Non-Profit Has A New Digital Tech Stack That Helps With Pilot Dispatch And Location Shown At SUN ‘n FUN
Operation Halo’s new all-digital assignment-board technology helps manage disaster-relief operations by helicopter, according to Eric Robinson, CEO of the Charlotte, N.C., non-profit organization.
“We can put supplies directly on target. Fixed-wing can get it to the airports and we can get it in the yard,” Robinson said.
The fit organization helped extensively with Hurricane Helene disaster relief, then operating by pen and paper. Now that has all changed with the new intelligent pilot mapping screens.
Their truck at SUN ’n FUN had the new large digital screens, showing their digital tech stack and the mission control board, the digital-assignment board and a third board showing exactly where every helicopter is working in the disaster zone. The pilot can also take photographs to that can upload to the system so headquarters can see the issue, such as roads blocked by downed trees after a major storm.
The digital-assignment board provides a way for the main office in Charlotte to provide mission approval, assign an available pilot and provide an after-mission review.
Robinson said the digital tech stack, “Streamlines our processes so there is no chance two people run the same mission.”
Operation Helo flew more than 2,000 missions in Hurricane Helene relief and more than 100 during the flooding in Central Texas last year. Robinson said they fly Robinson Helicopters about 44 percent of the time, and 56 percent “everything else,” even including a Chinook.
As a non-profit “we are always looking for funding. We have some grants we work off of,” he said.
Operation Helo has a strategic partnership with Robinson Helicopter Company. Robinson has committed to encouraging all new helicopter purchasers to enroll in Operation Helo's innovative app. This platform not only connects pilots with real-time mission opportunities but also facilitates the collection of critical flight data, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of relief efforts.
