Hogan “Brian” Brooks volunteers for the non-profit by donating free flights for patients who need critical — and often lifesaving — medical care.
SUGAR LAND, Texas — A Houston-area pilot who has quietly donated his time, money and even his own plane to help patients in need just completed a remarkable milestone.
On Wednesday, Hogan “Brian” Brooks touched down at Sugar Land Regional Airport for his 1,000th Angel Flight mission. He was greeted with cheers and a water cannon salute from the fire department.
“What a blessing that he is, and he undoubtedly helped save people’s lives, so this is just the least we could do to have a warm welcome for his 1,000th angel flight here today,” Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon said.
Brooks, a Houston native who now lives in Navasota, has been a pilot for 40 years. For the last few years, he’s volunteered with Angel Flight South Central, a nonprofit that arranges free flights for patients who need medical care.
In that short time, he’s logged more than 372,000 miles, the equivalent of flying around the earth 15 times. The organization says Brooks has flown the most missions in the shortest time of any volunteer in Angel Flight South Central’s history, a remarkable feat.
“HUGE surprise,” Brooks said, laughing when asked about the celebration. “I was expecting a couple of people, but not a fire truck and a whole parade.”
The humble hero was clearly moved.
“Little overwhelmed,” he added, “but I’m blessed.”
FAA rules prohibit Angel Flight pilots from being reimbursed for their costs, so Brooks has covered the expenses himself. He flies an average of nearly five missions a week.
Angel Flight South Central says Brooks has flown more than 400 patients.
One of them is Jan Cooper, who landed with Brooks on his milestone flight. She was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in November 2023 and travels every two weeks from Arkansas to Houston for a clinical trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
“My tumors have almost shrunk almost 60% and I wouldn’t be able to be here every two weeks if it wasn’t for Angel Flight,” Cooper said. “I’m just grateful, very thankful.”
She’s flown with Brooks 25 times, all for free.
“He just has a love of flying and love of caring for people, and I’m fortunate to be one of those,” Cooper said.
Brooks said the reward for him is simple.
“Seeing the smiles on their faces,” he said.
At 56, he says he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
“The insurance company will probably tell me I can’t fly anymore at 70,” Brooks joked. “So if I can make that far, then that’s how far I’ll go.”
His work is being recognized beyond Texas. This fall, Brooks will travel to Washington, D.C., to receive a prestigious National Volunteer Pilot Award from the National Aeronautic Association.
Angel Flight South Central says most of its patients are cancer patients traveling to Houston’s Texas Medical Center. The nonprofit is always looking for more volunteer pilots and welcomes donations to keep patients flying.
For details on how to help, visit Angel Flight South Central.