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.
@frenchydampier22096 күн бұрын
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.
@NexxuSix3 жыл бұрын
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!
@cashflyer3 жыл бұрын
He does not keep the aircraft flying to peak performance. A cadre of well trained mechanics does that for him.
@eveningstarnm31073 жыл бұрын
Some of these guys used to fly Warthogs.
@eveningstarnm31073 жыл бұрын
@@cashflyer Sometimes, he buys them drinks.
@jasontipton84303 жыл бұрын
the most dangerous flying job
@raywalker85563 жыл бұрын
its mostly automated now days.
@hokiemiata3 жыл бұрын
That is some crazy banking there. Also clearly, he had the terrain warning turned off :) !
@Iamrightyouarewrong3 жыл бұрын
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.
@HMSoutdoors3 жыл бұрын
They probably dont even have a TCAS system. You know youll be cutting grass during your flight lol
@AreeyaKKC3 жыл бұрын
@@HMSoutdoors GPWS not TCAS. TCAS is for traffic Collison avoidance system. GPWS is ground proximity warning system
@lauriewagner43493 жыл бұрын
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.
@yourdrummer20343 жыл бұрын
@@lauriewagner4349 Thank him for me!
@greyjay92022 жыл бұрын
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.
@learemington17003 жыл бұрын
I would LOVE that job. Gotta best flying job in the world. No unruly passengers. Thank you firefighting pilots. I envy you.
@davidecarucci10733 жыл бұрын
Jet pilot: are you sure about that?
@JustJohn5053 жыл бұрын
@@davidecarucci1073 jet fighter pilots have a stressful job and you rarely enjoy the joy of flying
@davidecarucci10733 жыл бұрын
@@JustJohn505 depends
@erichayes28903 жыл бұрын
Better think twice on that!
@frostscience54703 жыл бұрын
I'd be happy pulling banners along the beach or flying pipeline... if it paid.
And about a 10% chance of getting killed during each fire season.
@soflodoug3 жыл бұрын
BLACKMONGOOSE13 Youre a weirdo.
@MarkMcAllister-ni9sf3 жыл бұрын
hide your daughters...the haters in the comments are fighting their own desire to suck him off.
@legopachycephalosaurus68253 жыл бұрын
MrShobar And a 100% chance of saving lives of all kinds.
@uldNdN703 жыл бұрын
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!
@stevegould17303 жыл бұрын
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!”
@maxr.mamint85802 жыл бұрын
Terrain! Pull! UP!
@lelandbatiste94433 жыл бұрын
God bless this man and all the other ppl working like this.
@tylerzylstra56173 жыл бұрын
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!!
@corngrohlio3 жыл бұрын
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.
@lisarenee35053 жыл бұрын
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.
@Sturmovik19463 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@lisarenee35053 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@charlestesar67423 жыл бұрын
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.
3 жыл бұрын
This should be added to Flight Simulator 2020
@sirac193 жыл бұрын
I wish too
@skaboy7653 жыл бұрын
Make it DLC and give some of the proceeds to help fight real fires. Shit would be dope.
@lukasi.v42693 жыл бұрын
Awesome idea, add the Grumman too!
@SNAFU04uk3 жыл бұрын
Fire fighter x.. it’s an add on for FSX
@CrpMag Жыл бұрын
The add-on for FSX was really cool.
@goobytron28885 жыл бұрын
You can see in the controls how much the plane lightens up during the drop.
@archerpiperii26904 жыл бұрын
This guy taught Han The Kessel Run.
@thraciuspratt49153 жыл бұрын
That's how Solo was able to make the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs.
@rv8Commander3 жыл бұрын
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.
@robharris13444 жыл бұрын
So confident, man and machine! Beautiful to watch
@cto1gg3 жыл бұрын
This job must be as close as one can get to being a World War II fighter-bomber pilot.
@B-riceNewton3 жыл бұрын
Your right! I never thought of that!
@tabutog3 жыл бұрын
Stuka dive bomber hahaha minus the siren
@honda450rider873 жыл бұрын
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!!!
@shallpion3 жыл бұрын
This is actually way more challenging than a bomber pilot, not even close.
@grindstone49103 жыл бұрын
@@honda450rider87 Where is the chill
@jmullentech3 жыл бұрын
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!
@tdkeyes13 жыл бұрын
And he was anticipating it.
@brianl06043 жыл бұрын
That looks like some serious forward yoke as he encounters the thermal updraft from the fire.
@michaelbailey15783 жыл бұрын
That was amazing, such an excellent pilot, doing a treacherous job in service to us all. Many thanks to you sir.
@dragonmeddler21523 жыл бұрын
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!
@lsx0013 жыл бұрын
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.
@dragonmeddler21523 жыл бұрын
@@lsx001 It's bc the engines are located above the cockpit. Typical of seaplanes. I sort of like the throttles up there...
@bagnome3 жыл бұрын
I want that thing in Flight Simulator. That looks ultra-cool.
@justin.w.063 жыл бұрын
btw the plane is a Marsh Turbo Tracker
@dickyoda22753 жыл бұрын
Gotta figure out the game physics for heat drafts & weather I liked Ace combat had good wind turbulence
@bouchtamachaaouri93753 жыл бұрын
@@justin.w.06Hallo bonjour
@bouchtamachaaouri93753 жыл бұрын
Machaaouri2000@
@jrodriguezpiano3 жыл бұрын
Ok lil boy
@John-ym9ht3 жыл бұрын
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.
@smaaback3 жыл бұрын
Best part is there's no annoying music, only engine sound and wind noise.
@viperbroncoalmasty3 жыл бұрын
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.
@kiereluurs12433 жыл бұрын
There's no 'god'. #thoughtsAndPrayers
@Louis-lb7owАй бұрын
Until you burn in hell you'll realize there's a God @@kiereluurs1243
@bridgecross3 жыл бұрын
Any aircraft with an overhead throttle is a manly aircraft.
@Bartonovich522 жыл бұрын
Lol
@gloriabrowning16973 жыл бұрын
Hi just want the firefighters to know they r loved ty
@TheBasher-_-3 жыл бұрын
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!
@ryanm.1913 жыл бұрын
Must be a hell of a feeling flying a metal tube filled with liquid explosive dinosaurs and water directly towards a fire
@JuliusCaesarr_3 жыл бұрын
Dinosaurs? Wtf? 😂
@ryanm.1913 жыл бұрын
skevin98 what?
@alexpro88433 жыл бұрын
@@JuliusCaesarr_ he is talking about fuel
@JuliusCaesarr_3 жыл бұрын
@@alexpro8843 fuel? Dino's?... is it just me who doesnt understand this?
@alexpro88433 жыл бұрын
@@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
@elkabong64296 жыл бұрын
I was kind of shocked to see that there was not a copilot aboard!
@theevilmeister6 жыл бұрын
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.
@rareu45325 жыл бұрын
They are never alone in that huge planes!!! They are at least 3 crew memeber, maybe behind him here...
@thibeau0095 жыл бұрын
Why need radios? if u are flying your cessna in the vicinity of those fires you are defenitely in the wrong place :)
@Jdr10535 жыл бұрын
@@rareu4532 The Grumman S2T is single pilot ops. So he is the only crew member.
@muddrudder26565 жыл бұрын
@@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
@spawntez3 жыл бұрын
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FIRE FIGHTING SKILLS AND AIRMANSHIP
@Jomievolution83 жыл бұрын
I have a feeling that this guy could saved 10 percent off his car insurance
@irvingtaylor15683 жыл бұрын
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.
@SkyTechElectronics4 жыл бұрын
“Beware of an old man in a profession where men die young."
@danquarterman3 жыл бұрын
Beware??? of what?
@carlosmaldonado54113 жыл бұрын
Dan QuarterMan Thus this being the very reason why my young friend!
@bluesmills3 жыл бұрын
@@carlosmaldonado5411 Nice
@carlosmaldonado54113 жыл бұрын
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!
@carlosmaldonado54113 жыл бұрын
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!
@richardross38153 жыл бұрын
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
@lisarenee35053 жыл бұрын
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.
@WootTootZoot3 жыл бұрын
Thank You Cal Fire. I am in aw and eternally thankful
@ironjaw67523 жыл бұрын
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.
@422osider55 жыл бұрын
The first time I was in a plane I knew I wanted to do this as my job
@Jam_664 жыл бұрын
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?
@stokesseegers50123 жыл бұрын
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
@itsmecarter23 жыл бұрын
It's crazy to see how much downward pressure he has to apply. Because of the weight shift
@panderson95613 жыл бұрын
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.
@badad01663 жыл бұрын
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?".
@JanitorIsBack3 жыл бұрын
a lot of that has to do with the hot air from the fire because it is making the plane rise
@_sunsor3 жыл бұрын
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.
@whothou3 жыл бұрын
@@_sunsor it's a mix of weight loss and the heat from the fire
@BaffinSailor3 жыл бұрын
I keep hearing that Dukes of Hazard song “Just a good ole boys” just stuck in my head.
@manfredadams32523 жыл бұрын
You are a nazi!
@upload6383 жыл бұрын
I bet this guy doesn't stay up late drinking the night before he has to work
@stijnvandamme763 жыл бұрын
pretty sure he does , maybe not as much as he did as a kid.. but a night cap is pretty standard, i'm sure.
@ricksavage31223 жыл бұрын
I’ll take that bet!
@willfishing56053 жыл бұрын
clearly you haven't seen "flight"
@rick78843 жыл бұрын
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
@MrFister843 жыл бұрын
Yeah because he might get "Fired" hey
@henriquetelles363 жыл бұрын
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!
@showtime9513 жыл бұрын
I may not work as a highly-skilled firefighting air ranger everyday, but I did spend last night at a Holiday Inn Express...
@tdubveedub3 жыл бұрын
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.
@Chrisamos4123 жыл бұрын
Who needs a copilot when you have a big S on your chest 👊🏼
@allgood67602 жыл бұрын
Taking the fight to the enemy... good work! 👍✈️
@yourdrummer20343 жыл бұрын
Now kids, pay attention!! This is a real superhero at work! He even has a superhero suit!!
@LJ-gn2un3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your service!
@f-15estrikeeagle353 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your services guys
@terrydunaway86523 жыл бұрын
Great job many thanks to you folks!
@stulynn20053 жыл бұрын
Very cool to see that perspective
@johnwoodall37919 күн бұрын
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...❤
@MercyWolff3 жыл бұрын
I love hearing those props so fucin good and means nothing is wrong also i love looking at them during flight so cool :3
@cheekcj3 жыл бұрын
Just pure bad ass. Thank you 🙏.
@joannescholl72163 жыл бұрын
Nothing but love, admiration and respect for these awesome pilots and crew members.
@flybobbie14493 жыл бұрын
With big side windows would make an interesting aircraft in the 2020 sim.
@Galbex213 жыл бұрын
Wow, this is amaizing. Im trainning on my PPL and on day would love to become an Aircraft Firefighter!
@laurelchanson82923 жыл бұрын
That was AWESOME !! Wish I could sit in the right seat !!
@albugden87423 жыл бұрын
Started out on the S-2, thanks for the memories.
@jobadiahg3 жыл бұрын
All American bad ass heros! Love these guys!
@CatchDude3 жыл бұрын
I would not be surprised if this man flew close air support in one of the military branches
@AB-bu9go3 жыл бұрын
Highly likely. A10 maybe
@kris1976me3 жыл бұрын
very sure he is 'retired' Air Force...
@teresakramer24383 жыл бұрын
These guys and gals are the true HEROES you have my deepest respect and love♥️
@charlieb30323 жыл бұрын
Love the full nose down after dropping the fire suppression. What a ride that must be.
@john-ob7bv3 жыл бұрын
Please give these heroes upto date aircraft and technology. These guys do a wonderful job.
@songklodsuku71933 жыл бұрын
these people are on the top of the best pilot-scale for me
@terrystephens11023 жыл бұрын
Enormous admiration and respect for these highly skilled and very brave pilots 👌👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️
@ernestwegner49603 жыл бұрын
Amazing flying!
@Ostsol3 жыл бұрын
These planes were originally built in the 1950s and maybe into the '60s. I love seeing old birds still flying!
@rudybotha63143 жыл бұрын
Yah. That was thrilling. Job well done. I salute you.
@Iamrightyouarewrong3 жыл бұрын
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.
@soflodoug3 жыл бұрын
I'm right you're wrong What about your mother? Did she recover?
@Iamrightyouarewrong3 жыл бұрын
@@soflodoug what?
@legopachycephalosaurus68253 жыл бұрын
Douglas R wtf are you smoking?
@user-jo2rt4lp1i3 жыл бұрын
@@Iamrightyouarewrong Homie, they literally adopted this plane in 96, this plane didn't exist in the 80's let alone the 50's.
@Iamrightyouarewrong3 жыл бұрын
@@user-jo2rt4lp1i Oh I thought this plane was the Grumman S-2 tracker.
@rectorsquid3 жыл бұрын
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.
@joannevargas96383 жыл бұрын
What amazing bravery it takes to keep so many safe. Thank you and bless you fire fighters in the sky.
@signorpippistrello3 жыл бұрын
I just love the Tracker, what a great platform.
@SoloPilot63 жыл бұрын
There's some serious heavy there during takeoff. I kept thinking "Okay, back pressure, back pressure, back pressure . . .what the hell, are you gonna high-speed taxi all the way to the fire?"
@K6III450MHZ3 жыл бұрын
Same here. A B-52 practically jump into the air compared to this plane.
@chuckeberth437017 күн бұрын
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.
@94SexyStang3 жыл бұрын
Those sound like some good running motors!!
@hugodesrosiers-plaisance31563 жыл бұрын
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. 🙂
@kinetikx3 жыл бұрын
i before e, except after c. :D
@RyRyWags3 жыл бұрын
🎶 Drop it like it's hot! 🎵 👌 Great skills he's got!👍
@truthmarshal99003 жыл бұрын
Dangerous as hell. A true professional.
@rick78843 жыл бұрын
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!
@martinbaker7073 жыл бұрын
Reminds me of a Southwest flight I took once into Denver.... He may hit some bumps on the way, but he'll get you there...
@jasonbell51526 жыл бұрын
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.
@samstanfield26345 жыл бұрын
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.
@timbarrett36315 жыл бұрын
The S2T can out climb and out turn the 215. Fact. Accuracy is key here. S2T any day.
@olafurmikaelsson47944 жыл бұрын
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
@iVenge3 жыл бұрын
FULL SUPPORT for these guys.
@jenniferjohnston44033 ай бұрын
There’s something to be said about mastering a skill, which this pilot obviously has, that’s subtle yet noticeable.
@zachthomas78106 жыл бұрын
Thank you
@hateeternalmaver3 жыл бұрын
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?!!?
@rubensalphajunior3 жыл бұрын
Greetings from Brazil. High skill flighting!
@TheMonolake3 жыл бұрын
Wow wow wow ! Dude yu got my props a million props yer an artist. Beat. Plane
@kelssierapp46166 жыл бұрын
Awesome 😊
@4strokenrg3 жыл бұрын
Okay, yup, you’re a bad ass. Loved the video.
@svengranzow37022 жыл бұрын
Nice cabview from firefighter
@dontommaso44203 жыл бұрын
He uses up a Lot of Runway. These guys do a Fantastic Job, and I was surprised to not see a Co-Pilot
@gussiazmiiaqilt.h54873 жыл бұрын
I love the video! Except the fact that another wildfire happened
@teewoods98462 жыл бұрын
it looks like he took off from the old McCLELLAN AFB in RANCHO CORDOVA CALIF. great job man
@footballaustin553 жыл бұрын
He pulled that gear up SUPER fast!
@mortenBP3 жыл бұрын
Less drag, heavy cargo.
@footballaustin553 жыл бұрын
@@mortenBP I figured it was a heavy load, barely had a positive rate. Savage.
@floofycatz Жыл бұрын
I would come home from work smiling every day :)
@smarkson3 жыл бұрын
An artist-pilot-hero.
@Project_-jq7jw4 жыл бұрын
Like a boss brahs!!
@raymondkitchen92153 жыл бұрын
Just Bad Azz. Keep up the good work!
@gremlin603 жыл бұрын
the sound of plane engines is so soothing
@davebrock44633 жыл бұрын
That guy really knows his equipment. That made me pucker a little.