One of the DC-10’s, Tanker 910, visited Rapid City today. On the way back from scheduled maintenance in Michigan, they still have two more stops scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, before they head home to California. These times are approximate and subject to change.
Billings, Montana, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Missoula, Montana, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
These photos were taken by Bill Gabbert. Click on them to enlarge.
Down in the “basement” of the DC-10, below where the passengers used to sit, is the hydraulic mechanism that operates the doors on the retardant tanks.
The Crew on Tanker 910. L to R: Flight Engineer Brad Pace, Captain Kevin Hopf, and Captain Jack Maxey
After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.
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9 thoughts on “Tanker 910 at Rapid City”
Beeeautiful ship
Ever wonder why these DC10 are so “expensive” per hour?
I don’t!! Used to work on them…Like the DC4 through 7 series…built old 1960’s truck tough…. a great ship
Why did so many airlines operate them in the past? Now it has a chance to pay it forward to the ground firefighter…
But wait…where are the Exclusive Use and CWN contracts??
Only expensive to contracting office chair borne number crunchers
About as expensive as PROPER forest management
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The Black Hills (Rapid City) would be a great location for Tanker 910 to be station this summer. Don’t let the snow fool you. Mother Nature is just waiting.
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such an awesome plane have enjoyed many yrs working with both airtankers in calif.
and the crews are truly awesome to be around. looking forward to another season with you guys
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such an awesome plane have enjoyed many yrs working with both airtankers in calif.
and the crews are truly awesome to be around
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Great pictures! I hope they visit Arizona too…. have a safe trip!
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Thanks Luka.
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I would hate to land another tanker next to that thing. I can hear it now in an Australian accent, “That’s not a tanker mate, THIS is a tanker!”
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Nice shots Bill. Glad you got to see T910 up close & personal and also meet her crew……….That’s Brad, Kevin & Jack from L to R 😉
Beeeautiful ship
Ever wonder why these DC10 are so “expensive” per hour?
I don’t!! Used to work on them…Like the DC4 through 7 series…built old 1960’s truck tough…. a great ship
Why did so many airlines operate them in the past? Now it has a chance to pay it forward to the ground firefighter…
But wait…where are the Exclusive Use and CWN contracts??
Only expensive to contracting office chair borne number crunchers
About as expensive as PROPER forest management
The Black Hills (Rapid City) would be a great location for Tanker 910 to be station this summer. Don’t let the snow fool you. Mother Nature is just waiting.
such an awesome plane have enjoyed many yrs working with both airtankers in calif.
and the crews are truly awesome to be around. looking forward to another season with you guys
such an awesome plane have enjoyed many yrs working with both airtankers in calif.
and the crews are truly awesome to be around
Great pictures! I hope they visit Arizona too…. have a safe trip!
Thanks Luka.
I would hate to land another tanker next to that thing. I can hear it now in an Australian accent, “That’s not a tanker mate, THIS is a tanker!”
Nice shots Bill. Glad you got to see T910 up close & personal and also meet her crew……….That’s Brad, Kevin & Jack from L to R 😉
Thanks Trish. I fixed the names.