From USUA: A Plan Emerges Allowing Ultralight Pilots to
Help
The plight of the
victims of Hurricane Katrina has inspired ultralighters nationwide
to call USUA for guidance and information concerning ways to help.
Because of the inherent capabilities of ultralight and light sport
aircraft, these airplanes can be put to excellent use as search
& rescue aircraft in the devastated areas. Of primary
importance, in this particular situation, are amphibious and float
equipped machines. That's not to say that ultralights of all
descriptions wouldn't be useful, but Katrina has left the area a
virtual lake.
One way to volunteer your time and machine, is to contact FEMA
(Federal Emergency Management Agency) directly. You can do so
online at: https://www.swern.gov/emergency/asset_app.php.
Just select the geographic location in which you would be able to
work, fill out the online application, and wait for them to contact
you. You may also call 1-800-440-6728 and offer your help, however
the phone lines are quite busy, and the online route may prove to
be quicker. In any event, the folks in the hurricane ravaged areas
need our help -- don't give up.
Using your ultralight for this type of operation brings with it
a set of circumstances that are not described in FAR Part 103. As
you know, ultralights by definition are for recreational use only,
and operations of two seat trainers under the exemption are for
instructional purposes only. When volunteering your ultralight for
search and rescue operations, or certain other humanitarian
reasons, your machine can be designated by FEMA as a public use
aircraft. This designation supercedes the FARs,
and allows you to use it to aid in the disaster relief. Please
remember, that only during the actual use of your airplane for
these reasons, are you allowed to operate in this fashion. As soon
as your work is finished, and you return home, you are "back to
normal", and subject to the limitations of Part 103 and its
exemptions.
USUA Now On National Emergency Resource Registry
USUA has also registered
as an organization with the National Emergency Resource Registry,
and we are asking for all pilots willing to help, register their
services with USUA. Simply complete the online registration form
and USUA will notify you if your help is needed.
USUA's online registration form is located here at www.usua.org/searchandrescue
Should ultralights be called into action, USUA will be
contacted, and we will then notify the individuals who have
volunteered their assistance and reply in turn to the agency
requesting service with the specifics of your contribution. The
information you provide will help maximize our effectiveness.
We can't guarantee that we will be called, but USUA chooses to
be ready to help. We are fully aware of the caliber and integrity
of American Ultralighters, and we as a community stand ready to
serve.
USUA applauds the selfless contributions of our members. We have
an opportunity to utilize our particular type of aviation in a
manner that will benefit our fellow Americans during this time of
great need, and USUA will help guide and support you in your
efforts.