Looks like this is a two man show, at least for the evening.
I agree completely on step one. However, I think that when you are talking about a hurricane that is above say 130mph at projected landfall, then perhaps 150 miles from the coastline should be considered. Perhaps a (hate to say this) Homeland Security color type zone should be issued. Let's say that from 0-75 miles is a red, a 76-125 is an orange, and a 126-200 is a yellow. Then, you have the rating on the priority. If you have someone who is in the yellow and "needs" help, then they are not disconsidered. However, they may have a second or third day sort of response for the planning versus a red guy.
No comment of step 2, but perhaps a team approach should be considered, I think we are talking about a relatively large number of owners and aircraft.
Step 3, is the hardest. We are talking about gathering a list of the pilots that are legal to fly by type. Not only must we consider the currency from the owners perspective, but we may have to think about the ability of the owner to "approve" of the pilot. I think that the warbird community is still pretty small, so most pilots who are typed and current would probably be ok, however, that may be a consideration. Also, some of us who would like to be considered, either need to come up with the cash or get some lucky breaks to get the opportunity. (Like I said before, anyone one need a right seater?)
Right on with step 4.
I agree with your thoughts on the additionals. I think that an intergral part of the "selling" the plan to the owners is finding funding. I think that if there were a "foundation" for the rescue of "Weather Threatened" warbirds, that it would have to get some donation moneys from outside, but also a good support by owners. Museums and such could probably arrange for their own private types of moneys for their own support, but by selling an insurance type idea to the owners and museums we would have a firm idea on whether it was going to be feasible at all.
Having grown up in Florida, the story you tell of short lead times is a tad bit off. By the time most of the country hears about a hurricane, the areas of the most likely impact (yes they are really large at first) have had at least a 3-5 day lead time. In a lot of cases that could be as much as 8-10 days. That is more than enough. Even the 3 day lead time could be enough with the proper planning. The idea would be to isolate the most likely areas of impact in a 72 hour period, generally a 300 mile or less impact area and dealing with the response cycle from an increasing area as I previously discussed in the color coding format.
Ideally, here is my thought. Hurricane Zebra is destined to hit West Palm Beach at 140mph. We know that it will hit between Keywest and say Jacksonville in a 96-120 hour period. "A" person of responsibility with the "foundation" calls the owners and tells of the threat, volunteering assistance. Owner has option of declining or accepting help. The "foundation" takes the owners needs, and evaluates the list of help available, and makes contact with that chain. By 72 hours out, help is on the way, and the owners have the responsibility of dealing with their homes and families. Perhaps, this could even sell to the insurance companies as a means of negating the types of loses experienced during Andrew or even Charlie in Kissimmee!
Anxious for debate or more input for devising an action plan.
dave
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