Helicopter pilot threatened with arrest after flying rescue missions in flood-ravaged NC

SUMMARY

Jordan Seidhom, a South Carolina pilot, faced threats of arrest from local officials while conducting rescue missions in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Seidhom and his teenage son, Landon, used their helicopter to evacuate stranded victims in the flood-damaged Lake Lure area. They successfully rescued four individuals, including two women trapped on a mountain. However, when Seidhom attempted to return for his son and another victim, a local fire official intervened, insisting he would be arrested if he flew again. Seidhom voiced his frustration, believing the official’s actions jeopardized lives: “I would have rescued as many people as I could until they decided to arrest me.” After a temporary flight restriction was enacted, he was unable to continue his rescue efforts until it was lifted on Monday, leaving him feeling defeated and concerned for those still in peril.