In the wake of Hurricane Helene, two volunteer relief missions sprung up. Operation Airdrop preexisted the hurricane. It was designed to be a rapid response to disasters and was fueled off of donations and volunteers. It consisted of both fixed wing and helicopter aircraft specializing in transporting supplies in and people out.
Operation Helo was started as an offshoot of Operation AirDrop. This operation was carried out based in Hickory, NC with the designed reach spanning the mountainous areas affected by the storm. Operation Helo was specifically intended for helicopter operations. We primarily used Robinson R44 helicopters (single engine light duty helicopters with a 4 seat capacity) as these are quite popular with civilian pilots and they can navigate very tight spaces much better than the renowned “Blackhawk” or “Huey”. However, these larger aircraft were definitely present and part of our mission at Operation Helo. We also had several Chinooks and other large helicopters join the operation.
Our focus was on the forgotten. When disasters strike, part of the nature of the situation means that the densely populated areas get the most relief. That’s wonderful and understandable. But sadly the outlying communities with few people and no way of contact can be easily forgotten. This was our focus.
Starting out we set up LZs, flew in various supplies, and dropped off Starlinks kindly delivered by Ivanka Trump herself. As we made comms and became more efficient we strategized our supply drops with evacuations and search and recovery.
We worked hard and we thanked God. Before springing to action each day we gathered together for the morning briefing and prayer. I truly believe those prayers and the prayers of our families and friends kept us from accident and injury.
To God be the glory!