Business Plan

Executive Summary

Flight for Life is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing critical supplies to communities affected by natural disasters, particularly those isolated by flooding. Leveraging a fleet of helicopters and experienced pilots, we swiftly deliver aid, including food, water, medicine, and communication devices, to areas inaccessible by traditional means. Our initial deployment will focus on Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Organization and Management

Flight for Life will be led by a board of directors with expertise in non-profit management, communications aviation, logistics, and disaster response. Day-to-day operations will be overseen by an executive director, with program managers responsible for volunteer coordination, supply chain management, and communications. We will recruit volunteers with piloting experience, as well as those able to assist with fundraising, supply sorting/packaging, and ground support.

Market Analysis

Natural disasters, particularly hurricanes and subsequent flooding, are increasingly common. Existing aid organizations often struggle to reach isolated communities in a timely manner. Flight for Life’s helicopter-based approach fills this gap, allowing us to deliver supplies swiftly and directly to those in need.

Services

Our primary service is the aerial delivery of essential supplies to flood-affected communities. We will also establish temporary communication hubs in these areas, providing satellite phones/internet Starlink to facilitate emergency calls and coordination with response efforts

Marketing and Sales

We will leverage social media, partnerships with other disaster response organizations, and local outreach to raise awareness of our services. Grant writing and fundraising events will be crucial for securing the necessary funding to sustain operations

Funding Request

We are seeking initial funding of $1,325,000 to cover helicopter leasing/maintenance, fuel, supplies, and operational costs. This will enable us to launch our response efforts in Western North Carolina and establish the Flight for Life model for future deployments.

Financial Projections

We project that with initial funding, we can deliver over 100,000 lbs of supplies to affected communities in the first 6 months, with costs of approximately $3,500 per flight hour. As we secure additional grants and donations, we will expand our fleet and response area, increasing our impact while maintaining efficiencies.