SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Helicopters have been taking off every 5-10 minutes from a makeshift landing pad in a field behind Harley-Davidson of Asheville.

The volunteers, who call themselves the “Redneck Air Force,” are using private helicopters to fly life-saving missions, delivering aid to Western North Carolina residents who have been stranded in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.

“We have saved many lives with what we are doing, and, hopefully, this is something that can be done for storms in the future in other areas, too,” said Jonathan, a security volunteer from South Asheville.

Small teams of volunteers rotate on the missions. The group has a doctor and nurse on staff and they have arranged for much-needed medicines with a local pharmacy.

Hundreds of volunteers have been using private helicopters to deliver aid to Western North Carolina residents.
Hundreds of volunteers have been using private helicopters to deliver aid to Western North Carolina residents.
Hundreds of volunteers have been using private helicopters to deliver aid to Western North Carolina residents.
Hundreds of volunteers have been using private helicopters to deliver aid to Western North Carolina residents.
Hundreds of volunteers have been using private helicopters to deliver aid to Western North Carolina residents.
Hundreds of volunteers have been using private helicopters to deliver aid to Western North Carolina residents.