Report from my friends at Baja Bush Pilots, who not just help organize tourist flights from the U.S. to Mexico but attempt to expedite and enhance travel to/from the U.S. and Mexico: Lots of reports coming in regarding conditions on the ground near and around the Mulege area, however not concrete enough to post. What is concrete is that there is a lot of infrastructure damage, no electricity yet, water, food and resources are scarce and there has also been looting of any empty homes. We hope to hear from a few people on the ground now, by the end of the day. We have been able to help representatives from WAVES for Water down to the Baja and they have been able to establish many of their water filtration ssystems and get water to a lot of people, but many more are needed. As many reports found on various sites state, some people have made it by ground all the way to La Paz but making note that water, food and fuel is scarce and that the road is not in great condition in many places. The large donations that are making it to people along the way or all the way South, are coming from within the country of Mexico. The military has set up a donation drop off in Tijuana where they indicate people can bring items, leave them there and that the military will disburse them. We have elected no to go that route. We and most our members have real life connections to many people and vested interests down in Mulege and many other small towns that were hit, and are not getting assistance. So, we are hanging tight and working on getting permission for more items so that pilots can fly down, alone without customs hurdles. The trucking option is also alive and well, as we have members that have those resources available and we are working on customs for that also. As we have stated, our relief efforts will be concentrated in the small towns and cut off areas as the bigger areas hit like Los Cabos and La Paz are receiving aid from the military and other local donation points that have been put together. Our efforts by air fall under different guidelines; we are coming in with international items and allowances as far as items that we are allowed to carry are limited. As much as the local authorities would like to allow us to come in and bring relief, their hands are tied since they have not received permission from the “higher ups” to relax the restrictions or guidelines for private flights coming in. As you all know, via air, private pilots do not get any allowance and each passenger get up to $500 worth to come in with, and needs to provide receipts. Used clothing and among other things, plants, seeds etc are not permitted which means that all those people sitting with tons of rice and beans waiting to fly them into Mexico, can’t. Among our members, we have some very connected, giving and kindhearted people that have gone the extra mile in assisting us with trying to get help in eliminating this red tape. Working together, we are hoping to be able to have permission soon, so we can commence flying in aid, just as soon as we can establish a “base” in Baja. For now, for those of you wishing to start collecting items of need that can already go in, find below a suggested list: Anything in powder: Milk, Formula etc Diapers Wipes Pots and Pans Tools, Flashlights/batteries, Tarps Hardware, i.e. nails, screws, etc. Bedding Canned goods Insect repellent Bottled water EXCUSE ME, WHAT BUT IN HELL IS WRONG WITH THE MEXICAN AUTHORITIES REFUSING HELP FROM GROUPS IN THE U.S.? ARE YOU STUPID OR JUST PLAIN IGNORANT? I would gladly fly my P210 to help the folks I met in Baja California recently if I had any kind of assurance that my efforts would be accepted by the right people. I have no assurances, so I would never risk my crew, plane, or supplies to help a disorganized and unappreciative government. The people of Mexico are great: the government is clueless. Welcome me, my aircraft, and my skills to help your people, or piss off.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 04:21:41 +0000
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