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.

FMI: www.usua.org/searchandrescue