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.

Friday, May 26, 2023

Friday Fun: A Look Back at Airtankers in 1987

I wanted to dig into my saved bookmarks of video footage of historic airtankers to share with you for today's Friday Fun. If you are traveling this holiday weekend, I wish you safe travels and an enjoyable weekend.

This footage is courtesy of Brian Lockett of Air-and-Space.com. According to his family, see their Facebook on his Facebook page, he passed away on June 2, 2021 (you may need to be logged on to Facebook). His family is maintaining his website which showcases his photographs and where you can find information about his books.

Allow just under 15 minutes to watch this video shot in October, 1987 at Santa Barbara Airport. According to the description of this video, you will see the following airtankers: Douglas C-54 Skymaster, Lockheed P2V Neptune, Consolidated P4Y-2 and Fairchild C-123 Provider.