Monday, November 02, 2009

Memories: Hemet-Ryan AAB 1964-1971



I'd like to thank TL Stein for his permission to post this video. The video is in memory of his Dad, Chief Thomas W. Stein. Chief Stein shot the footage over the course of seven years (1964-1971) during his career with the California Department of Forestry. TL Stein shares his feelings about this video:

When aerial firefighting started out, it was an entirely new concept and science.  For 30 years, people had experimented with various ideas until what we know as the "retardant tank" was made the solution.
 
What is seen in the video, is basically the way it was in it's first 10 years of life.  The planes, the people...pioneers with an idea and a concept.  I'm proud my father was a part of this history and this is the major reason it's important to me to be sure it is documented as best I can.


Plan on spending about 12 minutes to watch the video, you will see some vintage air tankers and get a feel for what life was like at an air attack base in the late 1960s. History helps to form the present. To appreciate what air tanker and helicopter pilots did 45 years ago is to appreciate what they do today. 

Enjoy!

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