Originally Posted by
verticalspin
Gordy, I think you're talking about the 407 HLCO machines. The 429s don't have any of that equipment installed.
Nope, Cal-Fire has two of them on contract, one operated by Capitol Helicopters, I gave one of their pilots his 135 ride earlier this year. It is based at McClellan Field, (main aviation base of Cal-Fire). He used to work for me at Redding Air Service on our fire contracts before moving to Capitol.
Also one of the Coulson S-76 pilots used to work for me flying our S-76's before leaving to go work for them.
See this articel here...scroll down almost to the end:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources...a-d79c0ff994c3
That’s where Cal Fire captains like Williamson come in.
They hover a thousand feet above the fray in helicopters like the Bell 429. Cal Fire is using versions equipped with multiple AM and FM radios and night vision capabilities.
Digital screens in the cockpit allow the crew see all the other helicopters participating in the firefight. Bright lights illuminate their way at night. The craft is light and nimble, and powered by twin engines.
From up high, they can co-ordinate multiple aircraft to drop their water on the same target, extinguishing the flames for the ground team below.
The Cal Fire team has a particular affection for their Bell 429.
“This is the one I've been on since the beginning,” said Williamson. “It’s awesome. It’s a pretty rad helicopter.”
