One year after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, volunteer pilots from Total Flight Solutions and the United Cajun Navy reflected on their life-saving work during the aftermath of the storm. The hurricane, which made landfall in October 2024, wreaked havoc across the mountainous region, causing catastrophic flooding and landslides. Roads were washed out, and cell service was nearly nonexistent, leaving thousands stranded. These pilots, including Al Mattress and Tim Grant, became the first eyes in the sky, providing critical information and assistance to those in dire need.
Al Mattress, a commercial helicopter pilot with Total Flight Solutions, recounted his early morning response to a client’s call. He described the overwhelming scale of the devastation, emphasizing the rising waters and the urgency of the situation. ‘Watching it unfold, ya know, this water was still rising,’ Mattress told FOX. ‘I had gotten there personally, literally, right after the storm left.’ His firsthand account gave a glimpse into the chaos that followed the storm’s passage.
Tim Grant, another pilot from Total Flight Solutions, orchestrated the logistics for rescue and relief operations. His team coordinated dozens of pilots, shifting from initial rescue missions to delivering supplies. With the support of the United Cajun Navy, they managed to mobilize nearly every available helicopter to aid in the recovery. ‘The people that donated their supplies, their people, their helicopters, whatever it was…that was the best part,’ Grant said, highlighting the community-driven effort that defined the response.
The recovery was not limited to volunteers like Mattress and Grant. The North Carolina National Guard played a critical role in clearing roads and deploying aircraft. They conducted 869 air rescues, with 165 being complex hoist rescues, which involve lifting people from dangerous or hard-to-reach locations. Over 600 tons of cargo, including 3,638 food pallets and 226 pets, were delivered through the efforts of the National Guard and other volunteers.
Pilots like Austin Lane, who flew a customized 1960s Baron twin-engine plane, also contributed significantly. His ability to transport essential supplies over longer distances allowed for the delivery of critical items like diapers and insulin. ‘It was one of the very few that could get further out,’ he said. ‘We were doing 6 to 8 trips a day.’ The efficiency of these efforts underscores the importance of coordinated disaster response and community support in times of crisis.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene illustrates the resilience and determination of individuals and organizations working together to rebuild and support those affected. The pilots, volunteers, and government agencies exemplify the spirit of cooperation and compassion that defines humanitarian efforts in disaster scenarios. As the region continues its recovery, the stories of these individuals serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that collective action can have in the face of adversity.