Volunteer Owner-Pilots Needed For Helene Relief

Screenshot/Airdrop
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Key Takeaways:

  • Texas-based charity Operation Airdrop is organizing general aviation (GA) supply flights to deliver aid to communities in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, which have been cut off by damage from Tropical Storm Helene.
  • Starting September 30, 2024, from Concord Regional Airport, the organization is recruiting volunteer owner-pilots, other pilots, and ground volunteers to transport supplies to severely impacted areas, including Asheville Regional Airport.
  • The mission addresses the critical need for aid due to impassable roads and extensive damage that has virtually obliterated some towns, with a fuel discount offered to volunteer pilots.
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A Texas-based charity is harnessing the power of GA to deliver aid to communities in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina cut off by damage from Tropical Storm Helene. Operation Airdrop has established a base at Concord Regional Airport and is inviting owner-pilots to volunteer to operate supply flights to the storm-ravaged area. Pilots without their own aircraft and ground volunteers are also welcome to apply. Most roads remain impassable and whole towns have been virtually obliterated by the massive storm.

“Flight operations will begin on Monday, September 30th, 2024,” the group said in a Facebook post. “We’re calling on volunteer pilots to get ready to deploy! Multiple destinations are set, with Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) being our largest, and other locations (with and without airport access) that are in need.” Volunteers will get a 75-cent-a-gallon discount on fuel at the Concord FBO. Details for pilot participation is on the organization’s website.

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
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