General Aviation Mobilizes To Help Bahamas

Many in the general aviation community are looking to support relief missions to parts of the Bahamas such as Grand Bahama Island and the Abacos that experienced “generational devastation" from the Category 5 storm that lingered over the islands for two days. At its worst, Grand Bahama was more than 60 percent submerged, leaving structures at its main airport in Freeport in shambles. More than 40 deaths have been reported, and early calculations estimate damage of $7 billion to the islands.

According to Opsgroup, information about the conditions at Freeport International Airport, as well as Leonard M. Thompson International, Sandy Point, and Treasure Cay airports—all on the Abaco Islands—are still sketchy.

Due to the crowded airspace and unusual conditions, the organization warns against lone-wolf relief flights, advising all pilots to first receive approval to operate from the Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency and/or the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority.

The Aviation charity Turtles Fly Too, which normally concentrates on transporting stranded sea turtles, reports that it has temporarily turned its focus to relief flights, and that one of its member aircraft, a Pilatus PC-12, recently landed at Freeport with vital supplies.

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Charity Seeks Aircraft Operators for Turtle Transport

With the arrival of cold weather in New England, Turtles Fly Too is looking for help moving the endangered sea creatures to southern rehab centers.

For those looking to contribute supplies, several Florida airports are serving as collection and staging points, with many FBOs waiving landings fees and offering discounted fuel for relief flights as noted on the South Florida Business Aviation Association website. Aviation emergency organization AERObridge noted that needed supplies include bottled water, canned food with flip-top lids, pet food, diapers (baby and adult), baby food/formula, toilet paper, feminine hygiene supplies, tents, bedding, mosquito nets, flashlights, and batteries.