NBAA stood up its Humanitarian Emergency Response Operator (Hero) database for relief assistance as the Category 4 Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana early Thursday. NBAA compiled the Hero database to provide a list of business aircraft and industry personnel who participate in disaster response activities. Basic information from the list is furnished to organizations that coordinate disaster response relief efforts.

The association has previously activated the database for hurricanes, natural disasters, and medical crises. One such example was in response to a major earthquake in Haiti in 2017.

“Business aircraft are uniquely suited to relief operations, which often occur in small outlying airports or even on beaches or other off-field locations, providing critical supplies and aid in areas where ground transportation might not yet be feasible,” said Doug Carr, NBAA v-p of regulatory and international affairs. “NBAA’s Hero database provides partner relief organizations with one-stop access to business aircraft owners and pilots willing to volunteer their aircraft and time to assist in response efforts.”

The association encouraged aircraft operators to register their ability to support relief missions, noting that registration indicates interest. Operators are not under obligation to accept relief requests if the database is activated.