Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Operation Airdrop and how we operate? Below, we’ve answered some of the most common inquiries about our mission, how we respond to natural disasters, and ways you can get involved. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly for more information.
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What is Operation Airdrop?
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Operation Airdrop is a volunteer-based organization that provides rapid response aid to communities impacted by large-scale natural disasters. We use general aviation resources to deliver essential supplies to areas that are otherwise difficult to access by road, especially in the initial days following a disaster.
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How do you decide where to deliver aid?
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Our team monitors disaster zones closely and works with local authorities, community centers, and relief organizations to identify areas in the most immediate need. We focus on locations that are cut off from traditional supply lines due to road closures or extreme conditions.
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How can I get involved?
There are several ways to get involved:
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Volunteer: We need both on-the-ground volunteers and pilots with aircraft.
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Donate: We accept donations of supplies (only during active missions) and funds (year-round) to support our missions.
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Spread the Word: Share our mission with your networks to raise awareness and support when we activate.
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What kinds of supplies do you deliver?
We deliver a wide range of essential supplies, including food, water, medical supplies, hygiene items, insulin, clothing, baby essentials, pet food, and communication devices like starlinks. The exact needs vary depending on the disaster and the specific community requirements. You can always find an updated list of needed supplies on our Active Operations page.
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Can I donate money instead of supplies?
Yes, financial donations are crucial to supporting our operations. They help cover operational costs,, purchase additional supplies, provide aid to victims, housing volunteers, and other logistics. You can make a donation securely through our Donate Link.
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How do I know my donation is making a difference?
We are committed to transparency and regularly update our supporters on the progress of our missions. We do our best to share stories of the communities' gratitude along with our mission numbers. Follow us on social media to see the impact they are making in affected communities.
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Is Operation Airdrop a nonprofit organization?
Yes, Operation Airdrop is a registered nonprofit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to carry out our missions.
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Does Operation Airdrop have paid staff members?
NO! We are a 100% volunteer-based nonprofit whose only payment is giving back to those who need our help. Every mission is powered by dedicated volunteers, ensuring that all donations go directly toward relief efforts and making an impact where it’s needed most.
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What happens when the mission ends?
Once roads and traditional supply routes are accessible, we transition away from air operations and hand over recovery efforts to local authorities and larger relief organizations. Our mission focuses on providing airborne relief to communities cut off from critical supplies in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Typically, our operations last about a week, during which we deliver lifesaving supplies until local authorities and rescue efforts can access the area by road. We continue to monitor recovery progress and provide support as needed, but our core mission is rapid, airborne response.
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Can you pick up my donation from a different location?
Unfortunately we don’t have the ability to do donation pickups. We’re so honored you thought of us regardless.
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Do you only respond to hurricanes?
While hurricanes are a common focus due to their widespread and devastating impact, Operation Airdrop responds to any large-scale natural disaster. This includes floods, wildfires, freezes, tornadoes, and other emergencies where communities are cut off from essential supplies.
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How can I stay informed about future missions?
The best way to stay informed is by signing up for our email communications and following us on social media. We post updates about ongoing missions, future opportunities, and ways to help.
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Can you reimburse for AV fuel during missions?
FAA has clarified the reimbursement of fuel expenses and generally organizations are not allowed to reimburse unless granted specific waiver by the FAA. The aircarealliance.org website does a great job of compiling all of the legal issues involved with this.
SEARCH AND RESCUE:
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I know someone who has been stranded and needs evacuation, can you help?
We are not equipped to do SAR operations at this time. If this is a medical emergency, please reach out to 911 directly. We do have a SAR organization aiding the efforts linked above in the Operations Details.
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I can’t reach my loved one and they’re missing, can you check on them?
Please call 211 to report a missing person and request a welfare check. The ground SAR operations are working as quickly as possible to check on your loved ones!
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I heard on Facebook or through a friend of a friend or indirectly about a situation, can you help?
There’s a tremendous amount of reporting happening online right now. Please amplify any specific needs to your local authorities and/or confirmed SAR needs to 911 or 211 depending.
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Can you help this specific community? They need you!
We’re working as quickly as we can to prioritize the most impacted communities as best we can. We will do our best to bring supplies to as many people as possible. We do provide a supply drop request when we deploy that you can submit on our Mission's landing page and we will do what we can.