About
The CalDART (California Disaster Airlift Response Team) Network provides free disaster air transportation services. CalDART enables the managed utilization of General Aviation aircraft and pilots in an overall disaster response. Many of the 28,000 aircraft and 54,000 pilots in California will be available to assist in an emergency, but most pilots will not know exactly how to help. CalDART makes it easier for them to volunteer when needed. DARTs activate in response to disaster partners’ and surrounding communities’ needs and call upon network DARTs and California’s pilots to appropriately scale the response.
The Palo Alto (PAO) DART is one of 12 CalDART member organizations. Based out of the Palo Alto Airport and taking advantage of its extensive supply of both based aircraft and pilots, we are ready to fly people and supplies between any of California’s approximately 250 public airports as well as those in neighboring states.
Recent Activations of CalDART
Here are some examples of services CalDART has performed since 2020:
- 2023: A series of snowstorms trapped 20,000 people in the San Bernardino Mountains. CalDART used helicopters to deliver 21,000 lbs of medical supplies and food to various locations.
- 2022: Humboldt County experienced at 6.4 magnitude earthquake, causing widespread power outages and road closures. CalDART delivered emergency supplies to Fortuna for distribution by local volunteers.
- 2021: The Dixie Fire caused 200 students to be without back-to-school supplies. CalDART transported 1,100 lbs of supplies from Chino to Quincy.
- 2021: CalDART transported PPE and medical gowns from Santa Barbara to the Yurok Indian Tribe on the Klamath River.
- 2021: CalDART organized 23 planes to fly 4,800 lbs of KN-95 masks, trundle beds, and other medical supplies from Santa Barbara to fire fighters near Eugene, OR.
- 2020: CalDART flew face shields from Palo Alto to Walla Walla, WA.
- 2020: CalDART flew ventilators from San Diego to Sacramento.
Who We Are
The current PAO DART management team consists of:
- Carol Munch
- Robert French
- Neeraj Pendse
- Louise Mateos