The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has activated its Humanitarian Emergency Response Operator (HERO) database to facilitate the general aviation and business aviation industry’s mobilization in support of relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has caused widespread damage to communities across the Southeastern U.S.
The HERO database allows people to enter information about the availability of airplanes, personnel, and other assets for relief missions. Information from the database is provided to government agencies and non-government organizations upon request. The database has previously been activated to support relief missions in the aftermath of hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, according to NBAA officials.
“Business aircraft have long played an essential role in providing relief for people and communities in need in times of crisis,” noted Doug Carr, NBAA senior vice president, safety, security, sustainability and international operations. “They are often able to turn roadways into runways, or hillsides into heliports, in order to reach isolated locations. NBAA’s HERO database offers one-stop access to those in business aviation who want to lend a helping hand with their aircraft and other assets.”
The damage from Hurricane Helene is extensive, and the need for emergency supplies continues to grow as many communities remain without critical infrastructure, including electricity, water and cellular service.
The storm came ashore Sept. 26, 2024, in the Big Bend section of Florida near the city of Perry with 140 mile per hour winds, moving on into parts of Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Insurers and forecasters have projected that catastrophic damage caused by Helene is somewhere between $15 billion and $100 billion.
Learn more about the NBAA HERO database here.
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