GA role limited in Milton recovery
Experts advise against self-deployment
As soon as Hurricane Milton departed Florida October 10 and recovery began, it became clear that the opportunity for general aviation to assist in the response to the second major storm to strike the Southeast in as many weeks would be very limited.
Two weeks before, Hurricane Helene had drenched southern Appalachia and cut dozens of roads serving mountain communities, creating urgent logistical needs that GA pilots were uniquely positioned to meet. Milton's destructive October 9 landfall and march across Florida did not isolate survivors or their communities in anything like the same way Helene had.
"The hurricane downgraded to a Category 3 at landfall, and thanks to early evacuations and the state's readiness, we are hearing communities have not been cut off," the group wrote. "At this time, we do not see a need for deployment, but we will continue to keep a close eye on the situation through the weekend."
Aerobridge, another volunteer group that organized relief flights following Hurricane Helene, reported that volunteers would be advised if needed, and cautioned against self-deployment to Florida—as well as noting storm-related temporary flight restrictions were in effect.
The FAA, meanwhile, notified AOPA that the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the State Emergency Response Team were coordinating with federal agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency on various aspects of disaster response, and that the state has designated a GA volunteer coordination team to "enhance safe operations and help ensure that your destination is aware of your participation."
The FAA encouraged GA pilots to contact groups such as Aerobridge and Operation Airdrop, and to inform the state coordination team before undertaking any flights by using an online form, or by emailing [email protected], or calling 800-815-4111 to receive "Coordinated Participation Guidance."
