Pilots gear up to give aid to Hurricane Dorian victims in the Bahamas

Pilots from Southwest Florida are gearing up to help Hurricane Dorian victims in the Bahamas. They are giving their time and planes to bring the islands some relief.

Mark Steinberg starts up his airplane to fly supplies to the community in need when disaster strikes. In his goal to help, he donates his aircraft, personnel and fuel.

“If we help just one person,” Steinberg said, “we’ve fulfilled our goals.”

Steinberg and other pilots donate their planes and time to disaster relief through the Sundowners Flying Club.

Stan Mleczsko, Sundowners Flying Club president, said the organization has a 50-year track record of helping people in distress. Now, his focus is on the Bahamas after Dorian’s devastating blow.

“Our heart is to help,” Mleczsko said. “I want to go over there and get these people back on their feet.”

Usually, at the beginning of a storm, tarps and generators are needed. Steinberg told WINK News with the storm in the middle of its impact on the Bahamas, urgency is imperative.

They are expecting supplies to arrive at Page Field, which is in south Fort Myers, by Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday. The Club will head to the Bahamas as soon as the weather allows.

“Hopefully we can give as much help as we can,” Steinberg said, “doing many relays back and forth.”