Port Aransas Relief

DrMack

DrMack

Line Up and Wait
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DrMack
I've contacted David Porter, Port Aransas City Manager, with an offer to fly residents round trip in the Port A diaspora from wherever they have taken refuge anywhere in Texas or contiguous states to KRAS for brief escorted visits to their properties to check on status and help them plan for recovery once they are cleared by emergency management to return for good, something the mayor said might take several weeks as there is no infrastructure like water, sewage, electricity or communication, to support any population at all. Think of it as our own mini Dunkirk mission.

I'll post his reply here and if he says yes, we need to figure out how to coordinate the effort. Ideas are welcome please.

PM me if you would like to discuss and I'll respond with my contact information for offline conversation (trying to avoid spambots from scraping my email and cellphone from this forum).

Tim McDonough
N704PA
KRBD



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Just thinking out loud, trying to identify problems...

Once you get to the airport, how do they get to their house?
 
Mistake Not... said:
Just thinking out loud, trying to identify problems...

Once you get to the airport, how do they get to their house?
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Hoping that local authorities can coordinate that. If not, do we dare hope that Jay's airport car is still there?


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Don't misunderstand... I think it's a great idea. But it's always the little things.

Maybe not everyone who has property has to go. Maybe a few people can check on lots of places and take (and post ... somewhere) pics.
 
DrMack said:
I've contacted David Porter, Port Aransas City Manager, with an offer to fly residents round trip in the Port A diaspora from wherever they have taken refuge anywhere in Texas or contiguous states to KRAS for brief escorted visits to their properties to check on status and help them plan for recovery once they are cleared by emergency management to return for good, something the mayor said might take several weeks as there is no infrastructure like water, sewage, electricity or communication, to support any population at all. Think of it as our own mini Dunkirk mission.

I'll post his reply here and if he says yes, we need to figure out how to coordinate the effort. Ideas are welcome please.

PM me if you would like to discuss and I'll respond with my contact information for offline conversation (trying to avoid spambots from scraping my email and cellphone from this forum).

Tim McDonough
N704PA
KRBD



Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
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Some of the things we have to consider:

Liability: suggest using a waiver form like that used by Angel Flight

Mission coordination: How do we match volunteers to victims in need?

Fuel: must assume no fuel available at KRAS.

Exclusion zone: not sure at this time if KRAS is inside the exclusion zone. I assume that at present all of Mustang Island is an exclusion zone.

Emergency management coordination: single POC for volunteers would be desired for coordinating with authorities.

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Think it's a great idea - love to have pilots helping others. Don't worry so much about the details, you'll figure it out.

Wish I was nearby.

Just remember we're not flying monkeys now... ;D
 
Mistake Not... said:
Just thinking out loud, trying to identify problems...

Once you get to the airport, how do they get to their house?
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NORMALLY there is a trolley bus that runs up and down the island on an hourly circuit for a nominal fee. There is a stop near the airport. No idea if /when it will resume running.

Golf carts are ubiquitous in Port A, with plenty of short term rentals available. But pricey. At least one vendor caters to airport arrivals. But if residents are excluded, don't know who would be there to run the business.
 
Mistake Not... said:
Don't misunderstand... I think it's a great idea. But it's always the little things.

Maybe not everyone who has property has to go. Maybe a few people can check on lots of places and take (and post ... somewhere) pics.
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It's great we have a mechanism like this forum to bring it all into play for a public discussion. Thanks for your input.

In my message to Mr. Porter I also suggested that any resident who makes a visit in this manner, be encouraged to report to the diaspora via social media what they find.

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Don't forget coordination with FAA, LEOs, FEMA, Coast Guard, the idiots with drones, official rescue entities, et al.
 
murphey said:
Don't forget coordination with FAA, LEOs, FEMA, Coast Guard, the idiots with drones, official rescue entities, et al.
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So far I've talked to Red Cross, FEMA, and am in the process of trying to get through to the county emergency management agency.

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Let us know if you get a positive response. I already asked Jay and others closer to the mess to notify me if there seemed to be any local chatter of needing aircraft and pilots.

You also have the problem that without a non-profit that's already approved to do flights to do the flights under, the FARs have limits on Private Pilots and Commercial Pilots alike along with hour requirements, etc.

Not that these things aren't often "ignored" during real disaster relief... but you'd have to chase the papers to continue it for any length of time. Or ignore it and dare the FAA to go after certificates and bring the PR nightmare of attacking helpers down on their heads.

I suspect the response will be negative but it really depends on real need and if the county chain of command isn't getting what they've requested from higher echelons.

Usually... planning to get people back INTO a disaster zone is somewhere below nearly everything else on the list. Not popular with emergency managers trying to protect life and property.

But the 182 is standing by if y'all find an actual vetted disaster organization who needs the resource.
 
denverpilot said:
Let us know if you get a positive response. I already asked Jay and others closer to the mess to notify me if there seemed to be any local chatter of needing aircraft and pilots.

You also have the problem that without a non-profit that's already approved to do flights to do the flights under, the FARs have limits on Private Pilots and Commercial Pilots alike along with hour requirements, etc.

Not that these things aren't often "ignored" during real disaster relief... but you'd have to chase the papers to continue it for any length of time. Or ignore it and dare the FAA to go after certificates and bring the PR nightmare of attacking helpers down on their heads.

I suspect the response will be negative but it really depends on real need and if the county chain of command isn't getting what they've requested from higher echelons.

Usually... planning to get people back INTO a disaster zone is somewhere below nearly everything else on the list. Not popular with emergency managers trying to protect life and property.

But the 182 is standing by if y'all find an actual vetted disaster organization who needs the resource.
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Thanks for your offer to help and your list of issues to ponder.

I'm assuming that this affair will only involve Part 91 ops with mostly private pilots and 61.113 restrictions without the benefit of relief as charitable ops.

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denverpilot said:
Let us know if you get a positive response. I already asked Jay and others closer to the mess to notify me if there seemed to be any local chatter of needing aircraft and pilots.

You also have the problem that without a non-profit that's already approved to do flights to do the flights under, the FARs have limits on Private Pilots and Commercial Pilots alike along with hour requirements, etc.

Not that these things aren't often "ignored" during real disaster relief... but you'd have to chase the papers to continue it for any length of time. Or ignore it and dare the FAA to go after certificates and bring the PR nightmare of attacking helpers down on their heads.

I suspect the response will be negative but it really depends on real need and if the county chain of command isn't getting what they've requested from higher echelons.

Usually... planning to get people back INTO a disaster zone is somewhere below nearly everything else on the list. Not popular with emergency managers trying to protect life and property.

But the 182 is standing by if y'all find an actual vetted disaster organization who needs the resource.
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Here is the link to the Nueces County Hurricane Re-entry Plan: http://www.nuecesco.com/public-services/emergency-management/content-page

My proposal would probably be considered part of a Tier 3 re-entry phase.

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denverpilot said:
Makes sense.

Generally as roads open, need for airlift falls rapidly. So it all depends on roads.
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Many of the displaced residents have fled to places all over Texas, places that are up to 10 hours drive away. So when the tier 3 re-entry begins many will be tempted to attempt to return permanently, only to be disappointed at the entry checkpoint to learn that only escorted limited time visits will be allowed.

Only an estimated 60 people did not evacuate so it's not going to be very difficult to enforce the exclusion order but there will be tremendous pressure on the EMS to allow re-entry. An airlift for the limited "security" visits might relieve some of that pressure.

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Jay and Mary's airport car is in their (apparently, miraculously, undamaged) hangar at KTFP.

And, limited photos, looks like Amelia's Landing emerged intact and (relatively) undamaged.

The Honecks had what appears to be an exceptionally well-crafted emergency plan, and they executed it beautifully.
 
"The Honecks had what appears to be an exceptionally well-crafted emergency plan, and they executed it beautifully."

And I'm wishing the best possible outcome for them. Living in Michigan I've never had to go through an experience like they have. My heart goes out to them and all those who will be suffering and in recovery mode for the foreseeable future. Jay and Mary, Hang in there. Better days are ahead though they may not be obvious at the moment.
 
21083512_1423368487699041_8945383419798507388_o.jpg
 
Do not discount the emotional impact that may happen when your passengers see their property. While the vast majority will be able to handle it there is the possibility that this devistation may be the breaking point for some of them. Being isolated in a small airplane when this happens may cause some issues.
 
I saw that this morning but couldn't figure out who the pool sharks are. Glad they're faring well. And you knew he'd have a plan in place.
 
Just spoke to the Director of the Nueces County Emergency Management Office by telephone. He got the written message and expressed much gratitude for the offer. He thinks it would be of great help to their recovery effort. He is going to meet with the Port A mayor at noon CDT today and our proposal will be discussed. So please standby for further information when it comes in. I'll pass it on here.
 
So this is a wonderful idea, have you considered running the operation through one of the many public benefit flying organization in the state such as Angel Flight South Central and Angel Flight West. As you stated there are a lot of details and these organizations are well equipped to deal with the complexities of relief flights. This is really a great thing you proposed. Kudos to you.
 
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AdamZ said:
So this is a wonderful, have you considered running the operation through one of the many public benefit flying organization in the state such as Angel Flight South Central and Angel Flight West. As you are stated there are a lot of details and these organizations are well equipped to deal with the complexities of relief flights. This is really a great thing you proposed. Kudos to you.
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Yes, my first call in fact was to Todd Quesnel, CEO of Angel Flight South Central. Unfortunately, he and a majority of the board members live in Houston.

AFSC would be the ideal way to execute this. They have all the infrastructure needed to coordinate every aspect of the missions and have vetted all of their volunteer pilots, of which I am one. He promised me that he would take the idea to the board but we don't know when that could take place. So in the meantime I'm pressing ahead with the assumption that AFSC will not be able to assist.

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I assume that CAP will be doing airborne photography for damage assessment purposes. I'm wondering if those photos will be publicly available.
 
Palmpilot said:
I assume that CAP will be doing airborne photography for damage assessment purposes. I'm wondering if those photos will be publicly available.
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Usually not. They are requested by FEMA, the insurance companies, LEOs, etc. CAP is specifically not allowed to distribute the photos to other than the requesting agencies. At least those were the rules we were under in 2013 with the floods in Colorado. Texas CAP is already on notice for Aug 30 activation, if weather permits. Aircraft were moved away from Houston area days ago.

Update: 9/1 - We're not even allowed to take photos with our own equipment. It's a privacy, security and every/anything else reason.
 
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UPDATE - Angel Flight SC has been coordinating with the national office and a request has come in for airlift of 100,000lbs of drinking water to the Houston area. They're looking for some big iron volunteers so most of us can't help with those missions. It indicates though that AFSC is willing to provide assistance so I've reached out to the Nueces County Emergency management the see if they could use us for their re-entry operation. If yes, I'll talk again with AFSC to get it going.

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murphey said:
Usually not. They are requested by FEMA, the insurance companies, LEOs, etc. CAP is specifically not allowed to distribute the photos to other than the requesting agencies. At least those were the rules we were under in 2013 with the floods in Colorado. Texas CAP is already on notice for Aug 30 activation, if weather permits. Aircraft were moved away from Houston area days ago.

Update: 9/1 - We're not even allowed to take photos with our own equipment. It's a privacy, security and every/anything else reason.
Click to expand...

Side note: The served agency can make the photos public, and sometimes does. Just for anyone reading along.

Think of CAP as a "contractor" in the aerial photography mission. Photos are taken, provided to the customer. What they do with them from their is up to their leadership.
 
Announcement from Todd Quesnel, CEO of Angel Flight South Central:

"Just wanted to check in with everyone and give you a heads up on our Support of Harvey relief. We have started flying missions into Orange and Beaumont Texas delivering water to those in need, as you may be aware their Water Plants are currently out of commission.

We are in the process of setting up a local command center at KDWH to help bring in supplies and move supplies out to the local communities. I am in need of a couple of volunteers to help run this for a couple of weeks or maybe longer.

Also, tomorrow our website will be updated with a link to request support for supplies or humanitarian transport. Please spread the word.

Stay Tuned more is coming..."

So starting tomorrow, Port A residents who would like to visit their properties can request transport on the Angel Flight South Central website. Due to weight limitations, this service is not intended for repopulation (permanent return).

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I just got back from a Church organized relief flight to Refugio Texas (KRFG). Based on my experience in Rita and Katrina I'm not a big fan of flying supplies in light planes. However I figured nobody's heard of Refugio, in which case our four airplane convoy could make a difference.

My employees pitched in and made a CostCo run based on the Salvation army list, I had about 250 pounds of stuff.

One thing I didn't have that I strongly recommend you take to the Gulf Coast is some insect repellent. The only time I've ever run into such a hungry swarm of huge mosquitos was in Alaska, and even there I think our Texas bugs might be bigger! It was horrible, they almost lifted me off the ramp!
 
Thank you, everyone, for trying to help us. It is truly heart warming, and Mary and I are in your debt.

The devastation to Port A is remarkable. Interestingly, homes nearer the Gulf did BETTER, because it seems the storm surge came from the bayside, not the oceanside.

The city looks like a war zone.

We are looking at weeks before we can open a few rooms, months before we can open some more, and years before normalcy is attained.

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Jay, there isn't a damn thing most of us can do for you but keep you, your family and community in our thought and prayers and of course donate what we can. If it's any consolation, there is a little slice of central Alabama that are lifting y'all up.
 
denverpilot said:
Side note: The served agency can make the photos public, and sometimes does. Just for anyone reading along.

Think of CAP as a "contractor" in the aerial photography mission. Photos are taken, provided to the customer. What they do with them from their is up to their leadership.
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Another update....Colorado CAP is sending 4 of our 182s for at least a month. Request went out today for flight crews who can spend a week at a time over the next month or so. Wish I could, but I'm teaching the current semester at the university. Colorado CAP has lots of experience with floods. Not like Texas, tho.
 
We need roofing and sheetrock contractors here NOW.

If you know any contractors that can travel, please send them to us in Port Aransas. There are thousands of damaged roofs here -- and its raining.

The hotel has been tarped, so we are good temporarily -- but it's uninhabitable. Our hangar -- our current home -- has a huge hole in the roof (where skylights blew out) which is letting water pour right onto our apartment, and no one can fix it any time soon.

I'd tarp it myself, but it's 3 stories tall and I have no way to reach it. My roofing contractor couldn't give me any sort of estimate on time to repair. We've tarped the apartment, but that's been only marginally successful.

The ceiling has already collapsed, so at least we don't have to worry about that falling on us. lol


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pics? Lots of smart people here, maybe we'll think of a temp fix.
 
Jay Honeck said:
We need roofing and sheetrock contractors here NOW.

If you know any contractors that can travel, please send them to us in Port Aransas. There are thousands of damaged roofs here -- and its raining.

The hotel has been tarped, so we are good temporarily -- but it's uninhabitable. Our hangar -- our current home -- has a huge hole in the roof (where skylights blew out) which is letting water pour right onto our apartment, and no one can fix it any time soon.

I'd tarp it myself, but it's 3 stories tall and I have no way to reach it. My roofing contractor couldn't give me any sort of estimate on time to repair. We've tarped the apartment, but that's been only marginally successful.

The ceiling has already collapsed, so at least we don't have to worry about that falling on us. lol


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If you could shoot two lines over the roof you could attach each to a corner of a FEMA tarp and haul it up over the opening all from the ground.

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DrMack said:
If you could shoot two lines over the roof you could attach each to a corner of a FEMA tarp and haul it up over the opening all from the ground.

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Got a drone handy?
 
I had to do something like that. I tied a string to a hammer and heaved the hammer up over the roof. Then I tied a couple of small ropes to the string to pull them over, then I tied the tarp to the ropes and pulled them over.

Of course, I was 40 years younger then, and it wasn't a three story roof.
 
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