by adding flights, allowing travel waivers, and scheduling rescue flights with critical supplies. Flight crews have been spread thin amid the rush to carry visitors and residents off the island. One of United Airlines' management pilots vacationing with his family volunteered to help with the rescue efforts by flying hundreds of people back to the mainland on a plane that reportedly could not have left had he not stepped in. The captain, Vince Eckelkamp, from Denver, Colorado, said he was glad to do anything he could do to help out. According to Denver NBC affiliate 9NEWS, Vince, his wife Kathy, and daughter Kallie were visiting the island, but their trip was cut short by storms first and then the outbreak of the . The family reportedly woke up early Tuesday morning at around 3:00, noticing the power had gone out. With the extreme winds sounding like a freight train running through their hotel room, they decided to head to the airport early. After getting through traffic and detours, they reached the airport, but their flight kept getting delayed. Vince said the supposed to operate their flight were staying in Lahaina or Kaanapali but believed the situation got worse around the time the crew had to get on the bus to the airport. Without flight attendants, the flight was canceled, and the airport began to fill up with other stranded travelers. Did you know we also have an here? Flying planes for more than three decades, Vince spends most of his days as a Line Training Manager for the , but still picks up at least one flight a month, according to 9NEWS. After seeing the flight delays rack up and the trouble crews encountered getting to and from the airport, he offered to help. "I knew the line check pilot and I texted him and said, 'Hey, I'm available to augment you if you'd like. The crew desk didn’t need me initially." Following a sleepless night in the airport for Vince and his family, United's crew desk called him the next day. the pilot said to 9NEWS. Shortly after 20:00 that evening, Vince helped pilot an aircraft to the mainland with more than 300 people onboard. However, he was not exactly dressed for the part. "They knew I was available because I'd offered to augment, and asked me if I could fly. And I said of course, anything I can do to help out. But here I am in a polo shirt, shorts and tennis shoes flying the airplane back. And I was really comfortable!" Vince's wife and daughter were also on the , making the occasion even more special. his daughter Kallie said. According to 9NEWS, the flight could not have departed if Vince had not jumped in to help. Back home safe in Denver, the family said they are happy to be home but are heartbroken knowing of all the destruction and devastation they left behind in Maui. Vince said. " United Airlines has reportedly carried over 10,000 people off the island since the wildfires broke out. Additionally, the carrier has helped transport first responders from non-profit organizations to assist residents on the ground.