MORRISVILLE, N.C. -- Flooded roads still plague eastern North Carolina as many people are still grappling from the effects of Hurricane Florence. Pilots from around the country say they still want to help, so instead of taking roads, they're taking to the skies.
- Operation Airdrop was established in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey
- Volunteer pilots brought their personal small airplanes to drop off supplies to areas that were inaccessible by highways
- More than 200 pilots brought their planes to Raleigh-Durham International Airport to drop off supplies in places like Wilmington, Fayetteville, Lumberton and Oak Island
Operation Airdrop was established in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey. Volunteer pilots brought their personal small airplanes to drop off supplies to areas that were inaccessible by highways.
"We moved a quarter million pounds of supplies into South Texas using all private aviation," said original board member Ethan Garrity. "Pilots are not paid, they can not legally be compensated for fuel, nothing".
They continued this practice in Florida after Irma and in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Now North Carolina needs the assistance and these pilots are here to help. More than 200 pilots brought their planes to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and will drop off supplies in places like Wilmington, Fayetteville, Lumberton and Oak Island.
"I have a guy in Alaska who wants to fly his private airplane down here to come do this. So our database is literally coast to coast in no small way. I would probably wager we have pilots in every state coming to help at this time," Garrity said.
If you'd like to donate, drop off items at RDU's TAC air location on 1725 E International Drive in Morrisville. Or you can donate money online here.