Unprecedented Amount of Airports, Pilots, Community Organizations Stepping Up

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced that the outpouring of support for the state has been extraordinary in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

There have been unprecedented numbers of pilots, airports, airfield operations staff, and community organizations that have assisted with the delivery of essential supplies to the most affected areas.

NCDOT said the FAA reported a 300% increase in air traffic over western North Carolina. This includes private aircraft, NC Nation Guard, and military search and rescue (SAR) missions. All of them are aiding people in dire straights and the sheer volume of air traffic has necessitated the need for immediate coordination of flight operations to ensure safe and efficient relief and rescue operations.

Becca ?Gallas, Director of NCDOT Division of Aviation said, “Helene has already devastated so much; we want every pilot, aircraft, and airport staff member to go home safely every night of the response. Our military and civilian aviation partners are providing vital services to North Carolinians cut off from other access."

The NC Division of Aviation has collaborated with FEMA, FAA, NC National Guard, and DoD to implement several safety measures:

• Prior Permission Request Lines:  pilots should call ahead to schedule times for landing, unloading, and parking to reduce congestion. This is for particular airports like Asheville Regional (KAVL) and Rutherford County (KFQD).
• Standard-use Army Aircraft Flight Routes (SAAFR):  designated flight corridors to separate civilian and military aircraft.
• Temporary Flight Restrictions:  search and rescue operators are using short, time and location specific restrictions to ensure safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in localized SAR efforts.
• Temporary Air Traffic Control Towers:  additional control towers are being deployed to manage high-traffic regional airports to ensure safe navigation during the response efforts.

NCDOT said the need has been overwhelming yet the coordination measures have already reduced incidents.

FMI:  www.ncdot.gov