I hope you've enjoyed this insight to Will's flying; it's helped me put things together and sort out the few pictures we have from his career, and reminds me once again of the great time he was having, pursuing his dream.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Becoming a Water Bomber Pilot
The last step in Will's career was joining Conair Aerial Firefighting, based in British Columbia, nearly 4 years ago now. During his first summer he flew the big water bombers with a co-pilot, and then he moved to the advance group of small single pilot bombers.
This is the small water bomber. They pick up water directly from a lake, working in a team of 4-6 identical planes, and drop it along the edge of a fire, or around buildings that they're trying to save.
The large water bombers are quite different. They need to be filled at an airport, and they drop a chemical fire retardant, in advance of the fire edge. They take longer to reach a fire and between refills as they need to fly to the nearest airport. You can see the extra tank on the bottom of the plane.
While on fire fighting duty, they operate on a 4-level alert system, meaning they have to be ready to go in 5 minutes/30 minutes/1 hour or they get the day off. But they are always on 24 hour call for the entire summer. Here they're on red alert, waiting at the airport, and have to be ready to be onboard in 5 minutes.
The smaller bombers normally work in a team, flying past the fire in a line, taking turns dropping their water.
Here they are in action, 3 planes reloading, and one higher up turning back to the fire. A 'bird-dog' plane leads the line, directing the planes where they are to go. All of them are in touch by radio.
This is Will in tanker 92, getting ready to go. This was the plane he was flying when he went down nearly 3 weeks ago, caught in a violent updraft from the flames.
I hope you've enjoyed this insight to Will's flying; it's helped me put things together and sort out the few pictures we have from his career, and reminds me once again of the great time he was having, pursuing his dream.
I hope you've enjoyed this insight to Will's flying; it's helped me put things together and sort out the few pictures we have from his career, and reminds me once again of the great time he was having, pursuing his dream.
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You've written a great tribute about your son. A guy like him will be missed in many places.
ReplyDeleteThis has been the most wonderful tribute, with words and photos combined, you have shared with us a part of his life, images we might never have dreamt about, and in a small way, in whatever way it could, I hope this has helped with your loss and grief .It will always be with you, and somehow we have shared your loss in our own ways too. Caring thoughts from down in NZ.
ReplyDeleteHaving worked on many forest fires and seen air-tankers (from old DC-3s to Air Tractors) in action, I've always admired the skill and pure guts of the pilots.The first person I ever saw die was a pilot whose aircraft went down and in my younger days knew a number of pilots who lost their lives while flying. It's a risky business and it takes special people to do it. Again, thank you for sharing something that's got to be exceptionally painful.
ReplyDeleteExcellent pictures, quite dramatic.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed all your son's photos and the stories behind them.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed the photos and especially the insight into his life as a water bomber pilot...a hero for sure! I used to be a Fireman...we had a forest fire...horrible smoke...chokes you nearly to death...and then there was a water bomber drop...what a difference that made to help cool things off. So I am certain that many people are/were very appreciative of his efforts. :)
ReplyDeleteAn educational look into a fine young man's life.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've enjoyed it all, even knowing that he was taken while doing this work. He will be remembered as a hero. Thank you for letting me know him and his work.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a good way to pay tribute to him. I had heard of the use of lead planes to guide various water bomber pilots in during fire fighting. Quite a system to develop over time.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a really great series of pictures, and what a wonderful series to have. He surely was an adventurous soul. And I was reminded of how little we think about those who risk their lives to make ours better. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing this group of bloggers that have followed your trails in the past to walk the path of sorrow with you. Prayers and blessings to you and your wife.
ReplyDeleteBravo to Will! That small water bomber looks like it would be fun to fly. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteWow it is amazing to see these pictures and learn about the water bomber planes. Will sure took some amazing pictures. A wonderful tribute to your son that we are privileged to share.
ReplyDeleteI have learned a lot about this dangerous but important work of fire fighting by plane through your recent posts and appreciate even more the dangerous work these pilots do. Thank you for sharing your son's life and work with us. Blessings to you, your wife and family as you continue to grieve Will's passing.
ReplyDeletePam