Max talks about the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene and the massive relief efforts mobilized in response, particularly by the general aviation community. With over 200 fatalities reported, Helene brought devastating floods and unprecedented rainfall to the Southeastern United States, especially North Carolina. The hurricane dumped a staggering 42 trillion gallons of rain, equivalent to the flow of Niagara Falls for almost two years, submerging areas like Hendersonville, Spruce Pine, and Busick under multiple feet of water.
The episode discusses how warmer air temperatures lead to increased rainfall, explaining that for each degree Celsius of warming, the atmosphere holds 7% more moisture. This condition, combined with the mountainous terrain of the affected areas, intensified flooding, isolating numerous communities. The podcast praises the role of helicopters in delivering supplies and evacuating people from remote, inaccessible locations.
Various organizations, including the National Guard, Coast Guard, and multiple state and federal agencies, coordinated relief efforts. General aviation pilots played a crucial role, flying hundreds of missions to transport supplies. However, Max emphasizes that pilots should work with recognized relief organizations to ensure the supplies reach their intended destinations effectively. He also notes the importance of obtaining prior permission, especially at Asheville Regional Airport, which has restricted GA flights.
The episode then transitions to personal stories from listeners involved in the relief efforts. Andrew Doorey, flying a Cirrus SR22, shares his experiences delivering water and supplies to isolated areas. Mason Davis recounts his flights in a SuperVan, describing the camaraderie among the aviation community as they rallied to provide relief. Eric Hymes talks about his nonprofit’s efforts, underscoring the unprecedented level of general aviation involvement in disaster response.
Further contributions are shared by listeners like Steve Bloom, who flew a Pilatus PC-12 for relief missions, and Aaron Benjamin, a lawyer who took part in missions transporting supplies into North Carolina. Charley Valera of AeroBridge provides an update on his organization’s significant operations, flying over 150 missions and delivering tens of thousands of pounds of supplies in just a few days.
The episode concludes with a recording from MacKenzie Mitchell, the Director of Communications for Operation Airdrop. She gives a detailed update on the ongoing needs and evolving nature of the mission. She notes that while aerial drops have been essential, the transition to ground support is underway as more roads become accessible. She also describes the logistical challenges and overwhelming community response, with thousands of volunteers and aircraft mobilized to meet the massive demand for supplies.
Overall, the episode not only highlights the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene but also showcases the extraordinary efforts and unity within the aviation community as they mobilized to provide critical relief in a time of crisis.
If you’re getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.
Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets
Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let’s you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will pay a referral fee to support Aviation News Talk.
Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1199
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $899
Lightspeed Sierra Headset $699
My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu
Send us your feedback or comments via email
If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.
Mentioned on the Show
Operation Airdrop Hurricane Helene Relief
Operation Airdrop Facebook Page
AERObridge website
AERObridge Facebook Page
Hope on Short Final
North Carolina Airports Association
NBAA Humanitarian Emergency Response Operator database
GoCajunNavy.org
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk
So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification
Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.
Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.
Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/
Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium
“Go Around” song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com
If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.