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.

USUA has registered as an organization with the National Emergency Resource Registry. To volunteer your time and machine, members may register their services with USUA.

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.

If you wish to register yourself as an individual with the National Emergency Resource Registry, you may do so, by registering online with the National Emergency Resource Registry. Just 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 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.