Pilots at Tampa Bay Aviation are loading up for a flight to Key West out of Clearwater.
But this trip isn't following the usual flight plan for the company offering charters, training and tours.
- Tampa Bay Aviation, Operation Air Drop sending supplies
- Food, water, toiletries, even pizza being loaded
- One of the pilots is making his fifth relief flight
"These pilots donating their time, people donating their aircraft and everybody working together to support one another in this time of distress," said Zack Taylor, Owner of Tampa Bay Aviation.
Tampa Bay Aviation is working in conjunction with Operation Air Drop. The organization started sending supplies to areas hit by Harvey, then Irma. People near and far are reaching out to donate.
Army veteran and amputee Cpl. Taylor Harter drove to Clearwater from Maryland to donate.
"I used to live in Marathon in high school with my dad, so I have a connection to the Keys. So it's very heartwarming to be able to do this," he said.
Everything from food, water, toiletries, pet food, even pizza are being loaded. One pilot is marking his fifth flight to Ft. Myers and Key West, delivering supplies weighing more than one ton.
So many supplies have been donated, more flights and a bigger plane might go, too.
Taylor says it shows the aviation community coming together.
"Being willing and able, we got lucky we weren't hit," said Taylor.
"Our aircraft are here and we have people who are willing and able to fly the supplies down there, so if we can help we're gonna do it," he said. "And we could hope that people would do the same for us."
"I kind of miss serving and this is a way I can give back and continue to serve my country," said Harter.