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The delivery didn’t come the way it was planned, but Andrew Crider still made sure Cumberland County students got their school supplies. On Monday, Aug. 5, Crider dropped off $1,500 worth of supplies to Cumberland schools. He just did it the old fashioned way this time, by driving to the district’s offices. 

Originally, Crider had planned to fly in supplies, donating them via an airdrop at the Farmville Regional Airport this past weekend. Due to multiple issues, the group has decided to scrap that idea. The plan had been a creative one, bringing a number of small aircraft to the airport, both to deliver needed school supplies for nearby Cumberland County and to show off a bit for any spectators watching as they land.

But there was a two-fold issue causing problems, a combination of maintenance and last minute scheduling challenges. Some planes had to undergo unexpected maintenance, while others had last minute scheduling conflicts. So as a result, after a planning call with Cumberland County Public Schools, Crider and his group decided to abandon the idea. Some pilots refused to give up, however. 

“As pilots, we are living our dream and flying is managing the art of the possible,” Crider said. “I am encouraged by the efforts of pilots from across the mid-Atlantic who worked to share possibilities of education with such inspirational use of their aircraft.” 

Even with the canceled event, Crider said he had two pilots show up at the airport anyway, flying in from Maryland to donate supplies for Cumberland schools.  Other pilots drove in, bringing their materials as promised. 

“These aviators could not be persuaded against helping the youngest minds in our community,” Crider said. “The next generation is the future and I am hopeful we can dream together about what is yet to come.”