Cloud Nine Rescue Flights

This was another successful transport from Animal Adoption League in Rock Hill, SC transported up to Animal Care Sanctuary in East Smithfield, PA and Manchester Animal Shelter in Manchester, NH. Kylie Troy from AAL had a need to get 13 dogs to Manchester Animal Shelter, and another 3 to Animal Care Sanctuary.

You may recall that in late 2009, Cloud Nine received a grant from the ASPCA. In January we had our first flight that was made possible from this grant. The grant was generous enough to cover more than one flight, and this is the second flight that was made possible by ASPCA. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks for their generous grant. Without it, these 16 dogs would not have been transported to safety.

February and March can make for interesting winter weather, especially in the northeast. The flight down to Rock Hill on Friday was easy, but the flight up north on Saturday was going to be more challenging. The weather and forecasts showed for strong winds out of the east around Philadelphia and New York City area with heavy precipitation. Up in Manchester, things were supposed to get better by the arrival time. We loaded up the dogs, and took off into the clear blue sky.

Just as predicted, by Philadelphia the weather starting worsening. A few deviations around the worst of it allowed us to keep a mostly straight line through the Philadelphia and New York City area, keeping for an efficient route. We even managed to get some good tailwinds for part of it! By Manchester, however, things had not improved as forecasted. After landing there, I decided that it was a better move to spend the night and return the next day. Adam Bezanson, a friend of mine up there and Cloud Nine Connection pilot, was kind enough to let me spend the night with him, and Manchester Animal Shelter held on to the three dogs going to Animal Care Sanctuary.

The next morning, Adam and I stopped by MAS to pick up the three dogs. They confessed they loved them so much they wanted to keep them, but these dogs were heading to another home. Sunday’s weather wasn’t great either, but it was an improvement over Saturday’s. I ended up flying back into my home base of Williamsport, PA, and ACS drove down to pick them up from Williamsport, as the airport they are based near would not have been accessible with its higher elevation and low clouds looming.

This transport was a good example of Cloud Nine’s capabilities. While most other aircraft were grounded on this day, we were able to comfortably and safely make the trip from Rock Hill to Manchester, and get the remaining three dogs to Pennsylvania the following day. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make this transport, including Animal Adoption League, Manchester Animal Shelter, Animal Care Sanctuary, and Adam Bezanson. I’d especially like to thank ASPCA for their generous grant that allowed this transport to be a reality!

Blue Skies,

-Ted