Remarks: I dedicate my 500th to all the hard working pilots, maintainers and other employees of Aero Union who, after 50 years of dedication to fighting wildfires have lost their jobs due to a combination of factors leading to the USFS decision to terminate their contract with the company, ironically a year to the date this photo was taken. Thank you for all the hard work saving countless homes, other property, and most likely lives. May you be back soon! 1600px wide.
Remarks: Despite all the background clutter I am still happy with this photo for obvious reasons! Tanker 23 just starting to taxi to the hot load ramp to fill up with retardant after sitting idle for a few hours due to weather. In the background Tanker 55 (N355MA/SP-2H) and sister P-3A Tanker 21 (N921AU) are already getting their loads of retardant.
Remarks: Del/5/10/1985 Test Registartion as F-WZMK Former Pan Am as N213PA,Apollo Airlines as SX-BAZ "City of Tesaloniky",TNT as OO-TZC,FSB as N210TN,G-BYDH
Remarks: Tanker 21 sits on the ramp as Tanker 55 (N355MA/SP-2H) starts up just after a storm cell moved through putting a stop to air attack operations on the fires they were fighting in the area.
Remarks: Very surprising to see that this may be the first shot from Rogers field in the DB. Tanker 27 taxiing to Chesters' single runway, 16 after taking on a load of retardant while fighting the "McDonald" fire to the Northeast of Susanville,CA.
Remarks: After a busy day fighting the "Constantia" fire to the north of Reno, "Tanker 21" arrives back at the tanker base just as the sun starts to set.
