Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Have a Memorial Service by Air
  Some of the reasons may be obvious, although only you will be able to choose ultimately.  We feel when scattering one's ashes by air, the freedom of one's last and final flight as a human being on planet earth is expressed.  To know that one's soul is free of all boundaries may be another.  To us, the knowledge that one's ashes are forever blowing in the wind is a calming and freeing feeling.  Maybe the saying, ashes to ashes, and dust to dust, becomes more relevant.  If you have doubts and reservations about this, we suggest that you consult your clergy, your family, a close friend or friends, or a professional, to help counsel you with your grieving and loss in these extremely hard and emotional times.  You need to remember, this is a very "final" experience and in no way do we make light of this.  We have both lost very dear family members and friends.
   

• Why use Aerial Missions and who are you?
  Jim and Wendy Howard live in Seattle, Washington.  This is where their business is based.  Jim is a commercial pilot with over 8000 hours of flight time and the son of a minister.  He works for two air services based in Seattle, flying land and seaplanes.  These air services are San Juan Airlines and NW Seaplanes.  He is also a nationally recognized rustic furniture artist.  They are registered with the Funeral and Cemetery Licensing Office in Olympia, Washington.  Jim remembers "When my father passed on, we too as a family scattered his ashes.  We summered in the Adirondacks in New York State and he loved it there.  I remember traveling the lake by boat and scattering his ashes at many of his favorite spots and areas along the lake.  What a wonderful tribute to a human being.  It felt to me like we were setting a human soul free, to drift on the currents of the wind and water."  Wendy and Jim both feel that, in their lives, it is about, "Doing what you like to do and being able to offer a service to people while doing what you enjoy."  They are both avid aviators and love to see, feel, and smell the world from above.  They love the fact that they are able to help others in bringing a fitting release to the culmination of a human life.
   

• Do you  have references we check check?
  Yes, we can provide references.  Jim is a pilot for both NW Seaplanes @ 800-690-0086 and  San Juan Airlines @ 800-874-4434.  Please feel free to call them and ask for the owners Shane Carlson or Clyde Carlson.
   

• Do you have any Prejudice?
  To this we can very honestly say, absolutely not.  We both have a great deal of love and caring for all peoples of the world.
   

• Can we have something read for the scattering?
  Sure you can and we will honor whatever it is that you want said or read during the memorial scattering to the letter and word for word.  We respect your wishes with total sincerity.
   

• Are you insured and is there some sort of guarantee?
  Our aircraft is insured, so when we are flying, we are covered under our aircraft insurance.  As for the guarantee, we are on our honor to do the scattering mission in a professional and loving way for you.  That we can absolutely assure you.
   

• Can one's Cremains be scattered anywhere by air?
  There are rules that do apply.  Our home base which is the Renton Municipal Airport is located just a few miles south of downtown Seattle.  From here, we are able to reach out to include in our scattering missions, beautiful mountains, lakes, forests, and ocean waters.  We also may scatter ashes most anywhere but certain rules do apply and we are easily able to accommodate you in your requests.  You need to call or email us for details so we can apply for the proper permissions for these outside areas.  The cost may vary also if we need to travel farther.  This is all done best by calling us directly.  The scattering of cremated remains on state and federal public lands is permitted on National Parks after receiving permission from the Chief Park Ranger, and on State Trust Uplands after receiving permission from the regional manager.  We are also allowed to scatter cremains on public navigable waters under state control.  The public navigable waters include the Puget Sound, the Pacific Ocean within the three-mile limit, rivers, streams and lakes.  Scattering of cremated remains on private land is permitted with the permission of the landowner.  We take care of all the permits required.
   

• Can I go along with family or friends on the Scattering?
  We realize this can be an extremely emotional and sacred time, and we also understand that you may want to be in the airplane to observe this ash scattering mission.  We do not take passengers in our plane although we can arrange for you to go along but we must do that through another company Jim flies for at sometimes a greater cost and we will be happy to discuss that with you.  Also what some people also do is to gather in a location so they can witness the scattering from the ground at the time we fly over and perform the ash scattering.  Others charter another one of our planes to fly in close proximity to us while we do the scattering in the location they choose.  If you would like to give us a call, there are many options that we can discuss.
   

• Do you scatter more than one persons Cremains per flight?
  Absolutely and positively not.  Wendy and Jim both are very caring and aware individuals and in no way would they even consider this as an option, ever.  However, if you so choose we can and will do that at your request only.
   

• How do you Scatter the ashes from your plane?
  The way we scatter the ashes is rather simple.  We fly over the designated spot or area you wish to have the ashes scattered.  We reduce the power or our plane to almost a glide speed, and open the window.  At the appropriate spot, Jim will hold the cremains out of his window on the left side of the airplane and begin the scattering of the ashes.  This will usually take about 1 to 2 minutes until the bag is empty.  If you wish to have more cremains scattered in the same area, an additional pass will take place until all of the cremains are scattered.  Often Jim and Wendy perform the ash scattering mission together, and at times Jim goes alone.  Please feel free to call us any time and you can talk to either or both of us.
   

• Do I send al the Cremains or can I send just some?
  It's true that some people like to scatter their loved one's ashes in many places.  This often is very common.  If you so choose, certainly you can send us just a portion of the ash to us for aerial scattering. If you are sending the cremains to us, please do so "Priority Mail" stating the contents as human cremains.  The Post Office treats these packages with a high level of priority and we must sign for the package in front a Postal Employee as well as show them a photo ID.
   

• Can we have flowers scattered after the Cremains are released?
  Yes, we will definitely do this for you at the same time of the memorial ash scattering.  If you have something else in mind too, just call or e-mail us with your request and we will let you know if this is possible.
   

• When will you perform the Ash Scattering?
  We will perform the scattering at your request.  If you choose to send the cremains to us, we want to be in contact with you so we can arrange the specifics as to when and where you would like the ashes scattered.   Living in the Pacific Northwest, we do receive a few days in which we simply just do not fly.  Jim, as a commercial pilot generally does fly most every day for the companies he works for, therefore, you can be assured that the mission will be completed in a very timely manner at your request.
   

• Do you scatter Animal/Pet Cremains as well?
  Yes, we certainly do.  Having had many pets in the past and a wonderful cat Jack, together, we both know how dear they are to people's hearts and souls.  We will gladly assist you.