Operation Airdrop: General Aviation Pilots Deliver Aid to Texas Flood Victims
General aviation pilots are mobilizing to deliver critical supplies to communities devastated by catastrophic flooding in Texas Hill Country. This is being done through Operation Airdrop, a nonprofit organization founded in 2017. The flooding along the Guadalupe River has tragically claimed the lives of at least 32 people and left dozens missing.
Over 20 aircraft, ranging from single-engine Cessnas to Beechcraft King Air turboprops, have been engaged in this relief effort. These aircraft have been transporting supplies to staging areas at Burnet Municipal Airport (KBMQ) and Addison Airport (KADS). The volunteer pilots are delivering essential items to the affected communities in Kerr County. These items include:
- Chainsaws
- Cleaning supplies
- Emergency equipment
Tara Winter, the communications director for Operation Airdrop, has praised the aviation community’s rapid response. The organization has marked this as their 15th disaster relief mission. Volunteer pilots are using their own aircraft and funding to serve affected communities during this unprecedented flooding event.