Water Bombers

[JPJ]

I spent a few days in North East Spain last week, and I saw a huge brushfire on the south side of Roses bay. Three Pawnees and a Canadair waterbomber were flying a shuttle to the fire for several hours.

So what happens in a Canadair when you pick up the water? The trim must be interesting to say the least. When loading water is the aircraft flying or planing? How does it work?

Anyone ever done it?

[Flintstone]

Never done it but watched a Canadair on a lake near Rome last week. Great stuff!

Pretty sure he was just practising but it still looked hairy and that was just the pilot's chest. As for the medallion he was wearing...............

[EGAC]

JPJ

You might find what you're after either in these sites or in response to an e-mail query to them.

http://www.airtanker.com/aap/aap2.htm

http://www.afia.com/

[411A]

Not only the drama associated with loading....but consider the dropping as well. Went along one day on a DC-7 forest service qualification flight for one of the pilots, the size and shape of the trees at 150 feet AGL has a whole new meaning. Pays well, if you live to spend it. The favorite aircraft in the western US seems to be the P-3, instant power when you need it and great reliability. Ah ....Lockheed!