Frequently Asked Questions
- How can we pay?
- You may pay by check or money order in US funds.
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- Is it safe to scatter cremated remains?
- Yes, the EPA determined that aerial ash scattering was safe and posses no significant effect on the environment. Cremation occurs at a very high temperature resulting in purified, sterile ashes. When released from an airplane the ashes spread over a large enough area that there is no noticeable concentration. Aerial ash scattering is an environmentally friendly way to conserve limited burial resources and a great way to honor your loved one's memory.
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- Can we have a memorial service in connection with the scattering?
- Yes, many families choose to have a memorial service preceding the scattering and then send us the remains for release. We will work with your funeral home to help coordinate scattering the ashes to make it easier for you.
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- How high do you scatter the ashes?
- This varies by location. FAA regulations set minimum safe altitudes to avoid collisions, stay reasonably high over populated areas, and many other noise sensitive areas. The means that we generally fly at least 2,000 feet above the highest structure in the area. In addition, we offer high altitude scatterings at more than 10,000 ft. upon request. Please contact us to discuss your wishes.
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- How will you find my desired scattering place?
- Our aircraft are equipped with GPS navigation equipment that can be programmed with specific latitude and longitude coordinates. This makes finding even the most remote site very straight forward. If you can identify the site on a map or provide us with coordinates, we can find your site and scatter the ashes where you want.
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- I have ashes at home, will you scatter them?
- Yes! Many people have the ashes of loved ones at home. Some are an integral part of their personal space, others are stored away. You may have "inherited" the ashes and are unsure of what to do with them. Aerial scattering is a respectful and environmentally smart way to memorialize your loved ones.
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- Do you scatter cremated pets?
- Yes, absolutely! We will scatter you pet's ashes by themselves or at the same time as your loved one. We offer a reduced price when scattering your pet's ashes at the same time and location as your loved one's ashes. Please see our pricing and options page for details. Contact us if you have any other questions.
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- How should I send cremated remains?
- Through the U.S. Postal Service in a "sift proof" container or plastic bag, securely boxed, via certified/priority mail with a return receipt requested and marked as "cremated remains." See our detailed instructions here.
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- What if I don't want to ship my loved ones ashes?
- You can have them delivered to us by your mortuary or funeral home.
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- How long will it take for the scattering to occur?
- Once the paperwork and payment have been received and reviewed we will make every effort to conduct the scattering as soon as possible. Sometimes we have to obtain permission or permits and that takes as long as it takes. If you have a specific date in mind, please note it in the special instructions section of the Authorization form. We will do our best to accomodate you. We are at the mercy of the weather and other factors so we may not be able to fly on a particular date. In general, we try to conduct scatterings within 30 days of receipt of the ashes.
However, Alpha Omega Air can make no guarantees that we will be able to meet any particular date or time commitments because we may encounter unsafe weather conditions or other unforseen issues that interfere with our scheduled flight.
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- How will we know the memorial scattering is complete?
- Soon after the scattering flight is complete we will call you or email you. We always have a witness on each memorial scattering flight to increase safety and to observe the release.
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- Are passengers allowed on the flight?
- No. We are not a charter service and the FAA does not permit us to carry passengers.
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- Do you help with pre-planning?
- Yes, we will work with you to create a custom pre-planned release if you like. Make sure that you put your wishes in writing and keep this with your other important papers. And, it is important that you discuss your wishes with your family. We do not charge for pre-planning assistance.
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