A call from a friend and owner of a 1955 Grumman Albatross Amphibious Seaplane led NBAA member company SeaPlane Operations, Zephyr Cove, NV, to lend support to airlift a Michigan medical team to Haiti, the first of many flights. “We will support this effort for as long as they need us,” said Ray Wolfe, a SeaPlane Operations principal.
Chuck Kimes, spokesperson for Seaplane Operations, said the staff has a passion for the Albatross. “We knew we could help by providing a unique source of relief to Haiti that could only come from a large, multi-engine seaplane,” said Kimes.
Kimes said his company is providing logistical support, flight planning, permitting and customs clearance services in an effort being spearheaded by Albatross owner Bill DaSilva, an airline pilot who has collaborated with Dr. Dan Hardie and Partners in Health, a well-established Haitian medical provider. Also assisting are Paul and Lynda LeVeque, long-time Albatross restoration, maintenance and operations experts. Joe Duke, of Jacksonville, FL and fellow Albatross owner, is also assisting.
The first relief flight departed January 24 from Opa Locka, FL, bound for Les Cayes, a seaport in southwestern Haiti, with five medical personnel and several thousand pounds of support gear and trauma medical supplies, and full load of fuel for the round trip. The Albatross delivered the remaining members of the 12-person medical team and additional supplies on January 28 to Hospital Immaculate Conception in Les Cayes.
The Albatross’s capability of hauling up to 4,000 pounds to seaside locations around the stricken island nation is a distinct advantage in getting to harder-to-reach areas resulting from poor road conditions and overloaded airfields. Even with the full donation of the crew, aircraft and support, each trip costs $6,000 in fuel plus aircraft operating expenses. Donations are needed to purchase that fuel, said Kimes. SeaPlane Operations has set up a Web site devoted to this mission at http://haiti.seaplaneops.com/ and donations are being accepted at the site. All donations will go directly to fund operating costs, Kimes said.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.