When rising rivers and washed‑out highways left dozens of families in southeast Utah and the Four Corners area stranded, a group of local pilots stepped in to fill the gap. Dan Wheeler, co‑owner of Redtail Air, explained that their fleet of fixed‑wing aircraft and helicopters can bypass road closures, delivering critical supplies directly to those in need.
Volunteer pilots mobilize resources
Wheeler said, “We’re uniquely positioned to provide this kind of service with airplanes, and we also have helicopters so we’re not impacted by closed roads.” The pilots have organized drop‑off points in the Moab area and two locations in the Salt Lake Valley—Airport Number Two in West Jordan and Bountiful Skypark Airport—where volunteers can bring non‑perishable food, bottled water, sleeping bags, diapers, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and phone chargers.
Community response and ongoing needs
Local residents have been urged to donate the items listed above so the pilots can load them onto aircraft and fly them to isolated neighborhoods. “These are our friends and neighbors and fellow Utahns. We would just like to help them recover. They’re going through a tough time right now,” Wheeler emphasized.
Although floodwaters are beginning to subside, many roads remain impassable, leaving families without access to grocery stores, pharmacies or emergency shelters. The relief effort is still in its early stages, and Wheeler warned that “a lot of people are still cut off, a lot of people still getting rain.”
How to contribute
Donors can drop off supplies at the two Salt Lake area airports on Fridays, when Wheeler and his team will load the aircraft and head east. The pilots plan to make multiple trips throughout the week, prioritizing communities most severely affected by the flooding.
Community organizations and churches in Moab have also set up collection points, ensuring that donations are gathered close to the hardest‑hit areas. By coordinating with local nonprofits, the pilots aim to streamline distribution and avoid duplication of effort.
Looking ahead
The partnership between volunteer pilots and local charities highlights the power of community‑driven solutions in times of crisis. As the region works toward full recovery, the continued involvement of Utah’s aviation community offers a vital lifeline for families still awaiting essential goods.
Residents who wish to help can contact Redtail Air through their website or social media channels for the latest drop‑off schedules and supply lists. The collective effort underscores Utah’s tradition of neighborly support and the willingness of ordinary citizens to step up when disaster strikes.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Scripps) – Salt Lake City — read the source article.
