videos of airtankers and a chinook

I don't have to tell you that the 2022 wildfire season is well under way in many parts of the United States, e.g. New Mexico (see Bill Gabbert's May 20th article on Wildfire Today) and Texas (see Bill Gabbert's May 21st article on Wildfire Today). I am sure that many of you have seen various images of airtankers, helicopters and chinooks on social media and news outlets. As I am not in a position at the moment to share reliable information on tankers, helicopters and chinooks on contract, I wanted to do something to acknowledge the important work that they do to support wildland firefighters on the ground, so I am sharing three videos with you.

The first video is a five minute video showcasing Aeroflite's CL-415 Scoopers uploaded by Michael Redwine.

direct link to video on YouTube from Michael Redwine

Here is a short clip of Aeroflite's tanker 160 (RJ85) working a wildfire from Randy Joanson

direct link to video on YouTube from Randy Joanson

And finally a nice 5-minute video of Coulson's Chinooks working wildfires. 

direct link to video on YouTube from Coulson Aviation

Avro RJ85 / BAe 146-200 Airtanker

This just in! Conair Group in Canada and Falko have entered into an exclusive agreement to market the Avro RJ 85/ BAe 146-200 as a type 1 airtanker carrying at least 3,000 gallons.

Conair Group is based in Abbotsford in Southwest British Columbia. Conair is currently converting one Avro RJ85 / BAe 146-200 that they purchased in late 2011 for use as an airtanker. The plan is to have it ready by the 2013 fire season.

You may read more about this joint venture in this news release from aviationpros. I'd like to thank a good friend who sent me this article late last night.