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 has authorized an additional 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including the 82nd Airborne, to join 6,500 already deployed National Guard troops in Hurricane Helene relief efforts, requested by FEMA.
These military forces will focus on delivering essential supplies like food and water, and clearing debris to assist communities most affected by the storm.
Aviation is serving as a critical lifeline for relief, with military helicopters delivering aid and rescuing people from inaccessible areas.
General Aviation (GA) aircraft intending to deliver relief supplies to Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL) now require prior clearance from FEMA for safety and coordination, as the airport acts as a central receiving point.

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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.