The pilot was not injured
Continue readingAir tanker demonstrations for media planned at airport in Coloradoo
Plus, an opinion about keeping the public away from the static displays
Continue readingMore air tankers becoming available in Kansas
After numerous devastating wildfires in 2017 the Kansas Forest Service began a program to make more single engine air tankers (SEAT) available to assist firefighters on the ground.
Below are quotes from a KSN interview of agricultural pilot Bill Garrison, one of the seven pilots that Kansas can draw upon to operate a SEAT as needed now that they have gone through a day of field and tactical training.
The quicker you are on top of the fire, fighting it, the better results you have.
When we get a phone call, we go dump water on the fire.
Flames were over the cockpit of the airplane. I was flying at night.
SEAT makes hard landing while fighting wildfire in Washington
Pilot self-extricates, was transported hospital
Continue readingVideo of Air Tanker 850 working the “416 Fire” near Durango, Colorado
Filmed by pilot Jim Watson of GB Aerial Applications, this is a video of Air Tanker 850 on the “416 Fire” near Durango, CO June 13, 2018, working with John Ponts, Lead 51 trainee.
Jim said, “The Heavies did the long runs while the Single Engine Air Tankers offered close air support by reinforcing weak areas such as this drop in the bottom of a drainage.”
Video from Air Tanker 850 over the Horse Park Fire
Above: Screenshot from video shot by Jim Watson, Pilot of T-850 GB Aerial Applications, over the Horse Park Fire.
Jim Watson, pilot of the GB Aerial Applications single engine air tanker T-850, shot this video while flying over and dropping retardant on the Horse Park Fire in southwest Colorado May 28, 2018. He was working with Lead 28.
Thanks Jim!
On May 27, the day before this drop by T-850, the fire was exhibiting extreme fire behavior and forced firefighters to withdraw to a safety zone. On that same day during initial attack a command vehicle was abandoned and is thought to be a total loss, according to information in a 24-Hour Preliminary Report. The driver was turning around when the vehicle got stuck. Due to the advancing fire, the driver and passenger had to flee on foot. There were no reports of injuries.
10 years ago this month pilot Gert Marais was killed while fighting a fire at Fort Carson
Fort Carson reports 20 training related vegetation fires in last 12 months
Continue readingFort Carson reports 20 training related vegetation fires in last 12 months
Two recent fires started on the base burned a total of 5,000 acres, two homes, numerous outbuildings, and dozens of vehicles.
Continue readingGeorgia buys two single engine air tankers
Above: File photo of two Thrush 510G aircraft, a standard model and one with a dual cockpit. Thrush photo.
(Originally published at 6 p.m. MDT December 27, 2017)
The state of Georgia’s Forestry Commission has purchased two Thrush 510G Switchback single engine air tankers (SEATs).
The 510G model was introduced by Thrush in 2012 featuring a redesign of everything forward of the firewall including a different engine, the 800 shp GE H80 turbine.
The version acquired by Georgia has a dual cockpit and control systems, unusual in a SEAT, but it enables the aircraft to serve in a training role for Georgia Forestry Commission pilots.
The “Switchback” part of the name is an option which means in addition to delivering 500 gallons of water or fire retardant, it has the ability to switch from agricultural spray duties to firefighting capabilities in a matter of minutes thanks to its unique fire gate delivery system. These were the first Switchbacks delivered by Thrush, even though they have sold more than 100 510G’s.
“We’re extremely proud to be adding the Switchback to our aerial firefighting fleet,” said Georgia Forestry Commission’s director, Chuck Williams. “It boasts many advantages for our firefighting efforts and heralds an exciting new chapter in our commitment to protect and conserve the more than 24 million acres of timber land across our state. You’ll see these aircraft deployed not just for rapid fire suppression – but also in the very important role of rapid fire detection, which can sometimes make all the difference in being able to contain a wildfire, versus having it become uncontrollable.”
Specifications of the 510G:
- Working speed: 90-150
- Stall speed as usually landed: 55 mph
- Take-off distance at 10,500 pounds: 1,500 feet
- Landing Distance as Usually Landed w/Reverse: 350 feet
- Cruising speed at 55% power: 159 mph
Three SEATs in formation
Fred Celest sent us these photos he took from Tanker 873. Thanks Fred!
The Single Engine Air Tankers were returning from the Lee Creek Fire in Montana on July 9.
The middle plane in the formation is T-803 with pilot Matt Lutz. The third plane is T-855 piloted by Matt Jurgensen. All three planes are with New Frontier Aviation out of Fort Benton Montana.
Photo from T-873 of T-803 on the foreground and T-855 in the background. Photo by Fred Celeste.