North Carolina volunteers organize ‘private helicopter army’ to aid Helene victims

A grassroots effort led by relief organization Operation Airdrop has put together a group of private helicopters to aid victims affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Pilot Matt McSwain said volunteers from Texas to Maine are lining up to help deliver supplies and survey damaged areas. WCNC’s Vanessa Ruffes reports.

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[huntertadlock]

There was a pilot that was threatened by lake lures assistant fire chief for trying to rescue victims …

[BobKershaw-yk]

Don’t forget the Air Traffic Controlers working in the tower. They are all retired Controlers from the Charlotte tower. They are the best

[Seacai]

Incredible. I live in hickory, it’s astounding private citizens are doing more than the government.

[sandbridgekid]

Think of the volunteer helicopter who was threatened with JAIL for attempting to rescue in Tennessee the first day of disaster.

[nancygibson]

Praise God for these pilots and helicopters. So, many people still missing. 🙏

[JSandwich]

Just crying at the thought of people reaching out for help, desperstely, and then the pure relief they feel when these people come to their rescue.

[DirtyInchCreations]

Cleetus McFarland. Dave Sparks. smile more

[frankdoyle-gm]

Thank God for people like this and God bless.

[chrisherwig]

Lots of military helicopters are close by but are grounded because they have not been authorized (Title 10) to provide lifesaving assistance. Why is the government missing in action? Why haven't they activated the numerous helicopter resources to relieve the suffering. Why?

[patrickkerner]

God Bless those helping those in need!

[veronicamartin]

The government isn't coming ! This is what AMERICA IS ABOUT NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS!

[aliciacowen]

Thank god for you guys….you are the hero’s. ❤❤

[Leep]

The American people being way more effective than the federal government. it’s good to see Americans come together in times of need.

[risingforce]

Dustin Waycaster - Fire Chief

Chris Melton - Asst. Fire Chief

Here you go. No longer anonymous.

[puchi]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ this is amazing! I love this rescue effort! You guys are amazing!!!! Humanity for the win!!! Xoxo from Michigan

[ashleyb]

Please Please Please remember Yancey County, NC it's a smaller town northeast of Asheville. My mom/family is there and bodies are still being found and pulled from water.

[chiefmacarthur]

Apparently the North Carolina Disaster Coordinator did not coordinate with the Lake Lure Fire Chief. Lake Lure gets a Failing Grade for their Disaster Coordinator! And all those who tried to justify the Lake Lure Fire Chief failed, too!

[wraith]

There is a group of Dual sport offroad bike riders heading up there from Georgia tomorrow. They can get in where the helos cannot.

[Guido_Sarducci]

Private money. Private assets. Hardcore helicopter pilots with no timeclock. And where is FEMA??? Having a luncheon at the Holiday Inn to figurre this out?? HELLO?

[pablopedro]

The American dream allows for this, just saying. These folks have worked hard to own these aircraft and are doing more than our government.