Remarks: Tanker 40, the first of what will be many BAe-146's taxiing in to the Reno-Stead tanker base for the first time while committed to the "Como" fire south and east of Dayton, NV. Before being converted into an air tanker, this BAe-146 was with Air Wisconsin as N608AW. The BAe-146s seem to be a good fit to replace the aging P-2 Neptune in the fire bomber role. Neptune itself plans to have up to 11 of the quad-jets to replace its P-2s in the next few years. Other companies such as Air Spray Aviation Services, Conair, and Minden Aviation (based an hour south of Reno) are in the process of converting their own BAe-146s as well. I also want to thank the crew for letting me take a peek inside despite the limited time while the first load of retardant was being loaded.
Remarks: Sitting on the ramp at AUS as we taxi by after landing on 17R. It was accompanied by another Neptune, a couple of Convair firefighting planes, and the DC-10 firefighter to help with the fires recently before.
Remarks: Tanker 12 just finishing the turn to final well after the sun has set while fighting the "Bain Street" Fire to south of Reno. Note the blue flame coming from the exhaust of each engine and the American Flag in the nose.
