Friday Fun: Conair Dash 8 Q400 and Avro RJ85

While catching up on my reading yesterday I read in the May- June 2024 edition of Aerial Fire that the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is in the process of upgrading their fleet. This year they will be getting delivery of two Dash 8-Q400AT and two Dash 8-Q400MRE aircraft, for more information see this April 23, 2024 News release from the SPSA. The Q400AT is configured for wildland firefighting while the Q400MRE is designed for multiple roles such as air evacuations, hauling cargo and being configured for wildland firefighting. I believe that both aircraft are from Conair Aerial Firefighting who supplies air tankers to Canada and other countries. Conair's specification page for the Q400AT may be found here. Conair has a specifcation page for the Q400MRE. The maximum tank capacity for the Q400MRE is 9,274 litres or 2,450 US gallons. The Q400AT has a slightly larger maximum tank capacity of 10,000 litres or 2,640 US gallons.

I wanted to find a video to share with you of the Dash 8-Q400 series and was in luck when I found a video of water bomber training in the spring of 2024 at Bendigo Airport (Victoria?). You will see a Dash 8-Q400 and an Avro RJ85. The video is about nine minutes long. Enjoy.

Direct link to video from JB Aviation on YouTube

Update on aerial operations in Australia following T-139 crash

I wrote on February 6th about the crash of Coulson's T-139 while flying a fire in the Fitzgerald River National Park in Western Australia on February 6th. I understand that T-139 had done a split-load, dropping half their load in two passes over the fire. Shortly after dropping the second load, T-139 crashed (see this February 7th article from WAToday).  It is a miracle that both pilots survived and are now out of the hospital. By now, I suspect that conditions are safe enough at the crash site for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau begins their investigation into the crash (go here to read their first report with basic information. 

Coulson had suspended all operations on February 7th for a welfare rest to give crews to rest and reflect. According to their news release, Coulson resumed aerial operations on February 8th. 

The crash of T-139 left Western Australia with only one large airtanker. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service has three large air tankers and loaned one to Western Australia to support their bush fire operations, Conair T-166, an Avro RJ85. T-166 arrived on February 8th.  If you have difficulty seeing the Facebook post from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA that I embedded below, here is a direct link to the post which I believe should be freely available to those who don't have a Facebook account.

Conair Retired CV-580 Tankers: Last Landing T-55

This is a little late, but very heartfelt post saying goodbye to Conair's fleet of nine CV-580 Convair air tankers and one L-188 Electra. Conair retired these air tankers in 2022, see Conair's news release on the retirement of the Convair's. You may also want read this January 3, 2023 article from Aerial Fire Magazine. Fire Aviation has been covering Conair's retirement of the Convair's and their purchase of Q-400s, see for example two articles: January 2021 and June 25, 2022. I knew about the long service of both of these airtankers and in January 2022 I shared a video of a walk around of both of these tankers.

Quite by accident, I found a video shot in late September 2022 of the final landing of Conair Convair Tanker 55 at Victoria Airport complete with a water salute. Well done Convair Tanker 55 and all other Convair air tankers. You did good work helping ground pounders fight wildfires, including helping us here in the lower 48 of the United States. 

Direct link to video by Nybotor1 on YouTube

Walk around Conair's Convair CV 580 and Lockheed L-188 Airtankers

 While I am not a pilot, I am what I call an aviation enthusiast. To that end I do enjoy seeing the workings of airtankers up close and personal. I rarely get such a view, depending for the most part on videos. I do not quite recall how I came across the video that I am sharing with you by Mile High Aviation on a walk around Conair Aviation's Convair 580 and Lockheed L-188 Electra airtankers with retired pilot John Lord. Allow over 16 minutes for the entire video.

I am reasonably certain that Conair is still flying Convair 580 airtankers. I am not sure if Conair is still flying Lockheed L-188 Electra airtankers. I am uncertain of when the video was filmed.

Correction (February 1, 2023) I made an error in this post. The Convair 580 air tankers were still flying in 2022, but that was their last fire season. In early 2021 Conair made plans to retire the Convair 580 air tankers and the Lockheed L-188  at the end of the 2022 season. They will be replaced by Q-400s, see this January 2021 post on Fire Aviation for more information

Enjoy the video

Direct link to video by Mile High Aviation (uploaded by Aviation Whys)  on YouTube

Air Tankers working wildfire in Canada (2015 season)

I am always on the prowl for interesting videos to embed and share with you, especially of Air Tankers and Helicopters working wildfires.

In the video that I am embedding below among the aircraft that you will see are: Lockheed L-188 Electra (Air Spray), Twin Commander 690 Birddog (Air Spray), Cessna Caravan Birddog, Air Tractor 802 Amphibious SEAT (Conair), and an Aerospatiale AS 350 B-2 Helicopter (see the information from HD Aviation who uploaded the video, here (and click on show more under the video description) for more information on the video.


Direct link to video

SEATs - Conair AT-802 Fireboss (amphibious)

Enjoy this 13 minute video of four Conair AT-802 FireBoss (amphibious) tankers in action fighting the Sitkum Creek / Duhamel Creek Forest Fire near Nelson, British Columbia. Video was uploaded on July 12, 2015.


Direct link to video

Tanker history - Conair DC-6 T-48 circa 1990

In my wonderings on Youtube just now I was reminded of this video. from 1990, of Conair DC-6 T-48 getting a load of retardant and then working a fire the Thunder Fire near La Ronge, Saskatchewan in June 1990. This may be a rerun from about four years ago. I enjoyed seeing this video again, and I hope that you do as well. Enjoy.


Direct link to video on Youtube

A-26 Tankers in Canada: Conair A-26 Tanker 28 (part 5 of 13)

Conair T-28 "Blue Canoe"

I have always liked Conair's T-28 because she started out in a blue and white paint scheme as you can see in the photo. One of my tanker pilot friends from Canada referred to her with some affection as the "Blue Canoe." I'm not quite sure when, but sometime before 1983 she was repainted in the Conair paint scheme as shown in a 1983 photo of Conair's livery of Tankers in the History of Aviation in the BC Forest Service: Part 2 Air Tanker Operations (2011, p. 18).

Conair acquired her in April 1974, selling her in November 1988. Assuming that she was flying through the summer of 1988 she would have flown for 14 or 15 seasons depending on how long it took to convert her to tanker configuration. For more information about her history, see the Warbirds Registry page on T-28 (Serial # 44-34520).

Thanks to Maureen Wilson for the photograph of T-28.

A-26 Tankers in Canada: Operators -- Conair (part 3 of 13)

Conair, based in Abbotsford, British Columbia flew A-26 tankers for 16 years from 1970 to 1985 (History of Aviation in the  BC Forest Service Part 2: Air Tanker Operations, 2011, pp. 12, 18).

Around the time that the British Columbia Forest Service (BCFS)  celebrated their 100th anniversary, Gord Bell wrote a wonderful three part paper on the History of Aviation in the  BC Forest Service: A pictorial account for the BCFS Centennial. According the author's information (in the appendix of all three parts), Bell worked for the BCFS for 35 years and spent 25 years working with aviation programs for the BCFS. Part 2 is devoted to airtanker operations and provides some history of Conair, some great pictures and a discussion of Conair's A-26 tanker operations. 

When I first read Linc Alexander's Firebombers into Hell in the fall of 2010 I had been writing about aerial wildland firefighting for about 20 months. Before reading Linc's book, I knew little about the Canadian companies that flew tankers. That changed when I read Linc's book, and Linc's book provided me with my first introduction to Conair. Linc's first season for Conair was in 1974, flying the A-26 tanker. He was to continue flying A-26 tankers for Conair for a total of four years (Alexander, 2010, 248-55). 

I read more about Conair when I read Allan MacNutt's book, Altimeter Rising. Allan was chief pilot at Conair for two years from 1975 through 1977 (Mac Nutt, 2000, 202-5, 245). By the time I read Allan's book I was somewhat more familiar with Conair having done more reading about Conair after they first loaned the US Forest Service some of their tankers after the US Forest Service terminated its contract with Aero Union (go here for more information).

I want to share some information about a Douglas A-26 Invader that saw service with Conair: tankers 22. Tanker 22 is preserved in her Conair colors by the BCAM. I have grown to love the A-26 and I think it is great that tanker 22 is preserved in her Conair colors in homage to all the good work that she and her kin did first in military service and later in service as a tanker. One of these days perhaps I'll get to British Columbia and I'll go to the BCAM and see her up close and personal in all her splendor. 

Finally, some of you may recall that I referenced the napoleon130 A-26 Invader tanker website in my acknowledgements when I first wrote about A-26 Tanker last summer.  The napoleon130 A-26 Invader tanker website has a page devoted to Conair, including but not limited to information on tankers 22 and 28.

I'd like to thank a few pilots who used to fly A-26 tankers for Conair for taking the time to correspond with me about your experience with this incredible airplane. Your help was invaluable.

Note: More information on Linc Alexander's Firebombers into Hell and Allan MacNutt's Altimeter Rising may be found in this acknowledgements post from an earlier series on the A-26.

British Columbia Forest Service: History of Aviation

As promised, I am following up on the article I posted on June 7, 2013

where I shared a link to a video history of the British Columbia Forest Service (BCFS). Today I will share links to information about the history of aviation in the British Columiba Forest Service.

Over a year ago a friend from British Columbia and retired tanker pilot told me about a three-part history of aviation in the BCFS that is available from the folk at the BC Forest Service Centenary Society. I have read most of this three part history which is chock full of some really great photographs. Here is the three part history (links to pdf files):

• History of Aviation in the BC Forest Service: -- Part 1: Transport, Supply and Reconnaissance
• History of Aviation in the BC Forest Service: -- Part 2: Air Tanker Operations
• History of Aviation in the BC Forest Service: -- Part 3: Helicopters

I share another historical video from BCFS100ca from the mid 1980s on fire management techniques In British Columbia, called On the Fire Line. This is the description from the video's about page:

Date produced: 1986
Description: An historical look at wildfire management techniques and technology at use in the mid 1980s. A perspective following the devastating 1985 fire season.

The video shows all aspects of fighting wildfires in British Columbia in 1985 including but not limited  to how Conair's tankers helped slow the spread of the wildfire in support of the firefighters on the ground. When I say all aspects, I mean just that from deploying ground resources, to behind the scenes fire management, to aerial resources, to how wildfires are fought and contained. to the role of the public, to a discussion of large fires, and more. While historic in nature with some great footage of Conair's airtanker fleet from the mid 1980s (DC-6 and Firecats), the message is timely. The 30 minutes that you will spend watching the video is well worth it. 

Reflections on Firecats

We have never met, that doesn't really matter. I have one of your patches on a denim jacket I wear in the warmer weather and I have gotten many compliments on your patch. I also have a Conair Firecat medallion that I carry on my key chain. Both were gifts from a friend who used to be one of your pilots. So in some way, you are always with me.

I have known a couple of pilots who have flown you while you were in service with Conair in British Columbia. So, I know you through them. You and your cousins have flown fires around Canada, in Europe and in the United States (CAL FIRE).

You loved flying fires. Some of you and your kin bought the farm, but those of you who survived continued to fly fires, doing what you do best. 

Those of you who flew for Conair are now retired from firefighting service with Conair. Your service will not be forgotten. Not by those who flew you,  served as your ground crew and  your bird dog pilots; not by all those in and around the communities where you flew fires, and not by me.

May you always fly in favorable tail winds.

Conair Firecat T-564 to Canadian Museum of Flight

direct link to video

I'd like to thank a good friend who sent me a link to this video of the final flight of Firecat T-564 from Abbostford Tanker Base at Kamloops BC to the Canadian Museum of Flight in Langley, BC. The video is a little over 17 minutes. 

As I understand it, the first of Conair's Firecats saw service as a tanker flying fires in 1978. Conair retired the last two Firecats in August 2012. Shortly thereafter, T-564 flew to her new nome at the Canadian Museum of Flight,

I know that T-564 will be loved by many at her new home. Perhaps one day I'll visit British Columbia and get to meet her in person. 

Kamloops Daily News bids farewell to Firecats

Langley Times on the arrival of T-564 with video 

In celebration of their 100th anniversary, Gord Bell (spent 35 years with the BC Forest Service, 25 years in aviation programs) wrote a 3 part History of Aviation in the BC Forest Service, Links to this three part series may be found here. You can read more about Mr. Bell in the appendix of any the three documents. Part 2 of the History of Aviation in the BC Forest Service covers Air Tanker Operations and may be found here, you can read about Conair's Firecats on pp. 16 to 19 of that document.

Conair Firecats in action

Conair in Abbotsford British Columbia (BC), Canada retired their last two Firecats in August 2012, I'll be writing about that in my post on January 16. In the meantime, I wanted to you to see the Firecats in action.

Takeoff 

direct link to video

Firecats in action

direct link to video

Firecat Tankdoor cockpit controls

direct link to video

Firecats reloading (retardant) at Kamloops Airtanker Base (Abbotsford BC)

direct link to video

Conair donates Firecat to Canadian Museum of Flight

A direct link to the video, Conair Firecat comes to Langley may be found here.


direct link to video of the Firecat's arrival at Langley Field from the LangleyTimes

As I understand it, Conair Aviation based in Abbotsford British Columbia in Canada recently retired the last of their Firecat Airtankers from aerial firefighting service in Canada. Conair has donated one Firecat to the Canadian Museum of Flight. She arrived at Langley Field home of the Canadian Museum of Flight on October 5, making two fly-bys and one water drop.  See this article from the Langley Times for more info. I think that it is wonderful that a Firecat will be at this museum where she will be loved by many, a testament to her role in British Columbia aviation history. Good show!

I thought that some of you might want to watch this video of Conair Firecats in action, allow just under 5 minutes for the video.


direct link to Conair Firecat in action on youtube.

Tanker Ops on High Park Fire (CO) from Jeffco AAB

A great video shot at Jeffco AAB in Broomfield CO on June 14 during the High Park Fire. Including some footage of CV-580's from Conair, our friends in Canada.

Conair AT 802s back from Australia

Conair, located in Abbotsford, British Columbia in Canada sent two of their Air Tractor 802's to Australia for their spring and summer fire season. The two 802's are now back in Abbotsford BC. A friend of mine sent me a link to an article by ABC in Australia posted as the two pilots ferrying the 802's back to BC were starting their journey back home. The two 802's flew together on their trip back. The article includes a link to a nice audio interview of the two ferry pilots, Scott Gunter and Ray Dyson. Here is a direct link to the audio interview.

DC-6 Conair T-50 take-off

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.