Cockpit View: Firefighting Airplane Working A Wildfire

A CalFire S2T working a wildfire

[@ssmt2]

That's a Grumman S-2 Tracker. It was a carrier based aircraft that was designed, and built, in the 1950s for anti submarine warfare. My father flew them in the early 1960s. But back then he wasn't putting out fires. Instead he was looking for Soviet submarines. I'm glad to see that the plane has found a new use.

[@frenchydampier2209]

That’s the plane I flew during Vietnam. It’s a great plane to land on an aircraft carrier in a storm at night. (Seriously). Stable, steady , predictable, reliable. A pair of 1550 hp radial engines in a 25,000+ pounds. High wing aircraft. Fire bombing must be very similar to the rockets and bombs audition we did.

[@genus.family]

Same here, anti-submarine service in Italy

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Beau fighter or A26?

[@NexxuSix]

This pilot makes this job look easy... near misses from smoke covered hills, timing of release of fire retardant, all while keeping this aircraft flying to peak performance. I’m hangin’ on to my chair just watching this guy!

[@cashflyer]

He does not keep the aircraft flying to peak performance. A cadre of well trained mechanics does that for him.

[@eveningstarnm3107]

Some of these guys used to fly Warthogs.

[@eveningstarnm3107]

@@cashflyer Sometimes, he buys them drinks.

[@jasontipton8430]

the most dangerous flying job

[@raywalker8556]

its mostly automated now days.

[@JohnBarrios-x7l]

I salute those Pilots!!!! In 1980-1982... I worked as a seasonal firefighter for California Department of Forestry!!!! At Hollister Air Attack Base. We were the number one Air Base in California at that time!!!!

[@hokiemiata]

That is some crazy banking there. Also clearly, he had the terrain warning turned off :) !

[@Iamrightyouarewrong]

OR he's nuts and likes the sound of the blaring siren, and there is nothing wrong with that, as long as you put it to good use.

[@HMSoutdoors]

They probably dont even have a TCAS system. You know youll be cutting grass during your flight lol

[@AreeyaKKC]

@@HMSoutdoors GPWS not TCAS. TCAS is for traffic Collison avoidance system. GPWS is ground proximity warning system

[@lauriewagner4349]

They're fire fighters, so they are a fine line between nut crazy and compassionate. My husband has fought on many wildfires so that's how I know.😁. I guess that makes me part crazy too.

[@yourdrummer2034]

@@lauriewagner4349 Thank him for me!

[@greyjay9202]

The most stunning flying I ever saw, was a DC-6 borate bomber climbing out of a steep mountain draw at 300 feet, after a drop. The sound of those big radials thundering off the surrounding hills was impressive. These pilots earn every penny.

[@smaaback]

Best part is there's no annoying music, only engine sound and wind noise.

[@rv8Commander]

Just spectacular!!! This guys a pro, when the stall warning goes off, its touchdown in a second. Textbook perfect. Glad to have these folks around. Can't thank them enough.

[@boostedyamiR1k]

God bless this man and all the other ppl working like this.

[@learemington1700]

I would LOVE that job. Gotta best flying job in the world. No unruly passengers. Thank you firefighting pilots. I envy you.

[@davidecarucci1073]

Jet pilot: are you sure about that?

[@JustJohn505]

@@davidecarucci1073 jet fighter pilots have a stressful job and you rarely enjoy the joy of flying

[@davidecarucci1073]

@@JustJohn505 depends

[@erichayes2890]

Better think twice on that!

[@frostscience5470]

I'd be happy pulling banners along the beach or flying pipeline... if it paid.

[@uldNdN70]

Totally awesome flying skills! Grumman's S2T. Originally the USN Anti-Submarine purpose built aircraft. About 1954. Over 60 years old, to boot! And in the capable hands of this amazing pilot its been repurposed to combat fiery destruction instead of creating it. Thank You!

[@jmullentech]

Jeeeeeeeeeeeesussssss!!!! The amount of elevator input required when he made the drop around @3:00 !!! Talk about a massive change in CG, I hadn't thought of that. That's wild!

[@tdkeyes1]

And he was anticipating it.

[@brianl0604]

That looks like some serious forward yoke as he encounters the thermal updraft from the fire.

[@fartfanatic]

That convection lift coming off those fires is insane- masterful flying

[@robharris1344]

So confident, man and machine! Beautiful to watch

[@tylerzylstra5617]

It's crazy seeing how much the nose rises during the drop even with the yoke being jammed forward. Hello from USDA Forest Service IIA support desk!!

[@corngrohlio]

I noticed the same thing. Nose is pitching up even though he's full forward on the yoke! Must take so much training as would feel so unnatural.

[@lisarenee3505]

All that hot air coming up from the fire probably tries to push the tail up. Dad was a pilot, he explained it once, I think that was the gist.

[@Sturmovik1946]

@@lisarenee3505 If you push the tail up that means the nose goes down. What these guys are talking about is the change in pitch when he drops the water.

[@lisarenee3505]

@@Sturmovik1946 Ahh, I wasn't thinking about that. Compensating for the change in CG. Thanks for the correction. Cool name BTW. The IL-2 was a badass flying tank.

[@charlestesar6742]

lisarenee3505 When you drop the load your aircraft weight drops quickly so your aircraft “jumps up into the sky” so you have you push the nose down to maintain altitude.

[@viperbroncoalmasty]

Flying against your instincts. When most would be climbing for altitude, you are diving to get on top of the flames. You Sir are a true Hero. God Bless you and your fellow firefighters.

[@kiereluurs1243]

There's no 'god'. #thoughtsAndPrayers

[@Louis-lb7ow]

Until you burn in hell you'll realize there's a God ​@@kiereluurs1243

[@michaelbailey1578]

That was amazing, such an excellent pilot, doing a treacherous job in service to us all. Many thanks to you sir.

[@AllenPortman]

I am a retired firefighter (captain) I would give anything (almost) to be able to fly during and actual aerial firefight!!! Who is controlling firefighting aerial flight paths whenever have multiple aircraft actively engaged in the firefight??? The incident management command and control coordination is absolutely amazing and mind-boggling to me!

[@goobytron2888]

You can see in the controls how much the plane lightens up during the drop.

[@John-ym9ht]

This shows incredible skill and I can't help but feel grateful for these guys risking their lives in order to protect the lives and property of others.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Another long lived sturdy Grumman machine!

[@dragonmeddler2152]

Can't beat a Grumman C-1 as a trustworthy and rugged platform. US Navy 1966-70. I loved that mighty little airplane and glad to see so many of 'em still in service. Carry on!

[@lsx001]

I just can't stand the fact that the throttle quadrant is up on the ceiling. I have only flown one type of plane where the trim is up on the ceiling and that bothered me enough.

[@dragonmeddler2152]

@@lsx001 It's bc the engines are located above the cockpit. Typical of seaplanes. I sort of like the throttles up there...

[@irvingtaylor1568]

I have an old friend who after 35 years in the RCAF flew A26 aircraft with no copilot fighting fires .The A26 is a much larger aircraft than the Grumman .I was always amazed at his age flying the A26 fighting fires.After he retired from flying A26s around age 70 he then flew ex RCAF T33 jets for the next 5 years or so.Now that is an amazing guy.

[@WootTootZoot]

Thank You Cal Fire. I am in aw and eternally thankful

[@stevegould1730]

I’ve listen to way too many CVR tapes. The entire time my mind was saying “Bank Angle, Bank Angle!” Or “Whoop Whoop Pull Up!”

[@Max_R_MaMint]

Terrain! Pull! UP!

[@spawntez]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FIRE FIGHTING SKILLS AND AIRMANSHIP

[@MarcusRefusius]

We lost a friend in an OV-10A. It was 15 years ago next month. Rob Stone was the youngest Battalion Chief in the History of the CDF (now CalFire). And it was an Arson Caused fire and NO the perp did not get the sentence he deserved. Rob was a great guy. Dang fair Cowboy too.

[@chuckeberth4370]

The S-2 was designed as a 2 pilot airplane. This pilot shows the S-2 can be down by one pilot. Very very impressive.

[@jenniferjohnston4403]

There’s something to be said about mastering a skill, which this pilot obviously has, that’s subtle yet noticeable.

This should be added to Flight Simulator 2020

[@sirac19]

I wish too

[@skaboy765]

Make it DLC and give some of the proceeds to help fight real fires. Shit would be dope.

[@lukasi.v4269]

Awesome idea, add the Grumman too!

[@SNAFU04uk]

Fire fighter x.. it’s an add on for FSX

[@CrpMag]

The add-on for FSX was really cool.

[@richardross3815]

Love it. A grumman tracker conversion. From inside cockpit. Use to crawl around these at Conair firefighting base in Abbotsford BC. Even help reassemble a Canadian navy sub hunter for a museum. Love these old workhorses

[@lisarenee3505]

Ahh, I was looking to see if anyone could ID the aircraft. At first I thought OV-10, but remembered those are only used for spotting & control, I think.

[@gloriabrowning1697]

Hi just want the firefighters to know they r loved ty

[@TheBasher-_-]

Help send a message tell your congressman to support the fire fighters and first responders of 9/11 those guys need all of our help!

[@teewoods9846]

it looks like he took off from the old McCLELLAN AFB in RANCHO CORDOVA CALIF. great job man

[@BLACKMONGOOSE13]

Chiseled look. Gold bracelet. Large brass balls. Bombass piloting skills. KZbin star.

[@gorillaump5869]

.....GAY

[@MrShobar]

And about a 10% chance of getting killed during each fire season.

[@soflodoug]

BLACKMONGOOSE13 Youre a weirdo.

[@MarkMcAllister-ni9sf]

hide your daughters...the haters in the comments are fighting their own desire to suck him off.

[@legopachycephalosaurus6825]

MrShobar And a 100% chance of saving lives of all kinds.

[@archerpiperii2690]

This guy taught Han The Kessel Run.

[@thraciuspratt4915]

That's how Solo was able to make the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs.

[@victor-th4qs]

In the fire service. We called it a SEAT. Single Engine Air Tanker. Unfortunately. I seat and his pilot went down on the Durkee fire. Eastern Oregon. A few days ago.

[@USMC1984]

Amazing! Now that’s a PILOT! To do this by himself is insane!

[@songklodsuku7193]

these people are on the top of the best pilot-scale for me

[@john-ob7bv]

Please give these heroes upto date aircraft and technology. These guys do a wonderful job.

[@f-15estrikeeagle35]

Thank you for your services guys

[@rick7884]

That pilot looked as cool and calm as could be right up to the point he hit turbulence from the fire then you see him grab that steering wheel with both hands. Lol He still has more guts than me and has my complete respect. These guys are amazing!

[@johnwoodall3791]

I have the upmost admiration for the all the Guys & Girls both Air Crew & Ground Crews of the Aerial Fire Fighting Teams as we had a Coulson Tanker during our Black Sumner Bush Fires in Australia 2019/20 flying a C130 Hercules which Very Sadly Crashed whilst fighting one of the Blazes with the Sad loss of the Three Crew Members (RIP) to them & it shows just how Dangerous it is to help out those on the ground due to Adverse & Unknown Atmospheric events that Create their own Weather & these Guys & Girls would know this & that their is always an element of risk involved when fighting fires from the Air. Well Done People, we Owe you a ❤Debt of Gratitude...❤

[@ironjaw6752]

It's great to see what the men flying these planes see. I think it helps the average Joe to understand just how dangerous the job is. Thank you for posting this and I hope to see more videos like this.

[@susanschofield2705]

Women too. See Juan Browne interview with S2 out of Grass Valley airport

[@jobadiahg]

All American bad ass heros! Love these guys!

[@joannescholl7216]

Nothing but love, admiration and respect for these awesome pilots and crew members.

[@flybobbie1449]

With big side windows would make an interesting aircraft in the 2020 sim.

[@joannevargas9638]

What amazing bravery it takes to keep so many safe. Thank you and bless you fire fighters in the sky.

[@charlieb3032]

Love the full nose down after dropping the fire suppression. What a ride that must be.

[@stokesseegers5012]

It's sad to see everything on fire, but at the same time some of these fire fighting videos shot from helicopters and airplanes have been absolutely amazing

[@jeffshriber6120]

These guys are such badasses, truly the last of an ere of gladiators doing battle legally, get some air tanker pilots get some!!! And thank you for saving my home.❤😊

[@asimsherzai]

I envy these firefighting pilots, breed apart. May the the Good Lord keep them safe. Thanks for sharing

[@billtalbert6165]

These pilots are absolutely the cream of the crop.

[@Iamrightyouarewrong]

My dad trained in this aircraft back in the 50's, said it was an "interesting" plane to fly and super nimble. He said it was a plane they used to teach nose-dive recovery's.

[@soflodoug]

I'm right you're wrong What about your mother? Did she recover?

[@Iamrightyouarewrong]

@@soflodoug what?

[@legopachycephalosaurus6825]

Douglas R wtf are you smoking?

[@N4007-k8o]

@@Iamrightyouarewrong Homie, they literally adopted this plane in 96, this plane didn't exist in the 80's let alone the 50's.

[@Iamrightyouarewrong]

@@N4007-k8o Oh I thought this plane was the Grumman S-2 tracker.

[@itsmecarter2]

It's crazy to see how much downward pressure he has to apply. Because of the weight shift

[@panderson9561]

I wondered what he was doing. I noticed him push in on the yoke really good at one point. I thought that was kinda crazy that close to the ground, with the rising terrain in front of him.

[@badad0166]

I'm lost as to what's going on at any one point but you can see how he is in state and in control. I'd be like, "Hey, what's this button do?".

[@JanitorIsBack]

a lot of that has to do with the hot air from the fire because it is making the plane rise

[@_sunsor]

It's because of weight loss, no so much weight shift. All of that excess lift after dumping the fire retardant makes the plane suddenly want to climb hard when he pushes the button... nose down on the yoke quickly stops generating this excess lift.

[@whothou]

@@_sunsor it's a mix of weight loss and the heat from the fire

[@cto1gg]

This job must be as close as one can get to being a World War II fighter-bomber pilot.

[@Newtons_Towers]

Your right! I never thought of that!

[@tabutog]

Stuka dive bomber hahaha minus the siren

[@honda450rider87]

Yep.... minus the enemy fighters trying to shoot your arse out the sky or the triple A (anti-aircraft artillery) batteries trying to blast you out the sky with flak shells blowing up so close to the airframe the plane is buffeting through every maneuver you are trying to pull out of your butt to keep your plane in the sky and also kinda unlike the dead tail gunner that has his shot up body removed from the turret every time a plane does happen to make it back. Other than that just like WWII BUDDY!!!

[@shallpion]

This is actually way more challenging than a bomber pilot, not even close.

[@grindstone4910]

@@honda450rider87 Where is the chill

[@teresakramer2438]

These guys and gals are the true HEROES you have my deepest respect and love♥️

[@Ostsol]

These planes were originally built in the 1950s and maybe into the '60s. I love seeing old birds still flying!

[@allgood6760]

Taking the fight to the enemy... good work! 👍✈️

[@tdubveedub]

Once he drops the load, as the plane gets light, he rams the controls against the dash; I believe that's how they keep the wings on the aircraft.

[@yourdrummer2034]

Now kids, pay attention!! This is a real superhero at work! He even has a superhero suit!!

[@hateeternalmaver]

Wow. Now this man is a real fucking HERO! If that's not something to aspire to I don't know what is... Is he on his own in there, too?!!?

[@GabsareSarg]

Wow, this is amaizing. Im trainning on my PPL and on day would love to become an Aircraft Firefighter!

[@rectorsquid]

The slightly tilted camera kept making me learn my head while watching. Great video though. I too was impressed with how much the flight characteristics changed when dumping.

[@henriquetelles36]

I don’t know how that plane can fly with the weight of the retardant and of the pilot Steel b***s! Hats off to you sir! You are a badass hero!

[@rubensalphajunior]

Greetings from Brazil. High skill flighting!

[@DrippyTheRaindrop]

LOVE the Cold War era brain bucket! USAF, baby!

[@survivingmalcolm]

Professional Pilot, knows the limits of his Equipment...🙏🏿

[@terrystephens1102]

Enormous admiration and respect for these highly skilled and very brave pilots 👌👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️

[@laurelchanson8292]

That was AWESOME !! Wish I could sit in the right seat !!

[@albugden8742]

Started out on the S-2, thanks for the memories.

[@dontommaso4420]

He uses up a Lot of Runway. These guys do a Fantastic Job, and I was surprised to not see a Co-Pilot

[@zafarfarhan428]

These pilots and crew risk their guts for a noble cause Love and respect from Pakistan BULL'S EYE guys......

[@rlenn6512]

I bet there are more young people commenting on how cool it is to be this kind of pilot than there are to be a scientist who studies global warming effects and tries to prevent them in the first place. Not hating on this pilot, of course. We NEED them. They are doing as much as they can, as well as the ground crews. We (as in ALL of us) need more of both types!

[@BaffinSailor]

I keep hearing that Dukes of Hazard song “Just a good ole boys” just stuck in my head.

[@manfredadams3252]

You are a nazi!

[@showtime951]

I may not work as a highly-skilled firefighting air ranger everyday, but I did spend last night at a Holiday Inn Express...

[@smarkson]

An artist-pilot-hero.

[@422osider5]

The first time I was in a plane I knew I wanted to do this as my job

[@Jam_66]

Shattered Official I’m going for this too, I called cal fire and talked to the head of aviation there and he gave me a list of how many hours I need (for different airframes) in order to be competitive in the application process! Have you started flight training yet?

[@LJ-gn2un]

Thank you for your service!

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

The cieling windows in the cockpit are a very clever feature, allows the pilot to look around even if he's banked into a turn. 🙂

[@kinetikx]

i before e, except after c. :D

[@bridgecross]

Any aircraft with an overhead throttle is a manly aircraft.

[@Bartonovich52]

Lol

[@MercyWolff]

I love hearing those props so fucin good and means nothing is wrong also i love looking at them during flight so cool :3

[@Jomievolution8]

I have a feeling that this guy could saved 10 percent off his car insurance

[@signorpippistrello]

I just love the Tracker, what a great platform.

[@cheekcj]

Just pure bad ass. Thank you 🙏.

[@SkyTechElectronics]

“Beware of an old man in a profession where men die young."

[@danquarterman]

Beware??? of what?

[@carlosmaldonado5411]

Dan QuarterMan Thus this being the very reason why my young friend!

[@bluesmills]

@@carlosmaldonado5411 Nice

[@carlosmaldonado5411]

Rusty Climber Flow with the tides of life or blinded by you’re own “spotlight” you will be! Young strength has no value without experience my young child!

[@carlosmaldonado5411]

Rusty Climber You need a hug! And much love! And all you’re teeth, so don’t get them kicked out of you’re mouth my slick talking friend!

[@terrydunaway8652]

Great job many thanks to you folks!

[@TheMonolake]

Wow wow wow ! Dude yu got my props a million props yer an artist. Beat. Plane

[@elkabong6429]

I was kind of shocked to see that there was not a copilot aboard!

[@theevilmeister]

Same, would think these guys would fly dual all the time being so close to the ground. I would at least. Even just a low time guy to handle the radios.

[@rareu4532]

They are never alone in that huge planes!!! They are at least 3 crew memeber, maybe behind him here...

[@thibeau009]

Why need radios? if u are flying your cessna in the vicinity of those fires you are defenitely in the wrong place :)

[@Jdr1053]

@@rareu4532 The Grumman S2T is single pilot ops. So he is the only crew member.

[@muddrudder2656]

@@Jdr1053 I love that these old aircraft are still in use. I thought he was in a PBY until I saw how well it moved. Your comment also told me xD

[@floofycatz]

I would come home from work smiling every day :)

[@ryanm.191]

Must be a hell of a feeling flying a metal tube filled with liquid explosive dinosaurs and water directly towards a fire

[@JuliusCaesarr_]

Dinosaurs? Wtf? 😂

[@ryanm.191]

skevin98 what?

[@alexpro8843]

@@JuliusCaesarr_ he is talking about fuel

[@JuliusCaesarr_]

@@alexpro8843 fuel? Dino's?... is it just me who doesnt understand this?

[@alexpro8843]

@@JuliusCaesarr_ its that petroleum is the remains of dinosaurs, and prehistoric plants, that have been compressed, and petroleum is used to make fuel, so it kinda makes sense, still a wierd way to call fuel but creative i guess

[@gtm624]

Respect to the fact that the man was in rising terrain and pushed nose down hard to compensate for the drop and he still was climbing.

[@falcon16fl]

I idolize these guys as a kid. Wanted to be one but never had the oppertunity to learn. Much reapect for these BAMFs.

[@sharizabel2582]

Reminds me of low angle strafing in fighters. 😊

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Curious why the throttle and gear lever are mounted overhead.

[@JordanSmith-fg6if]

They knew if they put the throttle on the floor this guy wouldn’t have room to spread his legs wide enough to sit without smashing his gigantic sack.

[@MidnightPhoenix07]

This aircraft (the Grumman S2T) is a Korean War era aircraft that’s entirely mechanical, so every control is connected by physical cables to the control surfaces and engines. Since these planes were designed with the wing mounted to the top of the fuselage and the engines below them, the throttle lever was on the roof of the cockpit so the wires ran directly back to the engines along the top of the fuselage.

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

MidnightPhoenix07 ah, that makes sense. Thanks.

[@jasonbell5152]

Get the CL-215 or 415. No messing around. Air programs need the best fire fighting aircraft to bring fires under control in the quickest time. This smallish Grumman is a Cold War-era sub killer converted to drop fire retardant. The CL-215, way bigger, more powerful and agile, can fly circles around the S2T. The 215 is a flying boat, can reload in lakes, oceans, even twisty rivers in seconds. No need to return to base. Huge wingspan, flaps and tail enable rapid response.

[@samstanfield2634]

The CL-215 and 415, while great planes, aren't as much use to Cal Fire as others because most of its ops are done in extremely dry regions (nowhere to utilize that flying boat feature. Or that's what a Cal Fire guy told me at least. Plus in my humble opinion, the S2T is wayyyy cooler.

[@timbarrett3631]

The S2T can out climb and out turn the 215. Fact. Accuracy is key here. S2T any day.

[@olafurmikaelsson4794]

The s2t is much more agile better climb and is smaller (that’s a plus) only needs one crew member aka if it crashes you will only loose one pilot instead of 2 or more crew also cheaper

[@truthmarshal9900]

Dangerous as hell. A true professional.

[@footballaustin55]

He pulled that gear up SUPER fast!

[@mortenBP]

Less drag, heavy cargo.

[@footballaustin55]

@@mortenBP I figured it was a heavy load, barely had a positive rate. Savage.

[@JAMiller1220]

It was is convenient for the airfield to be so close to the fire

[@RyRyWags]

🎶 Drop it like it's hot! 🎵 👌 Great skills he's got!👍

[@gremlin60]

the sound of plane engines is so soothing

[@U.S.A_247]

Thank you too all the Women & Men that put their lives on the line to save us!!!!! 100% Hero's............

[@upload638]

I bet this guy doesn't stay up late drinking the night before he has to work

[@stijnvandamme76]

pretty sure he does , maybe not as much as he did as a kid.. but a night cap is pretty standard, i'm sure.

[@ricksavage3122]

I’ll take that bet!

[@willfishing5605]

clearly you haven't seen "flight"

[@rick7884]

Are you kidding?? That may be the only way he can stay so calm doing that. My butt would be locked to the seat of that plane the whole time if I was up there! Lol

[@MrFister84]

Yeah because he might get "Fired" hey

[@CatchDude]

I would not be surprised if this man flew close air support in one of the military branches

[@AB-bu9go]

Highly likely. A10 maybe

[@kris1976me]

very sure he is 'retired' Air Force...