Random Ramblings: Aerial Wildland Firefighting

I have blogged about aerial wildland firefighting since 2009. I am not a firefighter and am not a pilot, just an interested bystander who wants to learn more and share what I learn here. Join me here as I blog on the aircraft and the pilots who fight wildland fires from the air in support of crews on the ground. I also blog on concerns affecting fire crews on the ground as well as other aviation and meteorology issues. Learn what it takes to do jobs that are staffed by the best of the best.

Monday, February 01, 2010

Up close with the AT-802 with the help of Queen Bee: Loading retardant

As I understand it the valves used for loading retardant in the AT-802F -- 3 inch male kamlock couplers -- are standard in airtankers. The federal SEAT contracts require dual valves, so that retardant can be loaded from either side of the aircraft. When used in the "agricultural configuration, there is only one valve, on the left side of the aircraft.

Thanks to my friends at Queen Bee for the photos!