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United States Pilots Association |
We have all read in the newspapers and seen on television the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the destruction, desolation and despair left in her wake. Rather than participate in the blame game I would offer some positive suggestions to the Federal Government.
The United States is unique in that we have by far the largest population of single engine and multi engine privately owned aircraft in the entire world. This is a resource that could have been tapped to bring supplies into and people out of rural towns and cities all across the gulf coast. One volunteer agency (Angel Flight) could have been selected to lead this civilian-helping-civilian program, and quite possibly could have taken a great deal of stress off the military (who did a fine job in New Orleans and surrounding parishes). A Cessna 206 will never replace a Sea Stallion, a Chinook, or a Black hawk. However, it has a place in this response with its ability to deliver over a half ton of cargo into almost any 1500 ft. field or piece of highway. Imagine if general aviation had been assigned the task of running necessities, (water, blankets, diapers, food and personal hygiene items) into the rural parishes hard hit in Louisiana and further east into the Mississippi gulf coast communities. The military would then have been able to devote their unique rescue abilities to the inner city of New Orleans.
USPA has an agreement with FEMA to supply aircraft and personnel when a disaster hits. No one from FEMA has ever called us. And as this is being written on September 7, well after the storm has passed and cleanup and other duties are already underway, I do not expect we will ever be called.
I listened to Newt Gingrich, former Speaker in Congress, as he told of the problems inherent in the Homeland Security Agency. There are so many levels of approval that have to be sought and given before they can act. This agency was created as an afterthought of the 9/11 attacks. What have they accomplished in four years? First, they have made airline security a living hell for anyone wishing to travel that way. They are preventing legitimate visitors to our country from obtaining visas, while at the same time allowing thousands of undocumented illegals into our country across our southern borders. They have created the largest collection of nail clippers, nail files, and cigarette lighters ever.
General Aviation is suffering from temporary flight restrictions, newly imposed flight restrictions, and no access to most airports in the Washington, DC, area. Our fuel prices have soared, not as a result of Katrina, but solely due to the greed of oil companies and their retailers. The refinery in Louisiana that makes avgas has suffered no interruption in service. The refined gas on the ground has been there from well before the storm. So why the big increases? Greed my friends, pure and simple.
I have taken note of folks like John Travolta who flew a load of necessities into Louisiana at his own expense in a transport category aircraft. Regardless of the size of his plane; this was General Aviation at its finest. I called the FAA offering the services of at least ten small aircraft for emergency services. After speaking to a Safety Inspector, I never received an answer to my offer. What a shame that this resource goes untapped. I guess all we are good for is our ability to get criticized whenever some idiot strays into the Washington ADIZ or some kid manages to joyride a small plane.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association