Not all heroes wear capes — some wear headsets and take off from small local runways. Kley Parkhurst, a Lake of the Woods resident, uses his passion for flight to lift others — transporting patients to care and animals to safety, changing lives one mission at a time.

Parkhurst began community benefit flying in 2021 and has been unstoppable ever since, donating his time and talent to fly patients to medical treatment and animals from high-kill shelters to rescues and adopters — all free of charge.

Of course, nothing in aviation is truly free. Volunteer pilots like Parkhurst personally cover the extensive costs of plane ownership, maintenance, insurance, hangars, landing fees, database subscriptions, training, and fuel.

Despite the expense and time commitment, Parkhurst continues to give generously of both.
In 2024, he was named Angel Flight East Pilot of the Year and Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic Single Engine Pilot of the Year. That year alone, he logged an astounding 934 volunteer flying hours (out of 1,160 total), completing 106 missions for patient transport and 84 animal rescue missions for Pilots N Paws — carrying 779 animals to safety. Parkhurst has already logged comparable hours this year — all while maintaining a full-time career.

While he clearly enjoys his time in the sky, Parkhurst finds his greatest reward in helping others. His efforts often mean the difference between despair and hope — and sometimes, between life and death.
“I stood on the deck overlooking the lake many early mornings and saw pilots flying around,” Parkhurst shared. “I thought it looked fun and figured I could probably go fly and be back before the family woke up. Little did I know it would become my life’s mission — one that sometimes keeps me away for days at a time. It’s so rewarding to help rescue animals from euthanasia, sometimes just hours before they were scheduled to die, and to assist so many patients and families in reaching critical medical care. Sometimes, it’s the only way they can go.”

To celebrate Parkhurst’s achievements and support his ongoing volunteer missions, The Licata Group/eXp Real Estate Team is hosting a fundraiser at Clearwater Fire Grill on Germanna Highway in Locust Grove on Friday, November 14.

Guests who mention “Kudos to Kley!” to their server during dinner will automatically contribute — Clearwater will donate 10% of food sales from those meals. Beginning at 8 p.m., the restaurant will also donate 10% of all sales, including drinks. Karaoke begins at 9 p.m., with raffle prizes and a 50/50 drawing adding to the evening’s excitement. (Winners need not be present to claim prizes.)

To learn more about Parkhurst’s work or to donate directly, visit Kley.com or find Kley Parkhurst on Facebook for photos and mission updates. Pilots interested in community benefit flying are encouraged to reach out to learn how they too can make a difference.

Join the Licata Group at Clearwater Fire Grill for a night of food, fun, and community spirit — all in support of a true hometown hero.

Pat Licata

Pat Licata of The Licata Group/eXp Realty has been a Realtor since 2010. She and her husband, John, also a Realtor, lead a team of professional agents who service the region.