Within hours of hurricane Wilma ripping across southern
Florida on Monday, October 24, Banyan Air Service was up and running at the
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport despite uprooted trees, damaged roofs and
flipped airplanes. The airport had been closed due to debris on the runway,
partially from roofing that had peeled off Banyan's maintenance hangar.
However, employees who showed up despite hazardous conditions went to work
clearing the runway using tugs and pickup trucks. With minor damage to Banyan hangars
and the aid of eight generators, the employees inside the FBO were able to
resume business early Tuesday morning. The airport opened for non-controlled
day operations Tuesday afternoon.
The quick response was aided by Banyan's preplanning.
Earlier this year, Leslie Horkin, GA administrator, issued a hurricane manual
that primed customers, teammates and the company for hurricane season. The
manual covered Banyan preparations, home preparations and complete checklists.
