In Northern California, the Ocean Ridge Airport recently transformed into a basecamp for Pacific Gas and Electric’s efforts to keep the power on in the surrounding areas, where 300 workers were encamped to respond to downed trees and powerlines, high winds, landslides and other flood-related issues. And in Southern California, organizations such as the Emergency Volunteer Air Corps and CalDART (California Disaster Airlift Response Team) recently transported 21,000 pounds of supplies to the San Bernardino Mountains, where multiple communities were trapped by massive snow accumulation over a couple of weeks. Flights for Life, an organization I volunteer for, is based in Arizona and works with hospitals, blood banks, and health-care agencies to transport human blood around the Southwest to replenish hospital reserves. As Congress considers FAA reauthorization and funding of our aviation system in the coming months, I urge our leaders to consider the benefits of charitable aviation to so many in need. (Photo courtesy of Air Care Alliance via Facebook)