Bahamas Habitat is mobilizing pilots to conduct relief flights to the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Irene. The organization’s Disaster Relief Coordinators will be flying to the Bahamas as soon as practical to assess damage and needs. Once the needs are determined, the group will direct its volunteer pilots and planes to the greatest points of need.
The organization has established a staging point in Orlando and will coordinate pilots, planes and donations to provide aid to those affected by the hurricane. Pilots and volunteers interested in joining this effort or making donations should visit the organization’s website to sign up for mission notification emails, which will be used to direct and coordinate their response.
“Irene has turned out to be a very serious storm,” said John Armstrong, President and Chairman of Bahamas Habitat. “Our plan is to assess the damage as soon as possible after the storm passes and then to call on our network of volunteer pilots and supporters to help deliver an appropriate response. The aviation community has proven to be a powerful force for good in times like these. We hope many new pilots will join us in this response.”
Throughout the year Bahamas Habitat helps introduce pilots to mission flying opportunities and offer training opportunities so they can respond in times like these. This approach was tremendously successful in providing the organization the ability to respond quickly to the Haiti earthquake, according to officials.
Tax deductible donations can also be made on the website to support the relief efforts.
