In Indonesia we have often witnessed situations where local small airlines that have been created to meet the needs of a new or expanding industry eventually become essential community lifelines, effectively serving the general needs of their local communities. Their services, in times of crisis, frequently become the crucial lifesaving link to emergency medical and support services. Their services, under very difficult conditions can often be described as nothing less than heroic.

Kalau Ada Bencana Alam di Sumatra/Aceh, atau SAR di Bandung atau Papua
(Misi SAR Pencarian Pesawat Trike PKS 135, 7 Juli 2010 - Photo Rudy Kapitan)
Susi Air - "Always There" - Congratulations!

We were very pleased to dicsover the Fly4Life Project which provides an opportunity to recognize and applaud our unsung heroes. There are relatively few private pilots in Indonesia because of the national economics, however several have achieved international recognition and awards for both their achievements, contributions, and services to their communities.

We are hoping that through this Fly4Life concept that the participation of our aviation community in community care services can be further increased.

"One of the themes of this year's EAA AirVenture is the recognition and promotion of public benefit flying and the call is out to everyone who uses their airplane to help others to stand up and be counted in Oshkosh. EAA and the Air Care Alliance, co-sponsors of Fly4Life, are hoping at least 1,000 volunteer pilots and aircraft owners register at the Fly4Life tents on the south side of Aeroshell Square to get recognition for their own efforts and to promote the cause. "Our focus is to provide an awareness-generating opportunity for you and/or your organization and to recognize the GA community for its positive influence on the lives of others," the groups said in a news release."

"Those who register will get a badge for themselves and a prop card for their airplane explaining their involvement in public benefit flying. An interactive Web site will run throughout the show showing other pilots how they can join a group in their area and there will be static and flying displays of aircraft. Of course, the whole thing is run by volunteers and for those whose selflessness can include a shift or two at the AirVenture booth, the help would be welcome. Morning, midday and late afternoon shifts are available throughout the show and more information can be obtained by e-mailing Brendan@AngelFlightCentral.Org."
(Ref: AVweb)

What / Who Is Angel Flight Central?

"We are simply about helping ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances." AFC Founder and Chairman Emeritus, James H. Stevens, Jr. Angel Flight Central (AFC) is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to removing the burdens of arranging long-distance transportation at times of personal and community crisis. Today, AFC volunteers and supporters throughout the Midwest have made possible over 10,000 flights "free of charge" covering 5 million miles. We are helping thousands of families access specialized health care, special needs camps, and other destinations for disaster response efforts and compassionate reasons. Angel Flight "gives hope wings" everyday! (Ref: Angel Flight Central)

"What do you get when you combine aviation and altruism?"
"A truly rewarding experience."

"Whether you are a pilot or simply have a passion for flight, Fly4Life.org is an introduction to the vast worlds of Public Benefit Aviation and Mission Aviation. Learn about the many non-profit organizations coordinating thousands of charitable flights for people in need around the globe.

Fly4Life celebrates the breadth and depth of good works being accomplished through general aviation. Volunteers helping in the air and on the ground are being recognized at the Experimental Aircraft Association's [EAA] AirVenture 2009. You won't want to miss the central feature display tents on AeroShell Square, static displays of aircraft flown for charitable purposes, Forum Plaza speakers, Theater in the Woods presentation, and aerial displays . . . all highlighting the theme “Fly for Life: General Aviation Serving People Worldwide."

The leadership of the 57th annual EAA convention, known as "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," being held July 27-August 2, 2009, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, have come together to celebrate general aviation's greatest assets and activities: VOLUNTEER PILOTS and CHARITABLE FLYING.

"There are so many ways that general aviation serves people around the world - even people who don't have a direct involvement with flying," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "Aviation is used to meet basic human needs and bring hope in so many ways. We are looking forward to recognizing those people and organizations during EAA AirVenture 2009."

Many humanitarian organizations have been longtime participants at EAA AirVenture. The Fly4Life program marks the first time all these organizations have come together to highlight the ways that general aviation serves people worldwide.

"There is an incredible story to tell of the hundreds of airplanes and thousands of dedicated people who generously devote themselves to using their flying abilities to make our world a better place," said former EAA vice president Bob Warner, who is serving as the volunteer chairman for Fly4Life. "This is a story that we want to share not only with the aviation community, but to the public that does not always understand the depth of aviation's contribution to our world."

The Fly4Life program and website is being created and organized by a group of volunteers active in the leadership of both Public Benefit Aviation within the United States and Mission Aviation internationally. More information about these two segments and the committee members are described below EAA's Press Release Announcing Fly4Life." Ref: Fly4Life.Org

EAA's Press Release Announcing Fly4Life

Re: "leadership of both Public Benefit Aviation within the United States and Mission Aviation internationally"

I have been very impressed with everything I have read up until this point. The burning question in my mind is do volunteer groups and organizations want or need need external leadership, or do they mainly need support, assistance and perhaps reliable information upon which they can coordinate their own activities and function more effectively? Do external, especially international attempts at leadership work?

From what I can see, autonomy and the freedom to respond quickly are often the major advantages of individual volunteers and volunteer organizations, compared to other larger managed bodies. Perhaps centralized volunteer structures should focus more upon providing assistance rather than issues of leadership.

Now the question is, how can we best serve (not lead) crisis volunteer aviation and non-aviation groups here in Indonesia?

What are the main issues?

One issue that I raised above is "reliable information". Could a network of specific regional radio stations be organized so that in times of crisis they agree to focus 100% of their efforts upon receiving and distributing information to volunteers in the field?

In what other ways can we serve our volunteer groups and organizations here in Indonesia?

We here at Indonesian Aviation would greatly appreciate your comments, inputs, and suggestions.

IndonesianAviation.Com
The Human Face Of Aviation In Indonesia




Created July 6, 2009
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