DOD Ups Military Helene Aid Response

Asheville, North Carolina, aviation officials issue new guidance for GA aircraft attempting to access the regional airport with relief supplies.

Thursday, October 03, 2024 at 10:59 AM ET

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Soldiers with the Florida Army National Guard’s 111th Aviation Regiment continue to conduct aerial resupply operations in North Carolina, delivering critical pallets of food and water to residents in need. [Courtesy: Florida National Guard]

Key Takeaways:

The Secretary of Defense authorized an additional 1,000 active-duty soldiers, augmenting 6,500 National Guard troops, to assist Hurricane Helene relief efforts with aid delivery and debris removal.
Aviation serves as a critical lifeline for relief, but Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL), a key receiving hub, now requires prior FEMA clearance for general aviation aircraft bringing in supplies due to increased traffic and coordination needs.

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The secretary of defense has authorized the deployment of an additional 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist the relief effort in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

FEMA requested the extra military assistance to help respond to the devastation left behind from the storm. Earlier this week some 6,500 National Guard troops from 12 states were deployed, many by boat and helicopter to assist with the rescue and cleanup in the wake of Helene.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.