Flying the FIRE TRUCK of the SKY

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[@jflavoie3306]

You kill me with the can’t see any plane here 😂

[@fargomoser5343]

I have had a kinda rough day and that joke made it so much better

[@Republic3D]

A few of these C-130s came from the Royal Norwegian Air Force. It's really cool that Coulson decided to keep the Norse names like Balder and Froy. Before they were retired they had new wings and were in tip top shape. They were parked in the desert for quite a while before Coulson picked them up. My dad used to fly these exact aircraft so it's really cool to see them fly again.

[@DarkAngelGuyver]

Dunno if the 737 guys mentioned it and it just got lost for editing, but when planes are flying slow we have the flaps out which along with increasing lift also pushes the nose down so the forward view is actually pretty good at that point!

[@S.Sparrow]

Thank you for this added info! I know a decent amount about flying helos, but very little about fixed wing.

[@user-uc4zs3cg8d]

I noticed the nose go down twice in the video. Thanks for telling me why.

[@Nobi36]

That civilian C130 looks so gorgeous

[@aairsick]

Prettiest thing ever!

[@Supersonic_av]

True

[@smwca123]

Not for nothing was it called the Hercules.

[@DeltaBravoPhotography]

If memory serves correctly, it was converted from an Australian Air Force C-130 that was sitting in storage and bought by Coulson

[@counterfit5]

Lockheed sold some for civilian freight use as the L-100. Only 114 compared to >2500 for the C-130

[@jdd1979]

We have a whole fleet of these in Medford Oregon. We have massive fires every year, and with 113° today, we have started early. Thanks for the look.

[@dezmondw7927]

Scorcher today in the valley !!

[@JeffKelly03]

Mike, been rewatching a lot of your content recently and just have to say: it’s always such great “comfort food” to have on to just put you in a great mood.

[@dezmondw7927]

As a wildland firefighter in Oregon. It's dope to see a video like this Downie!!

[@augl2702]

That's so badass, I have the ultimate respect for these pilots and their crews. Life savers.

[@mstrdiver]

Doug/ Michael - This was very great to see, but I still have to say that I'm still partial to watching the firebombing Mariner land on a lake to suck up water and then make a dousing run too.

[@rescuegirl]

I am insanely jealous that you were able to get a close-up tour of a firefighting airplane. And this is coming from me, a Firefighter Lieutenant Specialist! 🚒

[@minimoose1441]

I work for a company that manufactures some parts for Coulson, it's so cool being able to see what it's all for in the end!

[@niceguy5976]

This was so interesting. I really enjoyed this video. Whether on the ground with a hose, or in the air in a plane, firefighters are True Heroes!

[@pitdoctor]

6 or 7 years ago I got to see a water drop from a Martin Mars flying boat water bomber up in Port Alberni. Was pretty amazing to watch.

[@Bryar_Smith]

So happy you’re on Nebula now! Its an awesome platform with my favorite creators, including you!

[@DownieLive]

Yes! I agree! Glad you like it!

[@Valco-6406]

the funny thing is Mike lives in vancouver and coulson is from port alberni

[@blueman5924]

Mike moved when his wife got a transfer to a major Asia-pacific city. Last year. He did a video bout it.🤙

[@susansmart8086]

Interesting to see these larger tankers close-up. In my area, fires are fought with either helicopters or “Super Scooper” style aircraft.

[@baloolamo1725]

From the best train/transit guide ever, tandem race, desert racing and now this. You keep us entertained!

[@amye4087]

Blows me away the access you get. Nice job and thanks for taking us along.

[@joermnyc]

There are fire tankers that can reload water from local lakes by skimming along the surface… but yeah not many lakes in Palm Springs.

[@LittleRedLemon04]

When I was at Folk on the Rocks in Yellowknife a few years back they were filling from the lake next to the festival. It was incredible to see. I hope Downie can take us in one of those someday. Even if it’s just his camera that gets to go on the plane and he has to do a rare voiceover.

[@Bill_Gray-Pullman_Travels]

Nicely done! And the air museum at PSP is a great place to visit!

[@CentralPAfirevids]

PSP?

[@Bill_Gray-Pullman_Travels]

@@CentralPAfirevids KPSP Palm Springs, CA

[@DadLifePOV]

Thanks for educating us on this! Thank you to the men and women who fight wildfires! ❤

[@eriknippak5659]

I've wondered if the pilots have to anticipate the lightening of the plane - the 737 did a nose dip / yaw at the drop and then corrected. I bet the plane handles quite differently with the water. I wonder if they add the red or orange fire retardant for real fires? I read this allows better tracking of the drop (where it went), has a fire inhibitor and also allows for accuracy so the water doesn't mist away as it looked like it did on the runway drop illustration.

[@rapidthrash1964]

When they are fighting fires, they don't drop water; they drop a mixture of water and a special fire retardant mixture that is often red. Also, Coulson used to operate the Martin Mars as a converted water bomber up until a few years ago (go look it up; it is awesome). I recall that for a bit that they operated the 747-400 supertanker as well.

[@koenbaglien5276]

Coulson hasn't ever operated a 747

[@deloresthomas5624]

Mike what a educational and timely video. Thanks to all the men and women who put their lives on line fighting wild fires. Thank you for doing this video.

[@candacejackson5044]

Missed you for a few weeks recently, but glad you are back and I'm excited for the new adventures ahead.

[@ringsystemmusic]

Oh my god you got to ride on the Thingamabob! (towbarless tug) life goal fr

[@kevinwells4986]

Great job. I like that you are expanding your experiences to different areas. At first I was worried, I love the train videos a bunch - but you are so talented it would be actually a waste for you to be too narrow in focus. Now I just have to see what you are doing next.

[@PaulCashman]

What a great and timely video! We recently had a brush fire near our live-feed railroad camera in Cajon Pass (CA), and the helicopter water-drops were amazing to watch close-up and done with precision. Absolute professionals, all of these firefighters.

[@John_Fugazzi]

Great to have you back. I was amazed to hear that they can pump 500 gallons of water a minute into those planes. Their work is so invaluable here in California where we dread each fire season. Looking forward to all these upcoming adventures.

[@CheckeredFlagPodcast]

Actually looks like standard hydrant pressure! Most American hydrants will be between 500-1000 GPM, with 500 averaging to the most common pressure. If the hose is super long, they may pump still. But looks like it’s just pressure flow!

[@S.Sparrow]

Found your short that sent me here, so glad I came. Thank you for this video, and I love your excitement about the whole of it.

[@nursefoodiethreesixty]

Such a great video! Even though I got to see it yesterday with early access for members, it was still lots of fun watching it a second time.🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@Nobi36]

WOOOHOOO AIRCRAFT!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Welcome back! I’ve missed your adventures.

[@MikeMcKanna]

Mike, your videos are the best! Great topic, great story, and great production!

[@citibear57]

Thanks Mike! I have been curious what the tanks inside waterbombers looked like. I was like you, thinking they would cylindrical. Do you know what percentage of the water actually vaporizes due to the heat from the fire before it even reaches the ground?

[@chimrose4372]

I can’t express how much we appreciate this service and how good it feels when we see them coming. Thank you so much!

[@simonlanguedoc6147]

This is great! You should also look at the Canadair CL-415 which refill directly from the lakes,

[@electra424]

Your content keeps gettng better and better!!!

[@vsznry]

Awesome. Although wildfires are unfortunate AF, its crazy seeing these things in the sky here in SoCal.

[@deans6129]

I used to be a forest fire fighter in Northern BC and we were always happy to see the CL415s or the Electra chemical bomber show up. I was lucky enough to ride in a CL415 as it did a few drops and let me tell you it was a rush. I imagine being in the C130 would be a rush as it dropped its load. As a side note Coulson is the largest private fire fighting aircraft contractor in the world based out of Port Alberni, BC. Until a few years ago they also flew the worlds largest water bombers in the Martin Mars and it was a sight to behold but they were retired due to age and required large bodies of water to reload from which limited their use.

[@RobertLeclercq]

Mike, thanks for doing this video. I live near Palm Springs, and I've seen the Coulson trucks on the road and planes in the sky. Cool learning a little bit about how they do there job.

[@T3CHGY007]

You always take us to the coolest places! Thanks for doing that!

[@AScottishOdyssey]

I've been on the Falkirk Wheel twice. I hope that you enjoyed your experience.

[@patriciafuchs5970]

This is so darn cool! I never expected you to make a video about water bombers. I used to watch them scoop up water from lakes when I lived in Newfoundland. I am loving every minute of this!!!

[@wdjones4735]

That was beautiful! Such graceful planes with a purpose👍🏻Palm Springs is such a great town. Thanks for sharing🙂

[@Amm17ar]

Downie dropping buckets of great content on our heads? George and Lewis 1st and 2nd at the British Grand Prix.....today's a good day.

[@sherrile]

Mike, your videos just keep getting better and better! Thanks for giving wildland fire crews some coverage!

[@mr.rodneygregg3445]

Great video 👍🏾

[@stevennagley3407]

Awesome video Downie, beautiful analog instrumentation in these aircraft, pilots plane!

[@DownieLive]

Indeed!

[@lisaanderson8235]

This was just so interesting! I had no idea how any of this process worked.

[@donstravelsandrants.]

That was brilliant. Looking forward to your upcoming videos. 👍😊🇮🇪🇨🇦

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Congratulations on being featured on Nebula! Also, yay boating videos 👏🏽

[@QALibrary]

wow - well done on the video and also to the fire team for giving you the access

[@storm-aircorporation6540]

If I am not mistaken, I was able to get a tour of 131 as it was going through modification at SBD. As a former USAF Flight Engineer, I was very impressed. Coulson has a nice operation. a tour of 131 as it was going through modification at SBD. As a former USAF Flight Engineer, I was very impressed. Coulson has a nice operation. Glad to see your video.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Me 🤝 COULSON Fireliner Runs on Sweet, Sweet H2O

[@levicuen5931]

That's awesome, my guy. A while back, I left a not so nice post on one of your vids. You very kindly put me in my place, and I've been an avid follower ever sense. Thanks for being a stand-up guy and for all the great content!

[@DownieLive]

Levi, we all have our bad days, but you’re always welcome here.

[@cherylsibson2529]

Impressive flight at saving fires!

[@MikeWood]

Palm Springs isn't the environment for a Canadair CL-415 Super Scooper / DHC-515 but you need to rep some Canadian water bombers too. Seeing them work a fire is something else.

[@DownieLive]

Coulson is a Canadian company 😉🍁

[@MikeWood]

@@DownieLive I know. :) But can a 737 touch a lake more than once, scoop water and go back for more? Go on board one of those for a ride. I have seen them work up close in Newfoundland. Very impressive.

[@Twirlinggamer]

I love Coulson I saw one of their C-130s flying over, beautiful

[@michaeljoshuapabia]

Yooooo! another boat series! looking forward to that

[@sharonobryan9713]

Nice! Thank you for the video and the smiles! You do the coolest things! I have always wondered if they can feel the heat from the fire(s) in the water drop planes.

[@jerrilynhenson9024]

My dad, in the late’50’s flew the old converted war birds to fight fires.

[@Oduck22]

3:37 CAL FIRE uses the OV-10 Bronco near me. Love the sound it makes, and I know when to check for active fires nearby. Sadly in Southern California it’s used very often 🛩

[@deniseeisha1238]

Honestly it's the most interesting thing I've ever seen before Mike

[@chrislauravaughn9796]

I'm currently working a fire camp in Oregon, these things can be godsend.

[@cardiac19]

No Frakin way! What a great video!

[@user-hp2il6su8r]

Thanks for doing this video! These planes are so helpful in fighting our wildfires. we live in san diego part time and in the redwoods of santa cruz the other part of the year. We have had wildfires burn within a block or so in both locations. Very grateful for these planes

[@garygus5966]

Wow this is the best video ever!!

[@sunniclark6827]

WOW!! Thank you! I had no idea! I was still in "ALWAYS" mode! (Great movie by the way!)

[@robbyscottperry4482]

Still the best channel on KZbin.

[@calxtra5361]

so cool Mike! ... Thank you!

[@RichardinNC1]

That’s cool! They should put a remote camera and video screen to view the terrain in the 737. They had that in a B29 I rode in since there were so few windows in the back. You should do a segment on one of those groups that tours the country giving rides. They take everything with them in the 1 plane including spare cylinders and tools to do full repairs on site. It’s mind blowing to understand what our guys worked with in WW2!

[@evecottom9966]

Great video!Very informative.

[@notauserr]

38 seconds is crazy🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Triqii]

Gah the C130 is so beautiful. That 737 has to be a riot to fly though

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Oh btw Mike here was recently featured on the New York Post. Congratulations 🥳

[@Avaition_Edits]

So lucky to be able to fly with Coulson Avaition. Been photographing them and making edits for them for a good while now. Been in contact with their squad to try and rearrange a flight with them

[@adrielneely7543]

Such a cool video!!

[@marlenemacfarlane6199]

Another great video very interesting

[@user-TonyUK]

Amazing..... no other words fit with what I witnessed. Thank You #DownieLive

[@reinisnikolajevs3020]

HOLLY MOLLY THEM COOL PLANES

[@patrickchavez3848]

Gotta love that giant 3 on the tail!!!

[@tmacspurs]

Without a doubt, you'd be my top choice as a travel partner to any obscure place in the world!

[@Nicetrybrobro]

Great video!

[@iPig]

I live in the mountains up above Palm Springs. Got a great view of them heading to and from what I assume was a training location a couple months ago. A Herc flying a few hundred feet over your house a couple times a day for a week is pretty enjoyable. (when it's not for an actual fire)

[@Snugglepossum]

The C130, 737 was at my local airport for awhile, sadly I didn’t get to see the 737 that crashed while fire fighting

[@Snugglepossum]

I live in Australia just so you know

[@chirstchurchNZ]

as someone who was a firefighter in New Zealand for 11 years it was always a dream to work along side the kings of the sky

[@slidefast86]

This may be an odd comment but I was watching your video about the Autumn Color Expressway and noticed a badly swollen lymph node. You seemed to have resolved the issue and are doing better, glad to see it.

[@TheTannerChanner]

I like how that guy caught himself when he said "no we're not out there for fun".. bro you're doing a good thing it's okay to have a little fun while doing it.

[@Supersonic_av]

Those liverys look *FIRE*

[@kerncountyresponsevideos2639]

I was filming the C130 dropping on the 3rd

[@rajasimanta]

To run that fleet, extinguishing fire gotta be a HUGE business in US

[@Mittnamnarupptaget]

The name of the captain is very funny and unfortunate in Swedish!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

This video gives a whole new meaning to “Mr. COULSON rocks my world!”

[@southaussiegarbo2054]

Come to Australia to film something like this in our summer. Be a good taste of what we do

[@Game_Vort3x]

Love the vids ❤ keep it up

[@Game_Vort3x]

Thanks for the like downie

[@DownieLive]

My pleasure. Thanks for the kind comment 😊

[@Writingne1]

Fantastic.

[@southaussiegarbo2054]

Most Australia uses coulsen to but we also run helicopters and other gear to.

[@ilannghost6306]

all I said this vid was "wow, wooow, so cool, woooooooow wow" 🤣🤣

[@Wordsnwood]

Mike's life goals: now you need to get a ride in one of Canada's firefighting planes that scoop water from lakes.

[@KuostA]

Coulson crashed a 737 in Australia 100% due to pilot error, slamming it into the ground after a water drop, and both pilots were able to walk away out of sheer crazy luck. Fascinating to read the full accident report, I'd recommend you to do so yourself!