The business aviation community quickly swung into action yesterday to help earthquake victims in Haiti. A magnitude 7.0 earthquake centered just 10 miles from Port-au-Prince struck the country on Tuesday, killing tens of thousands of people and injuring countless more. Notably, the Corporate Aviation Responding in Emergencies (Care) network–a group set up by Strategy Aero Group CEO
Marianne Stevenson in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to help organize general aviation humanitarian efforts following disasters–was activated for the first time. Stevenson, who is also Care’s president, told AIN that the organization is seeking aviation assets to assist in relief flights to bring needed supplies and search-and-rescue personnel to Haiti. NBAA is coordinating with the DHS, the Red Cross and Care, among others, and has set up a relief effort Web site. “The business aviation community is ready, willing and able to help,” an NBAA spokesman said. Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force’s 1st Special Operations Wing yesterday took over ATC responsibilities at quake-damaged Toussaint L’Ouverture International Airport. While the airport is open, only humanitarian flights are being allowed at this time. Through a Notam, the FAA said operators trying to fly into Haiti should expect delays, including ground holds, due to limited ramp space at Toussaint L’Ouverture.