CalFire S2-T Airtanker Pilot (Fire Bomber) Interview with Abbie Crews!

[@Graham_Wideman]

Juan no doubt will get lots of compliments on this video, but I have to add my 2 cents. These videos are incredibly valuable. Having himself worked in this field, Juan knows what it's about, and does an excellent job working with Abby to talk about many aspects of the job that she, CalFire, and other aerial firefighters perform. This kind of discussion that's insightful and detailed, while being quite digestible to laypersons, while also intriguing to flying enthusiasts, really helps us understand how our infrastructure works, and shows the dedication and passion of the personnel who work for us all. Well done Juan, once again!

[@toomanyhobbies2011]

Yes, so long as the damn politicians keep their hands off these organizations.

[@kevinpenner7125]

@@toomanyhobbies2011 no kidding,

[@ccpanel]

ditto for someone whos never been in real control of a wing.(holding the stick in the air as a 'co-pilot' when youre 12 years old doesnt count)

[@lohikarhu734]

But, it's the politicians that you vote for, who provide the budget... In a democracy, not *everybody* is happy ;-)

[@allen480]

@@lohikarhu734 I bet you’re fun at parties….Not!

[@bigsiebuzz1728]

I knew Abby as Lt. Crews on the C-17. Great to see you killing it ma'am. Fly safe

[@abbiec2917]

Who is this?

[@straybullitt]

About halfway through I started thinking "She has to be military trained". I was glad when Juan asked a little about your experience. Then I wondered what you flew in the Air Force. Question answered. Living in fire prone Lake County, I always appreciate the work y'all do. Fly safe Abbie! 🙂

[@ronaldfischer1195]

Wow! Super cool to see someone who was previously on the Moose.

[@thebronzetoo]

@@abbiec2917 Where'd you fly 17s at? I was a LM in the 301st at SUU.

[@abbiec2917]

@@thebronzetoo hi, I was at the 21st

[@kalikonnekt5686]

I listen to her on the scanner all the time. I always think it's cool when I hear her on there. Respect to this talented woman!

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

That's very cool.

[@mikeholmstrom1899]

I wish Broadcastify would carry more of the air channels for Cal Fire. Where I am, Alma Helitack is about 6 miles, with Copter 106 normally there. Hollister is the closest Tanker base.

[@darb4091]

@@mikeholmstrom1899 buy a scanner or SDRs are cheap and a fun toy.

[@mikeholmstrom1899]

@@darb4091 I have a scanner, I just can't get much range due to being in a valley.

[@KeithKenobi]

Listening to the fire aircraft radio traffic is one of the most enjoyable things for me. I've been on a high mountain, looking down on the TOP of airliners flying down the canyon making drops!

[@jpaulkepler4638]

Well done. Good to know that "Hoser" was an influence on her decision. When anyone a asked him why he did the job , his answer was " it keeps my fun meter in the green" .

[@mikegarneau9162]

Thanks Juan for providing a great interview on the insight of being a Calfire tanker pilot. Not only is Abby getting payed to do some hard flying but she seems to really enjoy it. Loved her knowledge of all the aircraft systems and skill of flying it.

[@alexanderordinary2110]

get paid? as much as capitan at a major? hell ya!!! thats a buck fifty/year easy!!

[@myusername630]

@@alexanderordinary2110 and she is worth so much more. Pilots who are constantly busting the margins aren't crazy, they love what they do and are people who need to be challenged. But she also talked about the "team" issue which is something you can't learn, it is something you are born with. During the interview she brought up AGL a couple of times but not in fear but a clear understanding of flying the limits. I go back to the H and tail 60001 and we had a new system not available which is ACR Advanced Capability Radar and my first ride I did not know we were sweeping the trees. My son is a HAWG driver and I had no idea all of the ramifications of being cleared to a 3 digit AGL constantly. She has nerves of steel and definitely and officer and a special pilot. Great job again Juan and to you Abby and I thank you for your service to our country. In both of your careers you may have been alone in the cockpit but later when you get back and get to go forward and visit with the persons on the ground it is worth it all. Many wives and husbands appreciate those pilots and what they do for the families.

[@andrew_koala2974]

mIKE when you look at 01:37 be sure you are paying attention to detail it is CAL FIRE and not Calfire how it is written is equally important as to HOW it is written.. You were programmed since your first day at school to be a ZOMBIE and you did not realize it. Your eyes see one thing and your brain sees something entirely different ZOMBIES have eyes but cannot see - ears and cannot hear. When you L00K at something make sure you see exactly what it is you are LOOKING at. Examples: when you look at the HOLLYWOOD sign it is NOT Hollywood TOYOTA is not Toyota BOEING is not Boeing AIRBUS is not Airbus APPLE is not Apple ARMY is not Army ( as they have different meanings ) NAVY is not Navy AIR FORCE is not Air force ON - OFF is not the same thing as on / off I would suspect that you do not know the difference in meaning between passing and overtaking Note that ALL CORPORATE {Legal) banes are ALWAYS in the ALL CAPS iteration Thus FORD (The CORPORATE name is not Ford) Now explain why the text on the Blue oval is written in a script font. That is your homework for this week. You will learn much as you begin to understand the reason for it all. The reason you do not know is in the answer given by Pope Leo X who stated: "" There are some things that are not convenient for the vulgar to know "" Whilst these thing are not secret - they are secretive. and finally WASHINGTON D.C. is not part of the United States of America

[@mikegarneau9162]

@@andrew_koala2974 Close enough for from a Cowboy sitting on his horse in the middle of a pasture with a bunch of cows watching him type on his phone in Central Washington. I was in the Marines working Avionics on helicopters in the 70s and was a traditional Guardsmen in the Air Guard for 19 years as a crew chief on KC-135s. Also worked as an A&P in the civilian world. Have as far west as Guam and east as Kyrgyzstan and south as Ecuador.

[@allen480]

@@andrew_koala2974 Was that really necessary? Whilst; what the hell is that?

[@marklaw1434]

'Lucrative, good job, most fun flying" excellent interview.

[@fltof2]

Fantastic interview. There’s just something about a knowledge pilot interviewing another pilot that makes these so good. This is my second favorite interview after the United 777 captain you interviewed about the engine disintegration over the Pacific.

[@iitzfizz]

Could you link me to that one please? :)

[@iitzfizz]

Could you link me to that one please? :)

[@wesryman]

@@iitzfizz search UAL#1175. It should find Juan’s video

[@charlesrussek7118]

@@iitzfizz captain Benham

[@brentsummers7377]

Wonderful interview! It's good that these pilots are now on a better schedule with 10 days on & 5 off.

[@gretchenlittle6817]

Fascinating interview with an exemplary young woman -- with the complexity and danger of the job, these pilots deserve every cent they're paid and then some!

[@dpf1119]

Abby is the real deal. Great interview!

[@mikercflyer7383]

Great Interview Juan and a Great aviator. My grandson works for CalFire and had the honor of meeting her he said she is a “super Cool Lady”

[@oltimer5544]

Those S-2's look a lot nicer than the one's I flew in the Navy. I noticed the bumper tailwheel has been removed from the aft fuselage (required for carrier ops) and the head cracker wing fold handle removed from the overhead behind the throttles. That thing was down when the wings were folded and when getting into the cockpit if you went head first it was a painful collision with the top of your noggin'. It only took once to learn to avoid the handle. The airplane had weird controls--Abbie mentioned the hydraulically actuated 'trimmer' panel, which augmented the smaller rudder. Without that you would never be able to keep the airplane going straight on a single engine after takeoff. The span of the flaps is very long, most of the trailing edge of the wing, so that the ailerons are tiny. Spoilers forward of the ailerons on top of the wings augment roll. Great interview, Juan. Hat tip to Abbie. That's a very challenging job you have; and you guys and gals deserve every dollar they pay you.

[@joemehere1151]

What a brilliant interview. Abby is a great fearless pilot and a fantastic interviewee. Easy to see Abby loves her job, calling flying 150 above nature at 120 Knots fun flying lol.. Thanks Juan and Abby. My favourite interview so far this year.

[@MadDawg91108]

Great interview, Juan. As the chief for my local fire department, I have a great appreciation for our air support crews (mostly SEAT planes here)....they do an amazing job. Much respect for Abby and all those who fly the fire lines lending support to us "boots on the ground".

[@georgegilbert7347]

So nice to see the S2s adapted to a new use and still flying. I flew the TS2 in 1969 as a flight student; earned my Navy wings in it. So I still have a soft spot for the aircraft. The throttles are overhead because it makes for easiest routing of the controls in this high wing aircraft. The throttle position has nothing to do with carrier operation; there are many carrier aircraft where the throttles are mounted lower. After 50+ years memory fades a little, but i think there was a fixed bar located just at the full throttle position that you could wrap your fingers around to make sure you did not accidentally retard the throttles. I did not see that bar in the modified aircraft. I did see that the tanker modified S2 still has the two part rudder; assume you still have to turn on the rudder assist in single engine operation. As a flight student I remember getting a lot of practice flipping on rudder assist.

[@jimw1615]

No carrier launch with these S-2's. So no need for a bar for your hand to hold on to in order to keep the throttle levers from moving back at launch.

[@brianburchart7592]

Incredibly informative, thanks Abbie for your service. Thanks Juan for your effort and passion!

[@inonehand]

What an awesome interview and what an awesome person. Abby rocks!

[@steveegbert7429]

Wow, this really sheds a lot of light on what a fire bomber pilot has to process, especially single pilot. I would not hesitate to ride along with Abby any day, she knows her stuff! Fire pilots certainly earn their pay for a dangerous and stressful job. So many things going through your mind at the same time. Newfound respect!

[@davidrichter57]

Wow, great interview! If I'd been born a few decades later, that would have been my dream job.

[@tippo5341]

Thank you Juan for such an enlightening and informative interview and walk around with Abby...and a huge THANK YOU Abby for being so candid with Juan and all of us, and providing an insight into the operations of the aerial fire bomber pilots life during their much needed ground pounder support!!! Such a busy place inside that cockpit during drops...but also landing loaded and all the variables you have to calculate amidst all that's going on. Seeing the S-2's fulfil such a much needed role and extending their lives well beyond the Navy service they very much admirably performed is great to see...and they're soooooo well kept...it's a true credit to both Grumman initially and those still looking after and maintaining these beautiful old ladies of the sky. May you fly many many more safe sorties Abby...as it's an extremely important and dangerous occupation that both you and others of your ilk provide during the fire seasons...and as we in Australia know all too well...the seasons are becoming longer and more extreme...stay safe!!!! Cheers from Sydney Aus!!!!

[@rustyclam238]

Abby, I read through a lot of comments and loved them all. I wanted to thank you for your Military service. I bet your family is proud of you.

[@donaldjones3580]

As a former A&P I'm impressed with the detail inside, lines painted orange etc. When I was doing aerial survey, I use to touch up the interior paint alot (gray). Makes them look nice and easier to follow. Pilots were responsible to clean their own windows and clean up their spilled coffee. Never was blessed with a female pilot. Only had experience with one Stoof, US-2B at NADC Warminster.

[@DonBradway]

This was an outstanding interview! As a former urban firefighter/paramedic, I worked some wildland fires and was always glad to see the air attack teams arrive. As I lived in Auburn (CA), wildland fires were always a concern too. Now I have a much better understanding of what goes into the air attack! Abby did an exceptional job of explaining the process. Please thank her again for the interview, her military service and her dedication to her job. Thank you, Juan, for your ongoing, excellent videos!

[@timothycook2917]

I once got hit in the back by a retardant drop. I was only about 200 feet up the hillside from my Engine. Surprisingly, it doesn't feel as nice and refreshing on a hot summer's day as you might think!

[@stevet8121]

I was hit also, back in about 1967. It was just before dark. No problem. I worked all night and felt fire proof. lol

[@bw162]

You are a great interviewer. You guide the conversation but let them take. Kudos.

[@Mudpuppyjunior]

Great interview. Was a logger [and Air Force vet] just south of this area for ~30 years and it was great to hear her credit the largely unsung heroes of firefighting; the guys on the dozers. The air tankers are great at their jobs and obvious to everyone and the groundcrews work incredibly hard and are the classic firemen and women. Each aspect has its important niche that the others can't fill but those ten foot blades are ultimately what contain wildfires.

[@archstanton9206]

I live in the area this base covers. This is the best video Juan has ever done, in my opinion. Abbie and her fellow firefighters and pilots are modern day definition of Hero in my book. They have saved my community more times than I can count. My respect and admiration goes to every single one of them. Juan, I saw the pics of the Moors Flat event, if we ever get to meet I have one heck of a story about that area from my days on the job.

[@bwyseymail]

I thought you were dead and buried.

[@vmpgsc]

Listening to Abbie, you can hear how calm, skilled, and confident a pilot she is. Great interview.

[@swiper1818]

Really interesting to hear this lady describe her aircraft and job. Excellent video

[@omally]

Awesome episode, love the walkthrough of the equipment and procedures! Thank you for your service, Abby!! 🙏

[@gracelandone]

What a great peek into the lives of these folks who do this very important and very risky work. Great video. Your interview skills relating to so many different aspects of aviation really sets your channel apart.

[@donrumsey]

my HS friends and I drove thru the Dixie fire aftermath 2 weeks ago on our way to a 41st HS reunion -driving thru Almanor, Canyon Dam, and Greenville. Growing up in Quincy, fires were commonplace. However, I never experienced seeing a whole town consumed by fire. Gratitude and respect for Firefighters!

[@tjlusk]

Absolutely fascinating! Thank you for sharing and to for Abbie for the interview.

[@stay_at_home_astronaut]

The engine controls are located on the overhead panel because it is a high-winged aircraft. Routing the control levers, rods, cable and other gizmos is much easier. Grumman has been doing that since the 1930's.

[@hansb57]

Thanks for this explanation. Wondered why that was mentioned in combination with the fact that it was carrier opereated. (9:45 in the video)

[@toomanyhobbies2011]

Like the Otters.

[@jesusm.pereztriana9319]

@@toomanyhobbies2011 Exactly. That came to my mind.

[@JetFuelnSawDust]

Rockwell apparently missed this memo when creating the AeroCommander. Still a great flying plane though…

[@louissanderson719]

Yep. E-2 Hawkeye doesn’t have ceiling mounted throttles

[@shonny61]

Great interview. These folks are a rare breed. Sure do miss Hoser but it's good to see the heart of the thing carries on.

[@nancychace8619]

Wow - excellent tour. Thanks for sharing. Inspirational to any woman to hang in there and don't give up. She's earning it. Hats off and kudos. Thanks to her for her service.

[@garyniblock8864]

Great to get the inside info. I worked for CalFire (CDF way back in the day) and we always respected the pilots. There was nothing quite so exciting (and a bit scary) when an S2 snuck up behind you coming in for a drop. The aircraft are amazingly quite until they’re right on top of you. When you heard it, you hit the ground quick. Great interview and thanks for your service.

[@cdusen]

Theses tankers helped save my house near Grass Valley years ago! Great, informative, and inspiring interview. Thanks to you both.

[@kCI251]

Her confidence is inspiring. Hopefully people like her will give our younger generations the desire to learn how to fly and make it a career.

[@ihateemael]

wow, who knew there was so much involved in dumping water. Abbey is one impressive lady. One of the best interviews of all time. Thankyou.

[@jerryhargis7730]

What an awesome video! And great work on the interview on the flight deck. It appears you had to do no editing. That is extremely difficult to do, unless you know the subject very well. I have always been fascinated with the work the fire pilots do. There is way more to it than meets the eye. Then, you add in the technology to vary the drop rate depending on the vegetation. Who knew?!?!?! That one video makes whole year subscription to your Patreon channel well worth the price! Keep up the good work!

[@donalddodson7365]

Totally agree: supporting the BLANCOLIRIO CHANNEL is a great investment. Aeronautical, Oroville Dam failure, behind the scenes interviews are all examples of great content.

[@myusername630]

I agree. Earlier I posted about both of them but I failed to remark about another comment she was talking about and that was her elders. One word, a lot of definition of her upbringing. It has been a long time, 79 so far, years and I could probably count on my two hands how many times I heard people call those that mentored them elders.

[@kip56]

I completely enjoyed this video. We have two tankers here in Ukiah (90 & 91 + OV-10 #110). When ever they take off I jump on Flight Radar to see where they're headed. I would love to see another video like this on how the tankers are maintained and how often. Thank you!

[@Aelleor]

Yet another awesome, informative video, Juan. Well done. Abbie is awesome. I love seeing women filling the ranks of military and fire aviation and doing the job of flying in potentially hazardous conditions. It’s been long overdue, and it’s great to see it happening. Having grown up in the hills of Southern California, I’ve always (half) joked that CDF Bombers are the actual state bird of California. I’m old enough to remember the rumble of the 4 radial engines of the larger aircraft they used in the 70’s and 80’s, (were they P-3’s maybe?) and the skill on display as they would disappear into canyons for low drops, and then materialize again, just about the time you started to really worry about them. California has a proud tradition of operating these aircraft to protect life and property, and Abbie is clearly a worthy addition to that tradition.

[@Paul1958R]

Juan, Thank you for this! Abby thank you for your service! FYI drought here in New England has gotten fairly bad especially in E. MA, RI, E. CT, and S. NH (very little precip since early June). MA reservoirs (Quabbin and Wachusett) are still in pretty good shape as of 1 Aug. Paul (in MA)

[@gawebm]

Wow! Great interview. Abby is a great spokesperson for CalFire pilots. Hard to believe she ad-libbed that whole interview. Clearly a seasoned professional who knows her very complex job, very well. A very impressive individual.

[@bighaasfly]

Nice interview and insight Juan! Previously living in GV myself, the air attack pilots were always heroes in my eyes. Back when they all had radials and those throbbing engines would soar over town I would cheer them on like ground crews did for their bomber squadrons in WWII. On a side note, I wonder if you could get a cockpit recording of pilots working a fire and they could verbalize what they are doing and looking for as they work? Or just mount a go-pro on board and then the pilot could do a voiceover explaining what she is looking out for, what numbers she is looking for and what her interpretation is o the flight/fire. I’d love the get in the head space of what they are thinking about when doing those drops. I bet it’s more than we know! Good work Juan! Thanks!

[@jr5218]

Awesome interview Juan, one of the best you have done yet. Thanks to the brave tanker pilots like Abby for the job they do.

[@wyomingadventures]

Thank you Abby and Juan for the fantastic interview! I learned so many things listening to this interview that us non pilots never knew. The art of the drop is very important. I had no idea about that.

[@013bassman]

Thank you for this great interview Mr. Browne. Fascinating stuff! Thanks to all the brave firefighters who risk it all!

[@isaacislaughter]

My family and I were at Flathead lake Montana last week and got to see the air firefighting operations connected to the Elmo2 fire. Seeing those tankers dropping out of the sky onto Flathead lake was very exciting. Not exactly a commercial flight profile. 😀

[@bigdog5217]

Much respect to Miss Abbie Crews.

[@billmoeller8897]

Great video. Your videos are the most informative. 10 on 5 off, tough duty. Back in the day it was 24 on, 24 off for 3 days, then 96 hrs off for a city FD. Now it 48 hrs on, 96 off.

[@cojaxart8986]

Juan, This is one of the most exciting and interesting videos I’ve seen in a long time! Thank you, and thank Abby for her time and for wonderful heart to teach others, and explain the details about her job and job performances. Our hearts are with you, and our hats are off to you all!

[@aviationmayhem]

Love how Juan answers his own questions very knowledgeable

[@randyeno2525]

Thanks Juan. One of your best interviews! A sharp, sharp lady. I too was impressed as I listened to her descriptions and answers that showed admirable depth and understanding of aircraft systems and tanker tactics. So it was not too much of a surprise when she disclosed she was a Zoomie!

[@mdc768]

I have a place in my heart for the tracker after spending 6 months in the mid 80's flying in the back of them for my airborne sensor course. We sat where the water injection tank and retardant tank vent are located on that aircraft. Good times.

[@donalddodson7365]

Fantastic story! There is something almost addictive about combat. Be it armed warfare or attacking the hot stuff with the wet stuff. We Californians are very fortunate that enough of our politicians have recognized the value of these "Fire Bomber" crews and support systems. Thank you all who are involved!

[@roycelarson6337]

Outstanding interview! That pilot is an very impressive to listen to. Thanks for posting this segment.

[@oldnepalihippie]

Fantastic hero story! Please make more. These public servants need to be applauded as much as the aviation bombers of war are. Abbie exemplifies why this country is, and always will be, great - because of men and women like her.

[@fitch8363]

Fantastic video. Abbie's road to the job was a clue to her remarkable life - being fire bomber is just one in a string of rather challenging jobs. Well done to Abbie, and thanks to her for her service.

[@dakinmaher4522]

Thank you Juan Brown. All the questions I had for years were answered by your great questions and her wonderful answers. I fought wild land fires in Marin County in 1985-86. Got Phoscheck on me many times. Well done.

[@buffdelcampo]

Back in the 80s I wanted to fly the S-2 but didn't know how to get into fire fighting. My aviation career went another direction. This was a great interview! One if my favorites. Thank you Juan and Abbie!

[@skytrainii]

Great video. I flew as crew chief on the C-1A COD. I also flew the CT-39 and C-9B. But my time in the COD's was the absolute best. I also used the GI bill to get my Aeronautical Engineering degree and worked for all the major aircraft companies in my career. I have to point out that the controls are in the overhead not because it is a carrier based aircraft; but because it is a high wing. It was simpler to run the control cables for the engines, flaps and wing fold through the overhead. The main hydraulic resivior was up in the wing root for the same reason. The rudders, elevator and tail hook cables run through the floors around the bay doors. But the aileron cables had to run up the sides which was more complex to design. Overall, Grumman did a great job on the S-2F Stoof's and the C-1 Traders. However, the autopilot sucked so bad, we could never use them. It was hand flying all the way. With their bulbus nose and bug eyes, I used to say they were so ugly only a mother could love them.

[@55Reever]

God Bless all tanker pilots. My wife and I had to evacuate from the camp fire near Forrest Ranch. They and all fire fighters are true heroes.

[@josephalexander3884]

I am so impressed with your work highlighting Cal Fire. As a California (Southern) native I am familiar with the importance of the tanker pilots. Thank you for your dedication to aviation, aviation safety, and safety in general. God bless you, thank you very much.

[@robertfritz9916]

Fascinating! Great interview. I lived in the flight path of Ramona for 40 years and maybe don't know the operations well, but we certainly heard the planes. We moved to North Idaho, and now we are in the flight path of the Coeur d'Alene attack base. Fortunately not may operations this year.

[@christopherestrada8576]

Greetings from SMX ATB! Great interview! Even though we are biased towards the “big birds” we love working with S-2’s. Now that the P-2s are retired, hearing S-2s coming onto the base is a unique and thrilling sound! Another great video Blanco! Y’all stay safe out there!

[@elosogonzalez8739]

I don't know how I missed this video. I'm watching this two years after the original airing. Great video. Talented young lady. It takes à special person to fly these aircraft. Thank you for doing this video, it's a real eye opener!

[@rebekahleonard2884]

Great interview - on both sides of the mike! Since I've been a subscriber I've learned so much...this interview definitely upped my firefighter knowledge. Thanks for all you cover!

[@jbarvideo12]

Fabulous interview and explanation of everything by an impressive Bomber pilot, Abby6. I was commo of the Saratoga 1975-76 and remember seeing the S2Fs. - I have 30 hours flying a COD.

[@MrRexquando]

My training was that overhead vs pedestal is not because it was carrier based. The Greyhound and Hawkeye have pedestal mounted engine controls (same design era). The reason you put them on the roof is from Grumman's history with seaplanes. Bouncing off the waves your hand falls off the levers vs fire-walling them if they were on the pedestal. I don't know by my guess is the S2 started life or at least early designs as a float plane following the Goose.

[@nkgoodal]

There's much to be said for "company DNA". I was Army, but got to ride upfront in C17s a few times (jumpseat). The C17 cockpit looks very much like other McDonnell Douglas airplanes of that era, particularly the Super80 and MD90. The overhead throttles may just be a fantastic throwback to the seaplanes because the company had the tooling and knowhow to make that solution work.

[@grandpapa2134]

Great interview as usual. I live in Ione and the air attack coordination in the Sierra Nevada's is incredible. We had a fire breakout in the mokelumne River watershed and I was watching the radar and watching the ballet that these people do and it is impressive. I think about the risk that they take also the protocols they follow to do this job safely and it is amazing. And they stopped that fire before it got to friend's houses on the north side of the canyon. Thank you Abby and all of you. And Juan cheers.

[@idontw4ntahandle]

I believe she was on MC-12s when I was a SO. Glad to see the Liberty people still doing cool things.

[@rogerwhittle2078]

That is one cosmic lady, Juan and it doesn't hurt she is drop dead gorgeous! I think - I'm no expert - but I think your interviewee enjoyed being interviewed because you didn't ask daft questions, only the 'hard ones' - like talking about the AOA indicator. Fascinating. Great vlog, Juan, thanks and thank you to your CalFire tanker jockey.

[@MrWolfriver]

Thank you Abby! So glad there are amazing pilots like you keep us CA folk safe. As always, terrific interview, JB.

[@paddlingfool8116]

Fascinating interview Juan! I learned a lot of new things about these firebombers and brought a completely new level of respect to this field of flying. I would wager this probably the most fun type of civilian flying? Hats off to Abby as well as the rest of the crews out there.

[@douglasbair5647]

I’m impressed the pilot fire fighters. It’s one of most dangerous jobs I’ve ever witnessed . As a kid I watched them put out a fire that was climbing up the mountain with seemed to me high winds. Flying from foothill up the mountain, I’m amazed they didn’t stall and crash into the mountain. For anyone familiar with the Ogden Utah area , this fire was on Malon’s peak, a very steep rise from the park to the peak, very scary!

[@oriorda9470]

What an awesome person Brownie is. There's no ego at all in anything he does: he just makes sure he communicates the essence of whatever he is discussing and leaves it to his interviewees to have their say. He seems to have an uncanny sense of work/home/fun balance too. He's obviously dedicated and thorough in his preparations but doesn't allow that to detract from enjoying the process. And, like many others, I love his interaction with his son Pete.

[@LichtFer]

Great interview! The Argentine Navy flew Trackers until July, 2021.

[@jerrymiller276]

One of your best non-crash videos yet. Great job.

[@gerryg1056]

A really interesting and informative video interview, thanks for bringing it to us Juan. Always a pleasure to hear from those who do the job (any job) and are speaking to someone who actually understands!

[@rescueme1060]

hands down the coolest fire related interview Ive watched on YT. Abbie is an all-star! She communicates very well.

[@jwoocrew]

I believe I met and talked to Abbie at the CCAS 2021. I didn't get to talk with her much as there was lots of people there waiting to say hi to her. This makes up for it and glad you were able to do this interview.

[@paulstaney325]

Always enjoy your content, wonderful interview, great questions, outstanding answers, clear and concise. Thank you for this post and hat's off to Abby for her job well done!

[@georgec9590]

This fine lady is a genius! Forget about the flying, just understanding the plane's many non-flight systems is mind boggling!

[@underdog2594]

Juan, this was an outstanding overview/presentation! Thank you.

[@richardpedersen9189]

Juan and Abbie - that was a GREAT interview!!! Informative, technical, personal .... THANK YOU BOTH 👍🙃

[@jimwhitsett4736]

I'm impressed. She's very knowledgeable. Good for her. All should thank her for her work!

[@johnypitman2368]

God bless the fire fighter. These tanker pilots have a tough job. One that requires a seat of the pants feel at the moment of drop. Great interview JB. Journalism at its best! I have friend who flies C-17 for the Airforce Captain Voodoo Vidt. She too is a graduate of WBU

[@candicespencer2021]

Thank you for posting this! Our son lives in Chico and I have very great friends in Ione. What an amazing young lady fighting fires!!!

[@gawebm]

One thing which she kind of glosses over is how dangerous and scary this job can be. I've been flying small airplanes for 30 years but there's no way I'm flying it at 150 feet above the ground! It's just too dangerous. The thought of flying one of these large, heavy, aircraft into fire and smoke over mountainous terrain at 150 feet would be considered insane, if it wasn't absolutely necessary. One single second of inattention, one small hiccup by the aircraft, one sudden downdraft and you are simply dead. The fact they fly single pilot on such crazy risky missions requires such skill and knowledge and bravery that it is hard to comprehend. These pilots may have the riskiest jobs in the world and they are honest-to-god real heroes. They have literally saved my home on multiple occasions. Thank you CalFire and your amazing, brave, crazy pilots!

[@mikeinfortcollinslynn7898]

Fascinating! I thoroughly learned about small-plane retardant drop and how you fly the S2. Abby rocks! She know her stuff.

[@skiqsr]

Modifications were done in Mesa Arizona. The bought a fleet of the retired navy planes and complete overhaul from the bones up.

[@Marfoir0303]

By both Marsh & Dyn Corp in Sacramento

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Thanks for the interview, Juan! I knew next to nothing about this operation - everything I know about it I've learned from you! This was a great insight into all the stuff pilots have to juggle - I've always wondered about that, knowing it was a super challenging way to fly. This didn't disappoint! Great stuff, Juan, and big thanks to Abbie for all the info!! 👍👍

[@tomhull4387]

Fun fact, it appears as though Abbey is now flying Joe HOSER Satrapa's air tanker "anytime 89!" He is worth a Google. Epic work Abbey.

[@abbiec2917]

Any time 89 acts up we say it’s Hosers ghost messing with us ❤️

[@pl5bnsf]

Such an impressive interview. And an Air Force Academy grad as well. Got a little feeling for how it must be doing those flights. I freak out over a little rough air on a commercial flight. She just dives in gets the job done (safely). This should be shown in schools to show what dedication looks like.

[@GSteel-rh9iu]

Very cool and absolutely necessary here in fire country. Great interview and thank you Abby for your hard work!

[@MikeBramm]

I've taken tours of the San Bernardino and Ramona Air Attack bases. These folks do great work and seem to have a lot of fun doing it.

[@fineartz99]

Phenomenal discussion; consequential orchestration. Astonishing talent/ team. (Whoa)! Impressively 9th degree, full-on... Triumphant Salutes, respectful recognition/ homage!

[@autumnbeds]

I wish we had more Abbys around. Thanks for the info!

[@gregorylewis8471]

God bless Abbey and all the Cal-Fire crews!