Peachtree City Pilots Stage Emergency Relief Airlift for Hurricane Victims in North Carolina
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. – Metro Atlanta area pilots are stepping up in a big way to help out communities in North Carolina that have been severely affected by Hurricane Helene. The local aviation community is rallying together to conduct an airlift of emergency relief supplies. These donations are coming in from various generous individuals and organizations and are being collected at the Atlanta Regional Airport in Peachtree City.
According to Ryan Thomas, a participating local pilot, “You love to go flying. You have the resources to go do it. Helping people out is just an easy way to try to give back to the community that you are a part of.” This sentiment seems to be shared by many others involved in the effort. The small aircraft, loaded with essential supplies, are set to fly to destinations like Asheville and Hickory, North Carolina, areas among the hardest hit by the hurricane.
One noteworthy volunteer is John Hess from Fayetteville. Hess and his son took to the skies in a 1941 Beech AT-11, originally a bombardier trainer during World War II. “We’re flying a 1941 Beech AT-11. Now, we’re hoping to help out and relocate some supplies up to Asheville for the needy victims up there,” Hess explained, reflecting the spirit of camaraderie and service among the volunteers.
The coordination of this thoughtful project is being managed by the Falcon RV Squadron, based right here in Peachtree City. A lot of the pilots partaking in this mission have backgrounds as current or retired airline and military personnel, bringing a wealth of experience to these relief efforts. Moreover, they are working in close conjunction with the Cajun Navy, a well-known volunteer disaster relief group from Louisiana, ensuring that resources reach the hands that need them the most.
John Poulter from the Falcon RV Squadron highlighted, “They are then distributing, I am told, the supplies to whatever agencies can get them to the people. So, they’ve got helicopters, boats, 4-wheelers, I understand, up there.” Clearly, this is an extensive effort combining various modes of transportation to make sure no one is left behind.
Spread the Word: Join the Effort
The word about this relief operation is spreading rapidly, with many families also taking the opportunity to involve their children, showing them the importance of community and generosity. Among the most requested items for donation are supplies geared towards children, including diapers, wipes, and ready-to-eat food.
If you want to contribute, you can drop off donations at the terminal at Atlanta Regional Airport, which is also known as Falcon Field. There is also a call for volunteers to assist on the ground, ensuring that the logistics run smoothly and efficiently.
Needed Donations:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Ready-to-eat food
- Water and beverages
- Basic first aid supplies
Items Not to Donate:
- Clothing (unless specifically requested)
- Perishable food items
- Household items
This incredible airlift effort exemplifies how communities can come together to support those in need, utilizing whatever skills and resources they have at their disposal. It’s not just about flying or logistics; it’s about lending a hand and making a difference, one community member to another.
