Doug wrote:
I've been working on organizing a few relief flights and have learned some
things. In spite of AOPA tell GA to stay out of the way, there is a big
need for transporting people around the disaster region. I think the point
is you need to stay out of the way of the rescue helos. Workers with
non-profit relief organizations as well as refugees need to move. Refugees
would like to go stay with extended families rather than sleep in a stadium.
Call one of the many relief organizations listed at www.aircareall.org and
tell them you're coming. Show up and you'll be pressed into service.

You can get into the TFRs pretty easily. If you're IFR, file a flight plan
with flight service and identify yourself as a relief flight, they will
provide instructions. Near the TFR area you'll be handed off to one of two
P-3C AWACS (callsign Omaha 44 or Omaha 45) who will coordinate your flight
in the TFR. If you are VFR, call the central FAA Recovery Desk at
800-333-4286 or 703-904-4547 and provide your call sign, aircraft type,
destination, and ETA. They will provide you instructions and a squawk that
will be your ticket into the TFR. Regional information is provided by
Anniston Flight Service at 256-832-2120. GA airports should be assumed to
be daytime VFR only unless you call ahead and verify their capabilities.

www.aircareall.org explains how the FAA has decided that Part 91 charitable
flights are tax deductable and do not conflict with Part 135 regs as long as
there is no reimbursement by passengers for the expenses and any donations
the passengers make are not tied to the flight.

We've got a 3 day weekend ahead, pull the plane out and get to it.

Excellent info Doug, thanks. For the time being let's all quit
politicizing this disaster and try to take some helpful immediate
action until there are not human lives in direct peril.

-R