Officials planning Bermuda's recovery from Hurricane Fabian got a bird's eye view of the effects of the storm thanks to XL Capital and airline company NetJet. XL Capital paid for the flight-time for two flights, but had to wait for a large enough plane to come into the Island.

This was the second mercy mission by XL and NetJet, which flew in tarpaulins and generators for people in need last week.

The Falcon 2000 came in on Saturday evening and Bermudian NetJet pilot Peter Schindel was key to making sure the fight happened after the Airport's radar was down on Sunday.

Gavin Arton, senior vice president of XL Capital, said: "Pete made it possible because of his knowledge of the Island.

"He was able to talk NetJet into allowing us to do a visual flyover."

That was because Mr. Schindel's familiarity with the Island meant he was able to keep the control tower informed as to where he was in relation to other planes and the Island.

"We were able to do two flights around Bermuda with the EMO, two Cabinet Ministers, and the whole idea was to survey the damage and to look at the areas of weakness and for pockets of vulnerability," Mr. Arton said.

Also on the flights were Deputy Governor Nick Carter, the media and XL Capital executives.

Mr. Schindel said he flew in two days after Hurricane Fabian.

"Blue tarpaulins dotted the rooftops all over the Island and the damage on the shoreline was clearly visible, by the exposed white sand," said Mr. Schindel, a pilot of 30 years.

"I could see all the destruction from the air - it was amazing.

"Many have said that the rooftops were torn off by tornadoes.

"The absence of the greenery, because of the wind and salt, was more like winter."

He said although Bermuda's destruction was severe it did not compare to the total devastation he had seen after Hurricane Andrew in Homestead, Florida in 1992.

He said that he flew the plane quite low so that the spectators could get a good view of the Island.

"The surf was up along the South Shore on Sunday and we could see the spray," he said.

"The water was so dirty, we could not see the bottom of the sea, although there were boats turned upside down and on the shorelines." Mr. Schindel is a pilot for NetJet, which offers a shared private jet network for business users.

He said: "I work for a week and then I am in Bermuda for a week.

"They are always willing to help in any philanthropic activity." Mr. Arton added: "My first time up after the hurricane was on the Sunday morning flight.

"It was educational to see the extent of and how much damage there was to the shore line and to the roads and roofs from the air.

"It was partial view and shocking is not the right word."

Mr. Arton said it was initially designed for the EMO, but the media got wind of it and now there are aerial pictures of the destruction of Hurricane Fabian.

"We were very pleased to help out in the hour of need," said Mr. Arton.