Fly-In Gives Pilots A Chance To Help

The third annual EAA Chapter 513 fly-in held Saturday at Houma-Terrebonne Airport (HUM) wasn't just an opportunity for pilots to come together and talk about their planes and flying -- it was also a chance for them to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Baby wipes, diapers, towels, books, toiletries, and other much needed supplies were hauled in by approximately a dozen pilots, their planes loaded within a hair of maximum gross with much needed supplies.

The supplies, along with many more donations, were trucked to the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. Anything not needed at the shelter will be sent to the American Red Cross, said EAA Chapter 513 President Randy Bazet to the Houma Courier newspaper.

"You're sitting at home watching on the television, a lot of these people in dire need of a lot of things we all take for granted every day," he said. "It kind of slapped me in the head -- I thought maybe we might be able to give them a hand with our event."

Houma, located about 40 miles southwest of New Orleans, was spared the brunt of the storm that devastated that city. Two large shelters in Houma and nearby Terrebonne have taken in evacuees since before the hurricane hit the region.

"People in this area are really putting their souls into helping a lot of these poor folks who are worse off than we are," said Bazet, "because we all realize that only 20 to 30 miles different and it really could have gone the other way for us."

New Piper Aircraft sent an airplane loaded with 600 pounds of supplies to the event. The plane's pilot, Jack Mills, said he knew firsthand what kind of damage hurricanes can cause after having gone through the two that struck Vero Beach last year.

The pilots involved were grateful for both the lovely flying weather, as well as the chance to help those who need it. "It was a beautiful trip in," said pilot Rick Mcwhortor. "I just came to help out in any way I can. The plane can’t fit much, but I got in it what we could."

Mcwhortor and his copilot, Carl Neptune, flew in from Pearland, TX. They also offered to take evacuees back to the Houston area if necessary to help out.

FMI: www.eaa.org