OUR STORY
The Aloha Aviators was formed in response to Covid-19 in March 2020.
Delta Air Lines flight attendants and
amateur pilots formed an enthusiastic group to sew and deliver personal protective equipment to
hospitals, first responders, homeless, terminally ill patients, etc..
throughout the islands of Hawaii.
Delta Air Lines flight attendants and
amateur pilots formed an enthusiastic group to sew and deliver personal protective equipment to
hospitals, first responders, homeless, terminally ill patients, etc..
throughout the islands of Hawaii.
Volunteer Registration
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Tax deductible donations can be made to the following Venmo Account...
@AlohaAviators
or contact us if you wish to make a Bank Transfer.
Aloha Aviators is a non-profit organization founded in March 2020 by Delta Air Lines flight attendants and amateur pilots in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, the group is dedicated to serving underserved communities by providing essential supplies, mentorship, and support through aviation-related initiatives. Their mission encompasses networking, mentoring, and offering scholarship opportunities to individuals seeking careers in aviation.
Origins and Initial Efforts
The inception of Aloha Aviators was driven by the urgent need for personal protective equipment (PPE) during the early stages of the pandemic. The founding members mobilized to sew and deliver PPE to hospitals, first responders, the homeless, and terminally ill patients across the Hawaiian Islands. This grassroots initiative showcased their commitment to community service and highlighted the unique role that aviation enthusiasts could play in addressing public health crises.
Expansion of Services
As the pandemic evolved, so did the scope of Aloha Aviators' missions. They expanded their services beyond PPE delivery to include various humanitarian efforts:
Mentorship and Educational Initiatives
A core component of Aloha Aviators' mission is to inspire and support the next generation of aviators:
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Aloha Aviators emphasizes collaboration and community involvement:
Fleet and Operational Capabilities
To effectively carry out their missions, Aloha Aviators utilizes a fleet of aircraft:
Recognition and Media Coverage
The impactful work of Aloha Aviators has garnered attention:
How to Support and Participate
Aloha Aviators offers various avenues for individuals and organizations to support their mission:
Aloha Aviators exemplifies how a group of dedicated individuals can leverage their skills and passions to make a tangible difference in their communities. Through their diverse initiatives—from delivering essential supplies during a global pandemic to mentoring future aviators—they have established themselves as a beacon of hope and support. Their commitment to service, education, and community engagement continues to inspire and uplift those they reach.
Origins and Initial Efforts
The inception of Aloha Aviators was driven by the urgent need for personal protective equipment (PPE) during the early stages of the pandemic. The founding members mobilized to sew and deliver PPE to hospitals, first responders, the homeless, and terminally ill patients across the Hawaiian Islands. This grassroots initiative showcased their commitment to community service and highlighted the unique role that aviation enthusiasts could play in addressing public health crises.
Expansion of Services
As the pandemic evolved, so did the scope of Aloha Aviators' missions. They expanded their services beyond PPE delivery to include various humanitarian efforts:
- Animal Rescue Missions: Volunteer pilots undertook flights to rescue animals from high-risk situations. For instance, they saved shelter dogs from euthanasia by transporting them to new homes, demonstrating their dedication to animal welfare.
- Disaster Relief Efforts: In response to natural disasters like wildfires, Aloha Aviators collected and delivered essential supplies to affected families, showcasing their ability to mobilize resources swiftly in times of crisis.
- Support for Underprivileged Youth: The organization has been actively involved in supporting homeless youth on the Big Island of Hawaii. They have donated funds and flight time to keep teens engaged and out of trouble, reflecting their commitment to community development and youth empowerment.
Mentorship and Educational Initiatives
A core component of Aloha Aviators' mission is to inspire and support the next generation of aviators:
- Mentorship Programs: Members invite mentees on missions to provide firsthand experience in aviation, helping them determine if a career in this field aligns with their aspirations. They also offer guidance on scholarships and educational opportunities, fostering a supportive environment for aspiring pilots.
- Scholarship Opportunities: The organization provides scholarships to individuals pursuing aviation careers, aiming to reduce financial barriers and promote diversity within the industry.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Aloha Aviators emphasizes collaboration and community involvement:
- Volunteerism: The organization thrives on the dedication of volunteers who contribute their time, skills, and resources to various missions. This collective effort amplifies their impact and fosters a sense of community among members.
- Corporate Partnerships: Collaborations with companies like AVEMCO Insurance Company have been established to provide aviation insurance. Through these partnerships, Aloha Aviators receives referral credits, which support their ongoing missions and initiatives.
Fleet and Operational Capabilities
To effectively carry out their missions, Aloha Aviators utilizes a fleet of aircraft:
- Columbia 400: This four-seat, single-engine aircraft boasts a 310 HP engine, a maximum gross weight of 3,600 lbs, and a true airspeed of approximately 165 mph. It has a maximum range of 1,100 miles and a fuel burn rate of about 14.5 gallons per hour at cruise speed.
Recognition and Media Coverage
The impactful work of Aloha Aviators has garnered attention:
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Spotlight: The founder, Nobi Buntin, was featured in an article by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, highlighting her journey and the organization's mission to spread the joy of aviation.
- EAA Coverage: The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) recognized Aloha Aviators' efforts in Hawaii, particularly their missions to deliver supplies to remote areas during the pandemic.
How to Support and Participate
Aloha Aviators offers various avenues for individuals and organizations to support their mission:
- Donations: Financial contributions can be made through platforms like Venmo (@AlohaAviators) or by contacting the organization directly for bank transfer details. These donations fund plane rental fees, supplies, and materials for charity missions.
- Social Media Engagement: Following, liking, commenting, and subscribing to their social media channels helps raise awareness and keeps the community informed about ongoing and upcoming missions.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Individuals with a passion for aviation and community service can join Aloha Aviators as volunteers, contributing to various missions and initiatives.
Aloha Aviators exemplifies how a group of dedicated individuals can leverage their skills and passions to make a tangible difference in their communities. Through their diverse initiatives—from delivering essential supplies during a global pandemic to mentoring future aviators—they have established themselves as a beacon of hope and support. Their commitment to service, education, and community engagement continues to inspire and uplift those they reach.