ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — Heavy rain and flooding from Hurricane Helene destroyed roadways in western North Carolina, washing many of them out and leaving people in smaller mountain towns without access to supplies. That’s when a group of pilots in Rockingham County decided to fly into action.
An hour-and-a-half flight might not seem like much, but for those stranded, it’s a lifeline. The pilots have been taking to the skies, delivering essential supplies to communities in desperate need. They’ve been landing at airports across North Carolina and Tennessee, reaching those hit hardest by the storm.
“Diapers, formula, toilet paper, water, canned food, just all the things you think of,” said Doris Gatewood, an FAA instructor. “Then there are things like activated charcoal or contact lens solution, and you realize, ‘Wow, I didn’t even think about contact solution.’”
What started with three pilots at Shiloh Airport in Rockingham County has grown to nearly ten, creating a network of support. They are working together to bring relief to affected areas.
“It was just me and Doris at one point, and then all of a sudden, it was a group of us,” said private pilot William Roberts. “Once we got the word out that we wanted this stuff moved over there, everyone started showing up.”
Some pilots are making two trips a day, each costing about $300 out of their own pockets. Their commitment has inspired others in the community to pitch in.
“We all know that it could be any of us at any time,” said Greg Bray, chairman of Rockingham County’s Shiloh Airport. “People are struggling, but they still find ways to give. It’s huge—people being selfless and looking out for their neighbors.”
Each plane can carry up to 200 pounds of supplies, much of which comes from local businesses and donations from people in the Triad.
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