JAMESTOWN, NY — Chautauqua County’s airports are at the forefront of efforts to help deliver critical supplies and monetary donations to North Carolina and Florida in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Milton. The County is asking residents to contribute urgently needed donations, which will be delivered to the hardest-hit areas by local pilots, aviation partners, and volunteers.
Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. has been closely monitoring the impact of recent hurricanes on smaller counties in North Carolina and Florida. In response to the widespread devastation, he has initiated relief efforts from Chautauqua County.
Acting on his recommendation, Shannon Fischer, Chautauqua County’s Manager of Airports, has been collaborating with aviation partners to deliver essential supplies and financial donations. These contributions are helping to cover fuel costs for volunteer aircraft flying into hard-hit airports, including Avery County Airport (7A8).
This small general aviation (GA) airport is located in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, approximately 50 miles from Asheville. With only a 3,001-foot runway, they are now serving as a donation collection center. Small planes are flying goods in, and helicopters are distributing them to cut-off areas.
"The people in North Carolina have been hit incredibly hard by Hurricane Helene. Many have lost everything, and there's an urgent need for supplies like generators, propane grills, solar products and cold weather gear," Fischer said, after discussions with the Chairman of the Airport Authority for the Avery County Airport. "We’re working closely with our Fixed Based Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation, and our Flight School, Great Lakes Flight Center to coordinate with local pilots, and available resources to get donations where they are needed most."
The Avery County Airport, managed by an airport authority, has been a hub of relief activity. Over 150 planes a day are flying in supplies, and they’ve used 12,000 gallons of aviation fuel (avgas) in just six days. As part of the operation, goods are being inventoried and stored in a hangar until they can be distributed.
We are also actively exploring ways to assist in Florida and support the affected airports there. Sol Relief is a nonprofit organization that leverages its aviation network to collaborate with local communities for timely disaster response efforts. Based at Albert Whitted Airport (SPG) in St. Petersburg, outside of Tampa, Sol Relief engages with local pilots to distribute essential supplies, funds, and aid to those most severely impacted by hurricanes. Currently, Sol Relief is actively evaluating the specific aviation-related needs of its partner organizations to optimize relief efforts effectively. Individuals interested in supporting these critical operations can contribute through their website at solrelief.org/donate-now.
In addition to General Aviation Airports adding economic value directly and indirectly to their local communities, the disaster relief efforts shown by airports, such as 7A8 and SPG, are excellent examples of the importance of GA Airports to a community and region.
Chautauqua County has set up donation centers at Jamestown Airport (JHW) and Dunkirk Airport (DKK) to collect the following urgently needed items:
- Small propane grills and cans
- Electric start generators
- Heating systems
- Chain saw chains
- Generator plugs
- Electric wires
- Cold weather gear
- Solar heating units
- Large storage containers
- Solar showers
"We have local flight school pilots ready to fly items down, but there’s a weight limit on small planes, so we're also exploring truck shipments for larger items," Fischer explained.
"This is a time to come together. The people affected by Hurricanes are in dire need of help. I’m proud of how our community is responding, and I encourage everyone to contribute, whether by donating supplies or financial support," said County Executive Wendel.
In addition to physical donations, monetary donations are crucial to help offset the high cost of fuel and transportation. Donations can be sent directly to the Avery County Airport Authority to support ongoing relief efforts for NC:
Avery County Airport Authority
C/O Samuel Calvert (Chairman)
202 Little Cow Camp Rd
Newland, NC 28657
Please reach out to Shannon Fischer at 716-661-8930 for any questions regarding how you can assist the County Airports in hurricane relief efforts.
