352 R44 Helicopter Pilot Stories: Delivering Supplies After Hurricane Helene

Aviation News Talk podcast

Max talks with John Kinard of AeroLuxe Aviation, based in Nashville, which operates a fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, including R44 and R22 helicopters. Following Hurricane Helene, the company became involved in relief efforts after seeing the devastation in North Carolina. John contacted the Ashville, NC EOC, and was told that help wasn’t needed. Nonetheless, AeroLux decided to fly three R44 helicopters to the disaster area to see how them might assist.

The helicopters operated out of a base at a Harley-Davidson dealership in Asheville, which had been converted into a command center. Immediately after arriving, the team began delivering supplies to isolated communities cut off by flooding and landslides. They navigated challenging mountainous terrain, landing directly in confined areas to deliver food, water, and medical supplies. The team also saw firsthand the extensive damage, including multimillion-dollar homes washed away by floods.

Despite hot, difficult conditions, AeroLuxe flew daily missions, carrying food and supplies. The company spent five days flying relief missions, and John emphasized the satisfaction of helping people in need. AeroLuxe is already looking at ways they may help this week with Hurricane Milton in Florida.

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