The Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 caused the impairment of roadways leading to Watsonville, Santa Cruz and coastal communities—thus isolating them from essential services. It was quickly realized that general aviation aircraft and pilots could fill a need to transport food, water, medical supplies and personnel into areas affected by disasters. As a result, CalDART (California Airlift Response Team) was formed and quickly became a statewide organization.
Continuing this mission and operating out of San Martin Airport, the South County Airport Pilots Association formed a subchapter: SCAPA DART.
This past Saturday, May 30, SCAPA DART conducted a training exercise at the San Martin Airport. The purpose of the exercise was to maintain proficiency, review operating parameters, train new members and engage other volunteer organizations in preparing for disaster response.
Four aircraft took off from San Martin delivering or retrieving food, water and personnel to and from airports in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Watsonville and Modesto. Additionally, aircraft from those airports delivered similar items to San Martin.
Communications between the various airports were also tested using text messaging via Starlink terminals as well as HAM radio operators. Other Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADS) participated in the exercise. South Valley Community Services provided food and water. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Department provided water.Â
Americorps retired and Senior Volunteers provided personnel. Leaders from Gilroy and Morgan Hill CERTs (Community Emergency Response Teams) provided assistance and expertise overall, and particularly in the communications drill.
The collaboration of these organizations truly enhances the cooperation and coordination of efforts in an actual disaster.
City council members from Gilroy and Morgan Hill as well as Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo were in attendance to observe, ask questions and learn about this valuable disaster response tool.
All of SCAPA personnel, including the pilots, provided their time, aircraft and fuel at no charge and have committed to do so in an actual disaster response.
John Zekanoski is the South County Airport Pilots Association DART Leader, based out of the San Martin Airport.
