KoruPilot

Just a little ditty I put together from my past life fighting forest fires.

Likely the wrong forum, but since I like you guy's so much. . .

Perhaps the big brothers will put it in it's proper place for me. If I did it correctly and it works that is.

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Bernie

Koru, great video!!

Was this done in Canada?

HSLD

Nice!

Great footage and music to boot. Here is an easier link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er6vN5cqRX4

I'll get it posted on the main site later today, PM me with any background info and attribution to include with the post if you'd like

Viliamu

Koru,

We continue to have much in common; my former Air National Guard unit is one of only four in the country that use the C-130 for fire-fighting, so I've got a little of that in my past as well! Great video,

vagabond

This is one of the best videos I've seen in a long time! If that was your past life, I can imagine what your present life is like.

Would you mind answering some questions?
1. Are you in the video?
2. Did you film the video?
3. Did you guys work as a team? How many planes are in the air at any given time?
4. How often do you land and takeoff during a typical day of firefighting?
5. Do you use special fire retardants?
6. How long does it take to fill a plane with the retardant?
7. Did one of those planes scoop water from the lake?
8. If water is used, why use retardant?
9. Who tells you where to drop this stuff?
10. Do you check that no firefighters (smoke jumpers or hotshots) are in the area first?
11. Did you hear of that company that is converting old 747s into a gigantic firefighting bird? What do you think of it?

KoruPilot

Just about to check out of the hotel in PVG and head back home to Auckland, so I'll give a good old KoruPilot response when I get back. . .you asked for it.

To answer your first question, I'm putting the gear down in the AC690T turning final for Rocky Tanker Base in Alberta, that's Bobby my AAO (air attack officer) beside me from Alberta Forestry. The footage is all mine taken by a kinda/sorta mounted handi cam or by the AAO.

Ciao.

HSLD

Thanks for the background info Koru!

Here's the permalink with some background info to boot:

http://airlinepilotcentral.com/web_v...070908256.html

cactusmike

Awesome video.

FlyingDog

Awesome video - when is the best time to put in a letter for a job flying the bombers?

Schnides

The fire bomber season is about 6 months long in the US.. Apr-late Sep.. there has been some problem in the industry with some of the older planes being grounded for stress fatigue. It's not for everyone. Old timers sit in the left seat until they die and everyone lives on the road out of a suitcase. Your best bet is getting on with a state agency like CA.. Flying as a forward controller is a good start. Most fly smaller twin turboprops. You have to get carded and that can be a hassle if you don't have the experience.. Have fun