San Marcos Regional Airport FBO - Redbird Skyport - Rises to Help Local Flood Victims

Redbird Skyport, located in San Marcos, Texas (KHYI) – an area devastated by the recent flooding – has stepped up in a number of ways to support rescue, victim treatment and cleanup for local relief efforts.

Redbird Skyport remained open for business during the entirety of the storm, and after, allowing The National Guard, The Red Cross, STAR Flight Medevac, local fire departments and emergency medical services to use the facility as a base for treating flood victims saved by air rescue. On Memorial Day the ramp was busy with a dozen Black Hawk helicopters landing, refueling and going back out to search for victims. The Red Cross also set up a mobile trauma center on-site to treat those needing medical attention.

In addition to dry towels, free food and drinks were offered from Redbird Skyport’s on-site café for both those rescued and pilots.

“Our team of dedicated, professional and enthusiastic employees who were able to safely travel to our facility did so to support all of the local and national rescue and relief efforts, which makes me extremely proud,” said John Koenreich, general manager, Redbird Skyport. “Our facility is located in close proximity to the flooding, and I’m sure the streamlined transport and delivery of victims helped save time, and hopefully, lives. With help from our Phillips 66 supplier and City Service Valcon, we were able to meet the fuel demands of this high-traffic situation with ease. I also want to thank each and every person who came out and did their part to help with the effort, including the local Robinson R44 helicopter pilots who are continuing to search for missing persons. ”

In continuing its support, Redbird Starport is hosting a Bluebonnet Fly-In this Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. All proceeds from Phillips 66 fuel sales will be donated to the Salvation Army in Hays County, Texas. The free event is open to the public with aviation activities that includes a poker run, aviation swap meet, EAA Eagle and Young Eagle rides, precision landing contest, hamburger and hotdog lunch, free safety seminar, CAF Warbird static display, Redbird simulation contest, flight school experience flights and more.

Click here to learn more about the Bluebonnet Fly-In event.