The Haiti Crisis

January 14, 2010

Dear Aviation Professional,

In times of crisis, we often find the true meaning of courage and selflessness.

The business aviation community has a long history of providing flights and other support to help people and communities in the aftermath of natural disasters, and following this week’s earthquake in Haiti, NBAA has heard from many Members wanting to volunteer aircraft, supplies and personnel to support earthquake relief efforts.

In response, NBAA has set up a specific and continually updated resource on the Association’s web site to provide the latest operational information and help match available assets with people and organizations involved in coordinating missions into Haiti. [closed]

The site also provides for online registry of NBAA Member aircraft and other assets available to assist in relief efforts The registry is open to anyone, and NBAA is continually sharing the information entered into the database with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) Critical Incident Management Group and other relief organizations, which are involved in responding to the crisis and have requested information on available assets from the business aviation community.

Please note that general aviation aircraft may be needed to transport supplies and personnel to staging areas within the US to be designated by the CIMG, in addition to direct flights to and from Haiti. Operators who are unable or unwilling to fly to and from Haiti can still make significant contributions to relief efforts by facilitating such flights within the US.

Of course, the Association will continue coordinating with officials from DHS, the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration and others in government in the coming days.

Finally, it is important to remember that, as this tragic situation unfolds, there will be a number of ways to assist those in need. Many organizations providing direct relief are very much in need of volunteer time and simple cash contributions to help fund their relief efforts, and I encourage you to consider those groups in your assistance planning. A recent message from Craig Fuller, the president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, offers some recommendations for consideration, as well as other information you might find helpful.

In the coming days, NBAA will keep Members advised of the latest developments related to the earthquake. We know that the business aviation community will continue to answer the call for help, and we will do all we can to support the industry’s work to help those in crisis.

Sincerely,
Ed Bolen
President and CEO
National Business Aviation Association