Hurricane Charley Hits AMSAT Orlando Lab

Contributed by Rick Hambly W2GPS

Hurricane Charley made its way across Florida, passing directly over the Orlando Executive Airport, home of the AMSAT Laboratory. Hurricane Charley hit Orlando about 8pm EDT August 13, 2004 with sustained winds estimated at about 100mph. Photographs were taken by Lou McFadin W5DID on August 18th, five days after the hurricane hit.
http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/lab/

Fortunately the AMSAT members in the area survived with relatively minor damage, but the hangar that houses that AMSAT Lab has been condemned due to structural damage and will have to be torn down.

AMSAT's equipment and parts inventory are in good shape, but AMSAT has less than two weeks to move out and find temporary storage for our equipment. We will also need to begin a search for a new facility to support the Eagle satellite development.

AMSAT's insurance does not cover the costs of temporary storage or the move to a new facility. Assistance may be provided by sending tax deductible donations to AMSAT's Hurricane Fund that will be used to get the AMSAT Lab back in operation as soon as possible.

AMSAT is a 501©(3) organization, so donations are tax deductible in the U.S.
http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php