Coulson Aviation's New Aircraft for Lead and AirAttack

I was excited to see Coulson Aviation's April 7th Facebook post announcing that they have purchased five Citation aircraft from Canada for their Lead and Air Attack program. I enjoyed watching Coulson's video where I learned more about Coulson's new Citation aircraft. 

Transporting a MH-47 Chinook Helicopter

I have to admit that I never gave much thought to how large helicopters such as the MH-47 Chinook are transported when they are not able to fly. Yes, I was being a little dense. Anyway, I was intrigued when I was checking my Facebook feed this morning and saw this post by Coulson Aviation of a MH-47 Chinoom being transported by a large tractor trailer. I do believe but I am not certain that a smaller helicopter might be able to be transported by a large aircraft such as a C130 when they are not able to fly. Anyway, I thought that these pictures from Coulson might be of interest to some of you so I am sharing it today

Direct link to March 4th post by Coulson Aviation on Facebook

Coulson Aviation: Aerial firefighting from start to finish

On  Monday morning on the day we celebrate Martin Luther Kings birthday is the morning after a weekend of two moderate snowfalls here in New Jersey and adjoining states. I suspect but am not quite certain that the snowfall may put a damper on any existing wildfires and perhaps may deter any wildfires from starting? 

I pause on this holiday to share a Facebook video from Coulson Aviation on aerial firefighting from start to finish.

Direct link to video from Coulson Aviation on Facebook

Coulson Aviation's International Operations 2025-26

 As we enter into winter in the northern United States and contractors supplying aerial wildland firefighting aircraft begin winter maintenance on some of their fleet, the southern hemisphere is in late spring and early summer meaning an uptick in bush fires (aka wildfires). I am grateful that Coulson Aviation is among the wildfire aviation operators in the United States that has an international presence. In particular, Coulson has a presence in South America and Australia in addition to their presence in the U.S  To the best of my knowledge Coulson has been in Australia and South America for at least a couple of years. For example, in July 2024 Coulson entered into a 10 year contract with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service in Australia to manage, operate, and maintain thier fleet of 11 aircraft used to fight bushfires  This 11 aircraft fleet includes a 737 Fireliner a CH-47 Chinook, smaller helicopters and lead planes. 

The CH-47 Chinook based in New South Wales is equipped with night vision capabilities 

Within the last couple of days one of Coulson's 737s touched down in Chile for their summer bush fire season to support the firefighters on the ground and help protect residences and businesses on the ground 

Airtanker Operations: Coulson's Air Attack

Direct link to August 2023 video from Brit Coulson of Coulson Aviation on YouTube

One of the important elements of how airtankers of various sizes and helicopters work in the air to help firefighters on the ground to fight wildfires are the aircraft known as air attack. Air attack aircraft coordinate the aerial operations above the fire. Lead planes will lead the tanker or helicopter into the fire to make their drop. Watch to this eight minute video from Brit Coulson of Coulson Aviation where the various aspects that make up air attack are discussed. 

Aerial Firefighting Training in New South Wales Australia

Direct link to August 24th video from Coulson Aviation on YouTube

I know that Coulson Aviation has a significant presence in Australia including Tanker B10, a 737 large air tanker, of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. I enjoyed this video because it gave me a peek into what flight crew training is like in Australia. While there are likely some differences in how flight crew training (pilots and other crews) in Australia and flight crew training in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere the goal is the same. That the flight crews have adequate training in the necessary procedures while flying fires and that they do so as safe as possible.

Coulson Aviation C130H Tanker Walk Around: Redardant Tank System

 

Direct link to July 12 video from Coulson Aviation on YouTube

Enjoy this nine minute video of Coulson Aviation RADS Modification Supervisor providing a walk around of the RADS retardant tank system on a Coulson C-130H airtanker (tanker 132)  RADS stands for Retardant Aerial Delivery Systems. I enjoyed this video because I love airtankers and appreciate getting a close-up view of the RADS system that I otherwise would not experience because I live across the country from Coulson's Thermal CA base.

2025 Wildfire Season: Coulson Helos and 10 Tanker DC-10 Tanker in action

I do my best to follow Airtanker companies that contract with the US Forest Service or individual States on Facebook. Today I highlight 10 Tanker Air Carrier, 10 Tanker has a fleet of DC-10s, and Coulson Aviation. Coulson's fleet includes 

• CH-Helitankers,
• Blackhawk UH-60 
• Helitankers, 
• 737 Fireliner, 
• C-130 Hercules
• Sikorsky S-61 Helicopters

More information on Coulson's fleet may be found here, with some videos.

About Lead Planes from Coulson Aviation

Direct link to video from Britt Coulson on YouTube 

I have gained some idea about how lead planes work over wildfires in the years that I have been writing this blog. I learned something about what lead planes flown by Coulson Aviation do and I think that what Coulson does is similar to what other contractors flying lead planes do. I enjoy videos like these because it takes me up close to operations that I would not be able to see in person.

Thanks to my friends at B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who shared this video on their website today.

2025 Spring Training: Coulson C-130 Stall Training

I know from my reading on aviation and flying that any pilot (or crew) needs to know how their aircraft reacts in a stall and how they can get out of a stall. Simply, a stall happens when the wings lose lift making it difficult for the aircraft to continue to fly. Airflow over the wings is crucial for the wings to maintain lift and continue flying. In a stall, the necessary airflow over the wings to keep the wing flying is no longer there. Each aircraft has different ways to counteract the stall and keep the aircraft in the air so it is good that spring training in the airtanker business includes stall training and recovery from stalls. Go to this report by the Pilot Institute to read more about stalls.

I was not surprised to see this Facebook Post from Coulson Aviation on stall training as a part of their 2025 spring training (direct link to Coulson Aviation's Facebook post on stall training).

Coulson Aviation Acquired Four C-130's from New Zealand

Coulson currently has six C-130 airtankers. As you can see from the above news release (direct link to news release), Coulson has purchase four C-130's from New Zealand. After Coulson has converted these four C-130s  to C-130 airtankers with the RADS-XXL tank system Coulson will have a fleet of ten C-130 airtankers.

To learn more about the C-130 airtanker and its conversion watch the video below.

Direct link to video from Coulson Aviation on YouTube

Friday Fun: Coulson 737 Pilot Shares About a Typical Day

 It has been awhile since I have posted a Friday Fun aviation video. I saw this video on " A Day in the Live of a 737 Tanker Pilot" from Coulson Aviation a few days and knew that I had to share it with you. Follow Jonas, a Coulson 737 Tanker pilot as he takes you through a typical day. Allow over eleven minutes to watch the video, it is worth the watch. Enjoy.

Direct link to video from Coulson Aviation on YouTube

Coulson Aviation Retired the Phillippine Mars

 

Direct link to video from 12NewsAz on YouTube

The JRM Mars aircraft or flying boats were built in the early 1940s with delivery of the First Martin Mars in 1945. I believe that only seven were built. 

In 2007 Coulson Aviation bought two JRM-1 Mars aircraft, The Hawaii Mars iI and the Philippine Mars. These aircraft or flying boats were used for aerial wildland firefighting. The Hawaii Mars II saw its last stint fighting wildfires in 2015, when there were no buyers the Hawaii Mars II was retired to the British Columbia Aviation Museum a few months ago. The Philippine Mars required some maintenance overhauls before it could be retired to the Pima Air and Space Museum. The Aviationist has a nice article on the Philippine Mars and the other Martin Mars flying boats, go here to read this article (I hope this link works for you, my apologies if it does not.)

Direct link to video from Tobyn Burton Aviation Videos on YouTube

Direct link to video from AirRailImages on YouTube

As you can see from the videos that I have embedded above, the Philippine Mars took off from Sprout Lake in British Columbus on February 9th.

The legendary Philippine Mars is on her way to Arizona, and thanks to our partnership with SKYTRAC, you can track her journey in real time!  #coulsonaviation #philippinemartinmars 

📍 Track her progress here: https://t.co/Giv1mJwYdm pic.twitter.com/x65yHOpZeY

— Coulson Aviation (@CoulsonAviation) February 9, 2025

She arrived at Lake Pleasant Arizona on February 11th.

The Philippine Mars has arrived in Arizona! ✈️ After an incredible journey from Sproat Lake, she’s now en route to her forever home at the Pima Air & Space Museum. A historic chapter closes, but her legacy lives on. #philippinemars #aviationhistory #coulsonaviation pic.twitter.com/oVJs1iQ2Xn

— Coulson Aviation (@CoulsonAviation) February 12, 2025

The Philippine Mars was disassembled for transport to the Pima Air and Space Museum where it will be assembled before going on display at the museum go here for more information.

News from Coulson Aviation (January 3rd)

 Coulson Aviation is deploying to Australia and has already deployed to Chili after a busy wildfire season in the western United States. See these short posts from X, formerly Twitter for more information.

Today, Coulson Aviation marks 15 million gallons of water and retardant delivered on fire missions this year. Every drop represents our unwavering support for firefighters and the communities they protect 💪 #coulsonaviation #aerialfirefighting pic.twitter.com/0h1NsR5RrM

— Coulson Aviation (@CoulsonAviation) December 30, 2024

 

As 2024 ends, we’re reflecting on an incredible year of aerial firefighting operations. Thanks to the Coulson Crew, partners, and local orgs for trusting us to protect communities worldwide. Here's to a safe, impactful 2025! #happynewyear #coulsonaviation #aerialfirefighting pic.twitter.com/107L7bYiaV

— Coulson Aviation (@CoulsonAviation) December 31, 2024

 

 

Take to the skies with Tanker 138! Before deploying to Western Australia earlier this year, this Herc completed a test flight, ensuring it in tip-top shape for the upcoming fire season. Join us for a glimpse of this incredible aircraft in action 💪 #coulsonaviation #c130 pic.twitter.com/xIQrnXHqU8

— Coulson Aviation (@CoulsonAviation) January 2, 2025

Day 1 on contract in Chile, and Tanker 137 is already making an impact. Our Coulson Crew hit the ground running, ensuring smooth operations and keeping the mission on track. Getting it done is what we do 💪 #coulsonaviation #aerialfirefighting pic.twitter.com/WfPa4GxHxN

— Coulson Aviation (@CoulsonAviation) December 27, 2024