Albatross Skips Airport Congestion With Seaside Trips

A 1951 Grumman Albatross amphibious seaplane is providing airlift for medical teams to Haiti from Opa Locka, FL, using support from SeaPlane Operations of Zephyr Cove, NV.  Albatross owner Bill DaSilva, an airline pilot, initiated the project and coordinated support from SeaPlane and Partners in Health, a well-established Haitian medical provider.

Chuck Kimes, spokesperson for Seaplane Operations, said the staff has a passion for the Albatross. “We knew we could help by providing a unique source of relief to Haiti that could only come from a large, multi-engine seaplane,” said Kimes. Kimes said his company is providing logistical support, flight planning, permitting and customs clearance services.  Also assisting are Paul and Lynda LeVeque, long-time Albatross restoration, maintenance and operations experts. Joe Duke, of Jacksonville, FL and fellow Albatross owner, is also assisting.

The Grumman Albatross was extensively used by the US and foreign military services from the 1950s through the 1970s as a search and rescue platform. Able to operate from land or water and fly long distances without refueling, the Albatross is uniquely suited to fly direct to the shores of Haiti, bypassing the crowded airport and avoiding the damaged roads that have delayed widespread aid distribution so far.

The first relief flight departed January 24 from Opa Locka, FL, bound for Les Cayes, a seaport in southwestern Haiti, with five medical personnel and several thousand pounds of support gear and trauma medical supplies, and full load of fuel for the round trip. The Albatross delivered the remaining members of the 12-person medical team and additional supplies on January 28 to Hospital Immaculate Conception in Les Cayes.

The Albatross’s capability of hauling up to 4,000 pounds to seaside locations around the stricken island nation is a distinct advantage in getting to harder-to-reach areas resulting from poor road conditions and overloaded airfields. Even with the full donation of the crew, aircraft and support, each trip costs $6,000 in fuel plus aircraft operating expenses. SeaPlane Operations has also set up a Web site devoted to this mission to accept donations to fund operating costs.

FMI: http://haiti.seaplaneops.com/