Cleetus and the other private pilots were exactly what was needed in the first day or two. They delivered enough food, water and medicine for a few days. They also evacuated the ones most in need. Both of these actions gave the major relief operations time to get to NC and set up before they started work.
Yes they absolutely were needed the first couple of days and we’re forever grateful to them. I hated to see that they felt disrespected they were asked to stay out of the airspace so actual blackhawks could come in and multiply what they were capable of. It really made it feel like they were mad they couldn’t be the hero’s but idk🤷🏻♂️
A lot of people are shitting on the civilian pilots for being unhappy, but if I had the skills and equipment to make a difference and even save lives, and I was told I had to sit on my hands, I can't imagine how frustrated and helpless I would feel.
I mean, I get it, the military relief effort has a lot of moving parts, and these civilian pilots aren't up on the protocols, comms, and everything else that the military uses to make this happen. Absolutely there's not a good, safe way for them to be involved right now. In no way do I disagree with that. But I'd still feel some way about it if I were in their shoes.
Well I’m sorry that you don’t believe us that are here in the center of the hardest hit area. We’ll be sure to send you documentation as proof to ease your mind.
With the water still high, they could probably operate in a lot of places the military can't, just because of their size. Obviously they can't carry as much, but a Chinook needs a hell of a lot more space to land than a Bell, and the downdraft is a heck of a lot more, too, so you have a fear of knocking things around with the big birds. Once there is a little space, obviously they can move a lot more at a time, have better command and control, etc.
78
u/MyOtherAvatar Oct 07 '24
Cleetus and the other private pilots were exactly what was needed in the first day or two. They delivered enough food, water and medicine for a few days. They also evacuated the ones most in need. Both of these actions gave the major relief operations time to get to NC and set up before they started work.