One of the things that continues to impress me is the quiet, yet very impactful ways in which our industry continues to give back. More impressive is that this happens with frequency, yet little recognition or even an expectation of such from those who do the giving. After many years in this business, the best memories I still have are not so much the big personalities that we serve, nor their aircraft, but rather the things done for everyday folks.

These special acts occur via the good graces of individual flight operators and through the dedication of well-rounded organisations that are dedicated to the cause of partnering people with needs to air services. One such case that comes to mind is the Corporate Angel Network in the United States and Hope Air in Canada. Both of these groups are dedicated to helping families with a necessity for fast and direct transportation, who can benefit from the privacy and convenience of a private aviation service and may not be well served by the commercial sector. For the most part their clients require medical care in locations that are away from their homes. Through the hard work of these groups, and the generosity of aircraft owners and operators – plus many sponsors who provide the funding to help these operations – many good deeds are achieved that take full advantage of the inherent benefits of private aviation.

First to Respond

We should also note the many private aviation operators who rise to the challenge and answer the call during a humanitarian crisis. For example, in January 2010 an earthquake reduced the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince to shambles. Many were killed and injured and more than a million others were displaced. Scheduled airline service was cut, the harbour was clogged and military relief was very slow to react. Business aviation was the answer and, according to news reports at the time, in the first week after the disaster alone, more than 140 companies had offered the use of more than 280 aircraft, including 66 jets, 62 turboprops and seven helicopters, along with nearly 150 pilots. Beyond that, most of the industry’s manufacturers provided very generous financial support to the event.

In March of 2011, when a tsunami created a disaster in Japan, it was once again business and private aviation operators that were able to begin air actions well in advance of the commercial airlines. Aid was delivered by some, while in other cases ex-pats who had become stranded and needed help getting back to other locations around the globe were able to leave. Once again, private aviation demonstrated not only its ability to respond, but also a sensitivity and giving nature in times of need.

Bow Wow Express

Beyond helping people, I have also seen our industry rise to other humanitarian efforts. Case in point — this past fall one of the regular charter operators from our airport announced they had a special flight coming that involved rescued dogs. There were more than 40, and they ranged from adults to puppies. To facilitate this, they used a turbo DC3 to bring what we dubbed ‘Bow Wow Express’ from the far reaches of Northern Ontario to the Greater Toronto area. Waiting for them on arrival and throughout the flight were volunteers from both the aviation and animal rescue world. As the aircraft taxiied in, we heard the barking well above the engine sound. I will add, all our airport staff were on hand to help and many of them came in on their day off to do so. Again, the spirit to give came through strongly.

Honour and Dignity

On a final note, we also give to create honour and dignity. Another case in point — an aircraft recently arrived on our ramp and the crew announced they were with us on this day to repatriate bodies back to the north. In fact, these folks were quietly and solemnly taking nine victims (three generations of a family) who had died in a house fire back to their hometown for burial. Once our team knew what was happening, the aircraft was relocated to a private area of the ramp with easy access for the convoy of coroner vehicles. One by one, the victims were loaded. Our staff assisted in the effort. At that point through a pre-organised departure with the tower, the flight was given priority clearance. This being a smaller airport, many knew what was happening, but not one person or flight complained. Also, the airport of course did not charge for the extra help – it was just the right thing to do. We provided some privacy, dignity and respect to these poor souls.

A Community Effort

We are a small, tight-knit ‘community’ – the private and general aviation world. We pull together and share well. And it is this that makes and gives us those small, infrequent yet memorable moments. Personally, I have seen few other industry sectors that do this so well. Hats off to all who give and help as they can.