Boeing 747 Global SuperTanker at the LNU Lightning Complex fires

[@frannelk]

I see 2 things: An incredible skilled pilot, and an incredible skilled camera man.

[@wcolby]

Thank you, I am honored... (I am sure the pilot is too)

[@seedplanter7173]

I see cancer causing payload.. that's just me I guess.

[@wcolby]

@ SeedPlanter yes, it is just you.

[@lauriewagner4349]

She is gorgeous! I've always thought she is the most beautiful plane in the sky. But I hear they quit making them.☹️. What a shame....and I always wanted to fly on one.😒 The cameraman filmed her with a ton of respect.

[@J354CAO]

Wow !!. That's some amazing flying

[@TralfazConstruction]

Best Cinematography Award to the camera operator. That's some _real_ flying too.

[@Bibibosh]

Yeah mate. Thats what she said.

[@paulsuprono7225]

This 747 found a NEW profession. NO more airlines and now fire control !

[@MetalMilitia072583]

This guy is ahead of his time! People are still filming vertically 😂

[@anton4791]

I believe the camera is automated. Locked onto the plane and the camera follows it. Allows the "cameraman" just switch between lens

[@sheilasembly-crum8447]

Talk about impressive piloting skills!

[@trecoolable]

To everyone saying they missed: The goal of flame retardant is to prevent the further spread of the fire by spreading it in front of the growing fire. Imagine drawing a line where the fire has a harder time to spread. They aren't able to put it out completely but rather they are doing their job by containing the spread of the fire. Take some time to think about it and do research before you criticize over these pilots' work.

[@mancuby6679]

TreCoolable Well done !!!! 👍👍

[@julius855]

I mean cmon people this should be common knowledge

[@wcolby]

@@julius855 So the plumber was fixing my toilet the other day and said the 3/8 -1/4 turn compression valve that I installed on the 1/2 inch copper pipe was the problem. I should have used a 1/2 threaded fitzer valve and it would have been fine. and I swear he said "that should be common knowledge". and i said ya.... for plumbers.

[@julius855]

@rgtrooper13 its less about aerial firefighting but more about the fact that so many people dont know you can fight a fire without directly Extingushing it Thinking about it this is less common knowledge but more common sense

[@jorgeestrada5713]

Ok. Thank you for the information. I didn't know.

[@willcoleman3427]

These pilots are my absolutely hero’s. If you knew how dangerous this actually was, how stressful and the amount of concentration and skill. All these guys, from the puddle jumper to 747 are men and women who exemplify courage.

I am certainly no pilot, but the extremely high level of skill and bravery from that pilot and crew is absolutely incredible.

[@sethfroman7044]

Here Right Now was just thinking the same thing. Pilot and crew have giant balls maneuvering in and out of those valleys and mountains was just so skillful and amazing to watch.

[@babuphukan8920]

Oscar should go to the man who captured the entire event 🙏🏻👍🏻 Love and respect from India 🇮🇳

[@cyclingoptions9007]

This tanker along with the DC10 and the other tankers are reloaded at McClellan Airport in Sacramento. They are making round trips from dawn to dusk. Hard and dangerous work for both the air and ground crews. Thank you for your service!

[@richardparker9595]

They should aquire some Beriav 200 fire fighters planes from Russia.

[@cyclingoptions9007]

@@richardparker9595 Airports on the Southern California desert are loaded with surplus jumbo jets available to convert to tankers if necessary.

[@richardparker9595]

@@cyclingoptions9007 but these planes are not suitable for and not built for firefighting.

[@cyclingoptions9007]

@@richardparker9595 They seem reliable and are doing the job. They DC-10s have been used for about 10 years. I understand that many of the retrofits are made at the Chico Airport about 100 miles north of Sacramento. If we already have suitable equipment available and can put our own people to work modifying them why send money overseas?

[@richardparker9595]

@@cyclingoptions9007 These 747 planes are too expensive to operate and mantain. Where as you can purchase a new BE 200 for the cost of operating the 747 for 1 year.

[@jguo]

A salute to all the courageous firefighters! Earlier this year when Australia was burning, the nearest fires were merely 30km away from our house. The tankers from the US came to help and very sadly, a Hercules tanker crashed and her crew perished. Those people risk their lives to save others and it is more than a job they are doing. You are true heroes in this world!

[@64sunda]

Inside plane : pull up terrain terrain .. pull up terrain terrain

[@AMR15H]

Whoop whoop

[@ceff01]

Nope he uses terrain ovr button sorry to ruin ur fun

[@levibailey6256]

Thanks for copying my comment fucker

[@ceff01]

@@levibailey6256 you stole my comment I report yu

[@jibethmorel3573]

Nothing interesting, never landed😠

[@michaelfarrell8133]

This plane is the world's largest firefighting air tanker. The 747 will always remain the most gorgeous aircraft ever made. Long live the Queen!

[@johno9507]

Who else was appreciating how good the camera was?

[@wcolby]

I was.

[@jamesb2291]

Amazing. I honestly never even knew this plane existed. Look at the wing loading on the first pass. She is so heavy and still is flying around gracefully with full flaps. A beautiful aircraft and awesome pilot. Great job!

[@phillm156]

Looks like a choreographed dance. That stabilized camera on the chopper is also impressive.

[@buntik1687]

To see a plane that big flying so low and making those turns is amazing.

[@bxpress6507]

This is nothing compared to flutter test each plane has to endure before being certified😁

[@michaelbailey1578]

He or she is a pilot alright, and a good one too. Stick and rudder work at low altitude in rugged terrain in a 747-400? That takes a damned good pilot and crew. The camera work was superb as well.

[@firewaterforgeofarizona4304]

The amount of positive flex in those wings is amazing!

[@mackydog99]

I worked on tail #945 in Marana,AZ also the wing stress test of the 747 reached 29ft before breaking.

[@barry-kukula1865]

Hats off to those pilots. These people have balls of steel. May god be with them!

[@robertcornelius8056]

Aside from the amazing flying, what an iconic beauty this 50 year old bird is

[@IRONHORSE427RACING]

You just can't truly appreciate the shear beauty of what these planes and their pilots can do till you have witnessed it up close and in person. I have seen a 747 almost exactly like this one and several other smaller Tanker Wildfire planes work a fire line and it's something I will never forget.

[@erichughes284]

It's mind blowing to be on a small hill and be looking down on them

[@erichughes284]

It is something you need to witness to appreciate the beauty like you said.

[@David-yy7lb]

Just awesome to see the queen of the skies with the flaps and slats extended for low speed flight👍🏾👍🏾....the A380 cannot compete with a tried and true legend.....Hail to the queen of the skies 👍🏾👍🏾

[@b3j8]

Yeah it is. I've seen enough 747 "last flight" videos. Here's one old sweetheart that's still up there, but doing a job I'll bet her designers never thought she'd be doing! Boeing 747, accept no substitute!

[@rla1000]

Never would have dreamed a 747 was so agile. Amazing photography! Thumbs up.

[@SuisunSymKat]

I watched this plane over the Napa/Solano Hills a few years back. The agility of the plane surprised me. The talent of the pilot was awesome! . I never imagined I'd see a 747 make a U-Turn, swoop down in the Valley, then lift upwards as if it were a Sunday drive to enjoy the scenery. I pulled off the road to watch this amazing plane & crew.

[@timothycook2917]

Didn't Paul McCartney have a song called Sally C? ...oh wait, sorry, that was Sally G 😏

[@finaloption...]

I just learned the 747 is far more powerful and capable in the right hands than I had ever imagined.

[@corinnestefanko5300]

Wow! Great slow flight with full flaps. A great pilot. My dad worked on the 747 design at Northrop in 1969.

[@danmilosevich]

Didn't know Northrop was in on the 747.

[@corinnestefanko5300]

@@danmilosevich hi, yes, they helped design the cargo door locks and other fuselage parts. My dad went up to the Boeing plant in Everett, Washington on the job. It was among time ago but all the Northrop employees got to go on board the TWA 747 open house at LAX. I remember the red and white seats.

[@Phineas1626]

Corinne Stefanko Are those the cargo door latches at the heart of United flight 811 in 1989?

[@clqudy4750]

My God! What a beast! And that's some seriously ballsy flyin' Guess they ripped the terrain warning alarm right out in that model, huh? Way impressive!

[@morrisschwarts4826]

The flex in her wings before and after the drop is dramatic.

[@bogdan_n]

She's old, she's not the biggest of them all anymore, but this graceful, mighty beast will always be THE QUEEN

[@bigfox9218]

Oh yes she is ain’t no other like her...won’t dare do this with a A380😂🤣

[@kirkm]

not so fast my friend, they were still being built up until a few years ago and in various sizes

[@sherlock8627]

To the pilots of this beautiful air craft and all fire fighters ground and air. please be safe and get home to your loved ones. Thank you for your efforts and dedication. kindest regards P R Holmes Australia

[@ProctorsGamble]

Kudos to the camera operator keeping that beautiful bird centered in the frame from such a distance and from a moving helicopter!

[@pamelatify]

I live next to the McClellen AFB where this amazing plane is stationed. I LOVE watching this incredible aircraft take off and landing from my home. It is magnificent.

[@SavageCips]

Lucky you got the best seat!

[@danmilosevich]

It is an awesome sight!

[@MarcLKelly]

Whoever is flying that is a complete badass.

[@drink15]

Marc Kelly thanks

[@seungjunrhee]

To see such a massive aircraft fly through huge columns of smoke... Definitely the most magnificent footage of an airplane I have ever seen. All hail the fire-fighting queen!

[@guxs1652]

Wow, I couldn't believe my eyes that this giant 747 is so beautiful when flying over the trees like birds. Thanks for the video.

[@shaunroberts9361]

Wow. Incredible. Flying a huge jet like a crop duster. .

[@moysoyjoy]

Shaun Roberts it really is! During the Tubbs Fire, I was able to see it in action. Truly amazing ✈️

[@ghawk78]

This beautiful aircraft has been flying over my house for the last few days, just after it takes off. It makes the ground shake.

[@mojo4849]

Greg Hawkins Mine, too, East Sacramento.

[@ghawk78]

@@mojo4849 Fulton Ave.

[@antonbruce1241]

These pilots are either completely insane, or they balls of steel!!! A 747 was never designed to fly a couple of hundred feet off the ground, and at just above stall speed. What the guys do with these planes is absolutely fantastic!

[@jamesweldon9726]

Especially when you keep in mind that a smaller 747 is roughly the size of a football field. Totally freaking amazing!

[@antonbruce1241]

@@jamesweldon9726 And that one's a 747-400 - EVEN LARGER!

[@drink15]

There was modifications made for it to this this. It would be as easy with a passenger 747.

[@datvik7187]

If the 747 wasn't designed to fly at near stall speeds above the ground then what is the 747 doing on final approach for the last 50 years.. 🤯🤪

[@drink15]

@@datvik7187 Landing.

[@taradrolma2774]

The communities are so grateful to have this bird in the sky.

[@LTF39]

I don't Know what is more impressive, if it's the plane itself or the cameraman behind the lens

[@dupeeq]

Its computer controlled servo motor doing the job.. that's the ticking noise..

[@71spicyjenn]

This plane AND PILOT are amazing!! In 2017 they saved my little town in California. I was able to witness this giant plane turn around in a canyon that was so close it felt like I could just reach up and touch the wing above my head. Flawless and exciting, 2 small drops in a row by this plane and the huge threat was gone. WHY IS IT NOT STILL ALOWED TO SERVICE OUR FIRES???? I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO GET IT BACK IN SERVICE IN THE US!!!!!!!!

[@darrenkastl7493]

In my opinion, there's not a more beautiful plane than this, any 747 any configuration, any plane anywhere. Period!

[@kVidStream]

She's very graceful. Kudos to the pilot

[@waltervila33]

Come on give it up for these pilots flying the queen of the skies like a prop Cessna

[@reddalahad6451]

For those who think that the pilots are missing their mark, they didn't. They're intentionally spraying at the location where the fire is heading, it's to contain and prevent the fire from spreading.

[@Fadil1954]

Proud to be an Avionics Engineer on this beauty .... the best A/C ever including 737.....made in America

[@shirleycrooms2737]

Your pilots are amazing, when I look down at that tiny little windshield, you are there piloting that huge beast, amazing!!!! Please stay safe and thank you for your service!!!!

[@bravofoxable]

Incredible pilot skills at that altitude! Very good video, thanks.

[@MrMadBaggins]

A 747 was never supposed to be able to fly and manuver so close to land like this. The pilots of this plane are clearly at the top of their game. Notice the constant stress of the wings and flaps full, I can only assume they're staying above ground by the headwind heat of the fire and the surrounding valley winds. But I'm no expert, simply awesome flying.......

[@87fixxxer]

I think it also has something to do that plane is heavy loaded with fire retardant: tens of thousands of tons in main fuselage.

[@jeffhurckes190]

Plane is actually not that heavily loaded. The flaps are fully extended and the slats are out because they cannot fly faster than 150 knots while dropping, as any faster puts too much risk on any nearby ground crew being injured.

[@JasonWelchMusic]

The trophy goes to the photographer... to be able to capture that clear and smooth from a chopper is outstanding... Some of the "scenes" could easily pass for cinematic movies. We ALMOST got a glimpse of the jet pilot a couple times.... All that from at LEAST 500-700 feet away... just wow.

[@wcolby]

Thank you for the kind words... Just so you know, we were at 7000 feet, so this is shot from about 1 & 1/2 miles away.

[@JasonWelchMusic]

@@wcolby thats incredible 👏

[@matthewwilson5019]

@@wcolby that's really cool

[@andrewward1887]

To be able to fly a plane that size full of liquid has to take some serious skill hats off to them.

[@mrgone658]

Not to mention a special cradle in the pilot's and first officers seats to accommodate their substantial stones of heavy metal, if you know what I mean.

[@mirrormirroronthewall1905]

Mr Gone their pair of heavy metal balls. I get what you mean : )

[@bogdan_n]

@@mrgone658 those heavy metal balls must NOT be cradled. They dynamically balance the payload

[@marklisa9967]

Just awe inspiring. Not easy to fly that giant bird in those mountains with all of the thermals and eddies and currents. Queen of the Sky Indeed! He crew is equally awesome!

[@662wc5]

I live near where one of the big wildfires started and quickly spread earlier this month. Lucky for us we were upwind and it moved away from us into the foothills over the next few weeks as they fought to contain and then extinguish it. Not so lucky for those in its path, but through the skill and bravery of the firefighters and LE they were able to evacuate everyone in its path and save all but a few structures. My dog and I happened to be at a park near where it started and the first firefighting aircraft were arriving. I later read that there were only three 747 tankers made, only one is still flying (the one in the video), and it flew down from Sacramento that evening to help fight our fire. I think we were standing there watching when it arrived. It came down out of the north, rapidly losing altitude and flying around a mountain before circling lower, getting into position, and making its first pass with retardant. We watched it make several low, banking passes like in the video until the sun started going down and all of the aircraft on scene had to clear out for the night. It was amazing watching them do their job over the next several days with tankers of all sizes, including the 747, a DC-10, and several C-130's. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/747_Supertanker

[@melissalentz32]

Some of the most extraordinary flying I’ve ever seen. Dropped right over target in a perfect line in two flyovers. That 747 was like a two seater Cessna under that pilot’s control. Bravo and thank you!

[@jjbrown675]

Saw it fly by earlier and I can hear it circling right now. Can't thank possibly thank them enough.

[@SpecialistBR]

"Pilot, see that fire?" "Yes sir" "I don't want to" "Yes sir"

[@laxmannate07]

It drops minced fire extinguishers. That’s why the mist is red.

[@kurtlesser2684]

Superb camera work in this video but that 47 pilot has got to have cajones of pure titanium!

[@osamabinladen824]

@SGT Andy Dixon We bet

[@patbrown2227]

This pilot deserves a medal!!!

[@wrav47]

I never realized what a beautiful plane a 747 is in flight, it looks so graceful.

[@melodydawn]

That bad ass 747 was the same plane that boarided the entrance of our property last week . It was amazing how low altitude he sprayed the boride at , he must have been flying 3.5 stories high to do his drop, we all thought he was going to crash , the best amazing thing I've ever saw in my life . Thank you to the crew , Bless your ❤ & thank you .

[@laurieannrogan1317]

How on Earth can anyone give this a thumbs down? Obviously they're Airbus fans . The 747 is just a masterpiece design. I must say I also like the A380. What an absolute beauty she is.

[@wcolby]

Laurieann Rogan • don't let haters make you sad... Most people that hit the thumb down are.... 1) people that don't understand aerial firefighting and think the tanker missed. 2) people that think "we don't like forest fires" so thumbs down... 3) People that don't like the natural sound. 4) Airbus Employees 5) Please don't forget to like & subscribe.

[@videopokernetwork6824]

You're very generous for posting such a wonderful viewing experience for aviation fans around the world to share. Thank you!

[@laurieannrogan1317]

This is absolutely macnificent video and footage. I think it's actually spectacular. The fire is heartbreaking though. This video is outstanding and really very very mesmerizing. Totally captivating. I really love that plane.

[@susanshepard7179]

Now that's some real camera work, pilot action, and the good kind of superspreader needed in California. Thanks and keep safe.

[@imautuber]

I would imagine flying that around there is like trying to bring a super tanker into harbour without tugs. That is some amazing flying!

[@jerryumfress9030]

What an awesome sight, I tip my hat to the pilot and co pilot

[@auntbenben]

Wow if you have an emotional brokenheart for Cali & her wildfires raging + a love for commercial airliners /jumbo jets this video footage of a Firefighting Supertanker is just phenomenal.

[@brookekathryn1980]

Queen of the sky's flown by pilots with balls of steel! Just look at those flaps and thrust. Serious AOA change as that bird drops her payload! Wow! This is skill!

[@eugenehowes229]

An example of true professionals in action.

[@kittygonzalez2827]

A personal thank you to the crew....you saved our lives as you put out the Glass Fire! And d AETNA PORTION of LNU Complex!

[@Wait4me2]

Wow, I have never seen such steady and smooth camera work! I didn’t expect to see such finesse, I just loved it. Thank you so much!

[@tmlafrance]

A gyro stabilized gimbal is doing some of the work.

[@TheVenezuelanviewer]

Beautiful shoots of this airplane, but more importan, it is a really effective firefighter machine. At the sommer time in 2017 a very big forest fire occurs in south of Santiago de Chile. This plane made a really good work and a lot of familys remember with gratitude. A Chilean businessman rent an paid the bill, an it was the most importan part of the solution of that catastrophe. God bless them all.

[@royshashibrock3990]

So few of us regular folk (non-pilots) ever get to see a plane FROM ABOVE doing it's work. This is an excellent video of an outstanding aircraft doing something it was not made for. And, the videography is top notch as well. Bravo.

[@wcolby]

Well thank you! It’s cool shooting aircraft from above, I got the camera but my pilot got me there… and the towers always yelling bravo to my pilot. :-)

[@fyx812]

I was thinking the same thing, the 747 Wasn't made for Reconnaissance missions, it has to LAND, RELOAD, AND DO IT OVER AND OVER..... THERE ARE OTHER, AND BETTER ALTERNATIVES!!! JUST SAYIN'

[@royshashibrock3990]

@@fyx812 Yeah...I don't think the 747 type engineers had low, slow flying with the ups and downs of canyon/valley flying in mind when they designed her.

[@laurieannrogan1317]

The plane is absolutely poetry in motion. What a fantastic pilot.

[@Biggummysmile]

Pretty sure this is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

[@TheRDMagee]

Check out the video of Blondie doing Sunday Girl on Top of the Pops,

[@benjaminsmith9339]

It's kinda unreal to see a bird so big fly so low that long with out clipping a ridge and creating an even bigger fire. Props to the pilot with huge clanking balls of steal for doing that job.

[@therocinante3443]

I can't imagine how interesting it feels to fly that jet. The handling characteristics must change dramatically while unloading all that

[@georgeroberts442]

Well, I'm gobsmacked. I had no idea The Queen of the Skies was being used to fight fires. What a beautiful video. Thanks so much for posting it! Damn, I'd love to be on that flight crew. I'm heading over to Google and see what I can learn about this "Global Supertanker."

[@apolloniaaskew9487]

So am I. It would be nice if the USAF would upgrade the E4B Airborne Command Post from the 747-200 frame to the 747-8 frame. Two were damaged by a tornado that hit Offutt AFB and it's hard to find 747-200 parts nowadays.

[@ScottRothsroth0616]

Apollonia Askew The 747’s excluding the -400 & -8 have the same cockpit rating. The -400 & -8 are a different rating. That being said, the (in no order) -100, -200, -300 & -SP are more mechanical compared to the -400 & -8. Maybe that is the reason why the USAF has not replaced the E-4Bs.

[@jerryking5426]

Props to the pilot's that takes some real cahones to fly such a large heavy aircraft so low and slow to the ground that type of flying is extremely dangerous no room for error

[@anindochoudhury8926]

Incredible footage..and thanks for the zoom ins. Not often one gets to see a 747 from above..

[@richardthompson420]

Flying a 747 low and slow. Balls. Takes balls.

[@robertjensen1048]

When a massive wildfire is near your street, to see this thing approaching is like a gift from God.

[@larrys.3992]

No shit, my house is about 10 miles from the bridge at 2:18

[@davestubbs2124]

Walt, you've really outdone yourself this time! The amazing footage along with the intense drama of the fire makes it particularly compelling. Getting a ride on a heli overseeing the repellant air drops was incredibly fortunate. You have some tremendous contacts!

[@wcolby]

We got lucky, we were covering the fires for more than eight hours and all of a sudden the wind shifted and I got an alert from Flightradar24 that said the 747 was inbound! I felt like that alert was sent just to me!

[@stan4097]

Never have I seen a 747 been made to look so small. Looks like the size of a Cessna in some shots. Awesome footage.

[@resuwanrazack7253]

The Queen of the Sky, Elegant and Gracious forever.

[@mackydog99]

You said it. The most graceful aircraft I have ever seen take off. The wings were designed from a bird. I think an albatross.

[@jamescurran64]

Very good footage of a beautiful aircraft in an impressive operation! Thanks for sharing this and thanks and good luck to all involved in these challenging operations.

[@59markr]

I want one of these for my up-coming Aussie fire season. Awesome!!

[@454bigblock7]

Y’all stay safe down under. Try to get Morrison and Canberra to set up a pipeline from the ocean and build a mass irrigation system. Just a thought.

[@59markr]

454bigblock @ thanks mate! Every fire season we hire two massive Ericsson Skycranes from you blokes to help us with our bush fires: “Georgia Peach” and “Elvis”. 🇦🇺 🇺🇸

[@ceff01]

England is best ever

[@BestEachDay]

If America would get its act together, our future would be full of more beautiful and timeless things like the ever awe inspiring Boeing 747. Let's do that!

[@johnfry9010]

Juan Browne of the Blalcolario channel did a tour of this aircraft just before fire season , it's a must see , on youtube . Beautiful video , thanks for posting it .

[@heavenstomurgatroyd7033]

I love how you can see the inboard flaperons flick and the beast roll. You can also see the dihedral of the wing profile change as the aircraft loses weight, fascinating......

[@andresahay1546]

The GPWS call out must be going off like crazy in that cockpit

[@microdesigns2000]

Incredible filming.

[@Mike7478F]

Awesome Boeing aircraft. So so wish the many 747 400 sitting around could be converted and put to good use like this.

[@mackydog99]

Very expensive. Over $ 5000.an hr just to operate.

[@redwulf509]

That is amazing. Up here in Canada during the fire seasons. we use the CL415’s to fight fires. These are the ones that can land on water and suck it up. So to see something as huge as a 747 doing the water bomber role is pretty amazing.

[@kgfht5120]

Not water - they're borate (borade?) bombers.

[@Caduceus88]

Wing tips bowed up, low, slow and heavy. Master pilots.

[@jeremylinder7160]

First drop 4:15 Second drop 6:15

[@grecco_buckliano]

Global Supertanker 944. What a BEAST. An absolute beast.

[@kpdvw]

Grert flying in "Terrain" with such a BIG BIRD! The camera on the Helo has super lenses, great video! You all stay safe!

[@a.l9313]

Amazing. Thank you for your service. God bless our fire men and women.

[@lindabriggs5118]

I realize this video is a few years old. But HOLY MOLY! Wow, what a beast, and those pilots have nerves of titanium!

[@biko331966]

Magic, wonderful to watch, incredible pilot but also a mighty plane. These aerobatics are like the best poem rhyme. I can't stop watching them. I couldn't believe that a 747 handles like a c150 aerobat. Maigc, maGIC, MAGIC!!!! It's a pitty that the 747 is out of production and we wouldn't be able to fly nor see 4-holers in the airports anymore. Thank you for posting!!!

[@josephthomas439]

I believe they still make the dash 8 Mostly for air cargo