RALEIGH – The extraordinary outpouring of support for North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene has been unprecedented, with airports, pilots, airfield operations staff, and community organizations stepping up across the state and country. These groups have delivered essential supplies—such as food, water, medicines, and baby formula—to some of the most affected areas.
Since Hurricane Helene, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported a 300% increase in air traffic over western North Carolina. This surge includes private aircraft, the NC National Guard, and military search and rescue missions, all working to aid those in need. The increase in air traffic necessitates immediate coordination to ensure safe, efficient relief and rescue operations.
“Helene has already devastated so much; we want every pilot, aircraft, and airport staff member to go home safely every night of the response," said Becca Gallas, Director of NCDOT Division of Aviation. “Our military and civilian aviation partners are providing vital services to North Carolinians cut off from other access."
In collaboration with federal and state agencies—including FEMA, FAA, NC National Guard, and the Department of Defense—the North Carolina Division of Aviation has implemented several critical safety strategies:
- Prior Permission Request Lines: Pilots call ahead to schedule landing and unloading times and aircraft parking, so aircraft are spaced out and reducing congestion and risk of incidents. These lines are in place at specific airports including Asheville Regional Airport and Rutherford County Airport. This system helps manage traffic flow, ensuring safe and efficient ground operations.
- Standard-use Army Aircraft Flight Routes (SAAFR): Designated corridors in the sky have been established to separate civilian and military aircraft, facilitating smoother operations. This first-of-its-kind strategy has proven highly effective.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions: Search and rescue partners are using short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to ensure safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in localized search and rescue efforts.
- Temporary Air Traffic Control Towers: Additional air traffic control towers are being deployed to manage high-traffic regional airports, ensuring safer navigation during Helene response efforts.
Despite the overwhelming need, these coordinated measures have already reduced incidents. Early in the response, there were two short-term runway closures caused by small airdrop aircraft incidents, but no major incidents have occurred since these new systems were put in place.
While much has been done, continued collaboration across multiple agencies is required to ensure the safe operation of all aircraft involved in Helene relief efforts.