General aviation can be a lifeline in times of natural or national disaster. Volunteer pilots can help with search & rescue efforts or aerial assessment of damage. They may transport medical and emergency relief staff, deliver critical medical and relief supplies to affected areas, or relocate survivors or evacuees.
The services of volunteer pilots are often needed for the delivery of precious cargo including blood and tissue.
While some organizations solely focus on disaster relief, most PBF organizations will mobilize in times of need, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricane relief efforts.
To contact a relief support group directly involved in disaster response, please visit our Directory of Groups and select Disaster/Emergency under services.
Guidelines for Helping During Disasters and other Emergencies
1) Be safe and be careful not to interfere in relief efforts by others.
2) Be available to help, even if the best way to help is through making a donation to relief groups. Research carefully what can and should be done when providing your aircraft or services to help during a crisis.
3) It is best to work through organized groups which have relations with relief agencies and can coordinate your participation. Most Volunteer Pilot Organizations will mobilize in times of needs, even if their primary purpose is not disaster relief. Visit our Directory of Groups to find an organization near you.
4) The most useful and productive volunteers are those who have prepared prior to an emergency situation and know exactly how to respond.
Disaster Relief Best Practices
These basic guidelines for volunteer pilots flying in support of disaster relief efforts were developed in 2017 by Air Care Alliance Member Group Patient Airlift Services (PALS) and their disaster relief program Sky Hope.
Coordinate all flights with a disaster relief flight charity – Airspace and airports are often congested after a disaster. In addition, information changes by the hour. Coordinating with a disaster relief flight charity can insure that resources are being maximized in an effort to save lives and help people.
Operate with two pilots – The details surrounding a disaster relief flight can be challenging. Operate with two pilots to manage the workload.
Stay on top of NOTAMS and TFRs – By checking them regularly, and again prior to departure, for every flight. They can be enforced at any time.
Experience is very important during a disaster – Abnormal conditions during relief efforts call for experienced pilots who are instrument rated and current.
Operate aircraft with traffic avoidance systems – Radar and flight following may or may not be available in the disaster area. In addition, flight operations will likely be in very high volume including private and government aircraft. Additionally, helicopters are often operating in disaster areas causing additional air traffic.
Do not depend on fuel in disaster areas – Often fuel supplies have not been replenished or are in short supply. If fuel is available, there may be long waits to receive it or cash may be required to pay.
Prepare for potential mechanical problems ahead of time – Resources to help fix flat tires or fix aircraft discrepancies will likely not be available. Consider adding a few spare tires and other items that may be needed for any common mechanical issues. You do not want to get stuck in the disaster area due to an aircraft mechanical.
Do not load and drop supplies without checking in with a relief flight charity – Dropping supplies on the ramp of a disaster area airport complicates the relief effort and can hinder ground operations. Please coordinate with the relief flight charities for any supply or volunteer needs. If you are flying supplies for a charity flight organization, use proper weighing equipment and prepare manifests.
Avoid unnecessary flights – If you are flying for curiosity’s sake, don’t. There are many needs trying to be met after a disaster and adding another aircraft operation can use valuable time and resources needed for other flights.
Prepare for uncertain ground circumstances – Disaster areas are constantly changing. You may arrive at an airport under military control. You may have to deal with security issues on the ground. There may be evacuees at the airport asking for transportation. Be prepared.
Recognizing the end of a mission – One of the most important things a community can do after a disaster is to resume normal economic operations. An abundance of donated supplies or donated flights can cause disruptions to normal local commerce.
Additional Resources
EVAC Aviation Operations Guide – Mobilizing General Aviation to Help the Victims of Emergency Situations – Provided by the Emergency Volunteer Air Corps (EVAC)