If Fred’s flying, you know things are under control. He’s led from the front for over three decades, and countless pilots and patients are safer because of him.”

Carrying Out a Lifesaving Mission
Founded in 1985 to reach rural patients who couldn’t afford to wait, Air Evac Lifeteam is celebrating 40 years of service this month. It has grown into the nation’s leading helicopter EMS provider, with more than 150 bases across 18 states. But its mission remains unchanged: bring lifesaving care where it’s needed most.

For over 30 years, Fred Finnell has carried out that promise — one flight, one patient at a time.

“Fred embodies what makes Air Evac Lifeteam special: professionalism, heart, and a relentless focus on safety,” Nash added. “The patients he’s carried, the pilots he’s trained, the lives he’s touched — that’s the legacy of someone who never stopped answering the call.”

Asked if he’s considering retirement, Finnell smiles.

“They keep calling,” he said. “So I keep going.” For the patients he’s helped, the pilots he’s mentored and the communities he’s served, that simple answer says it all.

“Fred’s 4,000 flights represent more than miles flown,” said Tony Bonham, vice president and air chief operating officer for AEL. “They represent moments of hope, lives saved, and the lasting impact of a pilot who never stopped serving. His mission continues — and we’re honored to fly alongside him.”