Inside the World's Largest Airtanker 747-400 SuperTanker!

[@kittygonzalez2827]

This plane saved our lives just south of Middletown at the base of Mt St Helena a couple yrs ago! I’m proud of the massive plane but especially the Pilot! Thank you!

[@pyroman590]

I am fortunate enough to know the guy who dreamed up and designed the Supertanker. He's a great guy who loves that plane as much as life. I'm always in awe when I see that plane doing its thing.

[@joeyknight8272]

Really?

[@sideshowbob1544]

The opening to this video was Majestic! You get better all the time Juan, we're going to have to start calling you mister Hollywood. The paint job on that plane is the best I've ever seen! One of your best videos ever!

[@james_jr]

Right up there with a few Oroville videos!!

[@ImplodedAtom]

Beautiful music too.

[@ParticularCoconut]

It felt very similar to Air India livery back in those times. That was the first memory of an airplane for me when my dad used to take me to go watch landings when he got off work early.

[@richardbowles7690]

This one leaves me speechless. Juan, you set such a high bar, and you completely exceeded that, now.

[@christinecortese9973]

What an outstanding tanker - not only are the lines of this plane a work of art, but the capacity of retardant is unbelievable. This was a treat to watch. Thanks!

[@Kevin_747]

Interesting to learn about the tanker version. I flew the Classic more than I did the 400 but the 400 was an easy transition since I'd flown the 757/767. I miss the flying part of the job for sure, sucks getting old. Great video.

[@ginacalabrese3869]

But you always get to know that you controlled the Queen of the Skies during your lifetime. Pretty awesome!

[@linchester8464]

Which airline did you flew with Sir? The classic means the 747-100 or 200 series?

[@SkepticCat-pz1zz]

I feel your pain, but old beats the alternative. If by chance you flew trans pacific routes possibly I was riding behind you. I made that trip regularly for about 25 years. To me the 747 was the best passenger aircraft ever, excluding the Concorde which I flew twice.

[@jumpnrun3368]

Try flight simulation! :)

[@gillesbueno1153]

Comment of someone who forgot what the life of a pedestrian is ...👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼

[@aviation3530]

She sure is a beautiful airplane. When the fire fighters on the ground, look up and see her, they must feel like the Cavalry just arrived. Thank you!

[@tom7601]

Or like the troops when the A-10s arrive on scene.

[@gusvallo9202]

@@tom7601 : es

[@danven1256]

Fast forward 2 months. I've been watching it fight the fires in the Bay area. In my view those pilots must have nerves of steel.

[@aubreyselfridge923]

This exact plane has saved my town twice in last two years and saved my work this last week. Hearing that classic tanker 9-4-4 call sign come over the radio was a God send and allowed us to breath a little easier. It was accompanied by a dc10 and a few c-130

[@roadiejames]

Seriously! Like the turn around scene in a war movie where the good guys are getting beat down, the captain just took a mortal and nobody can get to him, the music gets real quiet and burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr big ol stallion of the great blue comes ripping through the clouds purring 120mm shells at them dang nazi summamabitches.

[@gritsngranola]

love love LOVE the opening shot! It's like "here SHE comes." Farout!!!

[@pnaylor666]

Who has time for a 2 mile final? Not this guy, they got fires to fight!!!!

[@ajfurnari2448]

Reminds me of watching approach footage from Kai Tak, minus the city underneath it

[@Michael.Chapman]

@@ajfurnari2448 Very Kai Takish :-) Superb… also love that great slow fly-down of the nose gear ;-))

[@PlataxJazz]

747 what an aircraft in any configuration. I hope I never see this SuperTanker overhead here in Southern California, but I'm glad it is available if we need it. Thanks for the tour.

[@jinxigrl]

She was here in 2018 flying over my house for the Holy Jim fire. I stood outside breathing smoke just to watch her in person until she left the area. So amazing.

[@chrishaddad5362]

Yea I saw it too. It looks really big when it’s swooping over the top of the Santa Ana’s down toward Elsinore

[@662wc5]

I'm in SoCal too, and we got front row view of 944's capabilities earlier this month in the San Bernardino mountains, as well as the DC-10's, C-130's, and other assorted tankers. Same thing two summers ago with the Cranston and Holy fires.

[@aaaamoneyyyy]

This aged well

[@brianollom]

Ok, there is not a single thing that isn't cool about that plane! SO awesome you got the tour!

[@lynfl9814]

Juan, This was one of your top five videos. I really enjoyed it. You can tell this crew is very proud of what they do; as they should be. They are so important to the horrendous job of fighting these terrible fires. Thanks, Juan!

[@kirkham-42]

Man! The 747 is such a stunning aircraft to watch land! Or take off! Thanks Juan!

[@AviationNut]

Even in 2020 people are always amazed seeing her takeoff and land. Just imagine how people felt seeing her fly the first time in 1969. There is a couple of documentaries about the first 747 and most people didn't even believe that she will get off the ground. In one of those documentaries they show her landing and you can hear one of the engineers yelling "Speed, speed!!!" because the 747 looks very slow when landing and the guy thought they were gone stall.

[@bazonka1]

Still the Queen of the skies!

[@TP-su9ev]

Couldn’t say I understood it all, but it is indeed a pleasure to listen to someone who knows their work environment inside and out. Well done gentlemen.

[@kenjudd1102]

Retired wildland fire fighter and this plane is amazing. Need 50 of them

[@yorkiepudd7404]

when " WOW & AWESOME " just aint good enough for the kit this flying Lady has for the job she does. Thanks to the crew for allowing Juan to share this Beauty with us, cheers ken uk

[@catherinenelson4162]

Wow, Juan! Marcos explains things so well that he could be you!!!!

[@BeechComer]

Demonstrates the superior ability to gain understanding of systems required to competently fly this category of aircraft. Juan has demonstrated it, Marco just demoed his knowledge _and_ knowledge retrieval system, sadly not everyone flying airliners has it, as the crash record demonstrates. Everyone _riding_ this type of aircraft, deserves to have both pilots with this level of dedication and ability.

[@FarrellMcGovern]

The 747 is a majestic bird...and it is wild to see it flown slow and low like that...wow!

[@KawaiiKamikaze1]

This was absolutely amazing! You outdid reporters and their documentaries in just one simple video! Love it! keep posting more like these!

[@simonbaxter8001]

Nice to see the BAe146 tanker make a brief appearance in the video. Spent many years as part of the flight test team for the BAe146 and AvroRJ Series.

[@leeudraak]

That opening scene..WoW... "Man!" ... That majestic aeroplane and the 'Blanco' theme music. Sweet, just sweet.

[@marktye322]

944 is a beast! What a fine piece of American aviation engineering. Great video as always. Juan, your videos and reports are very enlightening and engaging.

[@arnenelson4495]

Joe Sutter would be proud to see what his baby is doing now! Awesome Awesome Airplane!!!!

[@johnmorrison8942]

Thanks!

[@stinkysrvadventures8620]

My grandpa was a pilot for JAL he may have flown that plane. Amazing video good job.

[@firemedic5100]

You are proof that it is possible to teach an old dog. I knew about the tanks in this aircraft, but didn't have a clue how it all worked to get the end product. Thanks Juan, for helping this old dog put it all together.

[@einarbolstad8150]

I work in aviation, but I have a "side gig" with the Civil Defence where fighting forest fires is one of the things we do. So this "marriage" of aviation and wildland firefighting is especially cool to me. Great video!

[@dogbugler]

The 747 is the most graceful and beautiful aircraft ever produced. (my opinion). Juan, what a fantastic video production. Whenever I see a 747, it takes me back to May of 1991. My wife and I flew to Frankfort and spent 2 weeks in Germany, France and Luxembourg. The trip was to visit our son coming home from the gulf war. What a memory flying on that 747 leaving MIA. Just before takeoff, I observed a thunderstorm quickly forming, so I thought we would wait it out on the ground. Boy was I wrong, we rolled down the runway up we went. As we were climbing at full power we were head on into that storm and hit a micro burst unscathed except for my right thigh. My wife cliched down on that muscle so hard that a bruise formed almost immediately. Anyhow, bless you Juan and your photographer for outstanding shots and thank you for the awesome interview. Stay Safe, Bee Well. Shalom

[@wizardmix]

For me in terms of grace and beauty for passenger jets it goes 1) Concord 2) 787 3) 757 4) L-1011 5) 747

[@alphonzo12345]

This one video is totally worth what I give through Patreon! Keep it up!

[@MakeSushi1]

that looks like a fun job to have, flying a 747 super low to fight fires dropping loads

[@StrikeWyvern]

Flight itself is really fun!

[@jdhart3759]

Yeah it kinda does, I’ll except the risk

[@InvisiblyDaisy]

Is fun

[@TheDizzleHawke]

Heh heh. Dropping loads. That’s what he said. But seriously, how much lighter does that plane get as it drops tons of liquid and how do the pilots deal with the rapid loss of weight?

[@andrewagner2035]

@@TheDizzleHawke 19200 gals is almost 160000 lbs lighter.

[@Peasmouldia]

Here in the softy Southern UK this is all a bit mind blowing. We're very fortunate, we do have heathland fires, but nothing like that. We don't get hurricanes or earthquakes either. You can see why our island has been populated for most of 500,000yrs. Thanks Juan, excellent edition.

[@barrykaine6526]

Some of the latest anthropological/ archaeological discoveries in the Western states have shown that indigenous people have been here for perhaps as much as 300,000 years! (howdy to the UK from Oregon)

[@rayg9069]

@Scumfuck McDoucheface And all that bloody rain!

[@dalecomer5951]

You just have to deal with the occasional barbarian invasion.

[@Peasmouldia]

@@rayg9069 If someone doesn't like the weather in the UK, no problem. Just wait 10mins and it will change!..

[@celticrunes1911]

Also, only one venomous snake species and no poisonous spiders! 👍🏼

[@tonyreyn7451]

Those Tankers Saved so many lives and property in Australia Summer 2020 thank you for youre service , and to the families of the crew that passed away tragically , they were and will always be heroes and never forgotten

[@bigdog8891]

Juan, Great content today. To think you could fly such a large plane at such a low attitude and speed is a testament to pilot skills like yours and many others. Congrats to getting back into the 'seat'. Stay safe, healthy. Happy flying

[@chriholt]

All I can say is “WOWl! Thanks Juan!

[@yellow17pig]

Juan, I loved the new performance of your music. This is the first time I noticed it, and it was magnificient.

[@blancolirio]

soundcloud.com/gyllstroem

[@patriciamariemitchel]

It's not just the music, it's the music and the way the plane turns and faces you.

[@jimschilling3289]

That was awesome to hear the orchestral version of weightless as that big bird is turning towards the camera...nicely done, Juan and crew!!!

[@gracelandone]

Juan-beautiful, informative and a great reminder of just what those aviators and ground crews have to know and the level of commitment they must make for this happen. The level of trust required to do this work is mind boggling to the average person.. Again, we are fortunate that you have the kind of access you do which gives us the inside look.

[@jimthompsen9072]

I live a couple of miles from McClellan Air Park- yep the 747 is amazing as are the DC- 10 tankers!!

[@patriciamariemitchel]

I'd like to start a movie with that intro, including the music. Awesome 👍

[@blancolirio]

Here ya go! soundcloud.com/gyllstroem

[@billcarlin7411]

Just loved the knowledge of the pilot and his ability to articulate it to us. Great video.

[@noeyewar]

I am normally not a big 747 fan, but damm this is a good looking one! That paintjob is just stunning

[@lohikarhu734]

How can *anyone* *not* be a 747 fan? ;-)

[@airailimages]

Nice contribution to air tanker videos. Thumbs up!

[@airjer]

AWESOME VIDEO!!! Answered a lot of my questions. I have been fascinated by aerial firefighting since the Coyote Fire by my home town of Santa Barbara, CA in 1964. Back then a lot of TBM/TBF single engine fire bombers, my all time favorite twin engine Hellcats (F9F I believe) and several B-17s and a few DC4 or DC6's. My dad took us out to watch the refuel and replenish operation at the airport.

[@blancolirio]

F7F Tigercats! My favorite too! Watching those airtankers as a kid really got me motivated to get into aviation! Juan

[@captaincrunch8523]

Saw all of the same type aircraft back in the 60's TBM's fighting a grass fire on San Bruno Mt . Hellcats and 17's fighting fires out of Georgetown.Sierras

[@rayg9069]

Juan your video skills have just jumped another few levels, that opening sequence with the ethereal version of weightless with the tanker floating into shot was a master piece.

[@craignehring]

THE best videos on topics that are so in need of being covered Thank YOU Mister Juan Brown ! !

[@KiwiandPixel]

One of the best aviation videos I’ve watched on KZbin. It has it all! Pilot interview, tech details, comprehensive system overview, action footage. Fantastic watch!!

[@spellucci]

Excellent editing of what must have been a ton of video. Thanks for such fine work!

[@richardburguillos3118]

That was..... AWESOME! Thank you for taking us along. That was special. Thanks also the the crews that operate and support these planes.... Heroes, every single one in the air and on the ground!

[@gordonrichardson2972]

I normally watch videos on a small phone screen, but this Jumbo one justified a large computer monitor!

[@gsmeo309]

She’s so beautiful! My fellow Californians and I are grateful for her right now as our state battles hundreds of wildfires in the worst year ever, and the battle is far from over, unfortunately.

[@sallysassa]

Beautiful livery - paint job. Thanks Juan always interesting.

[@olbuck]

sally-ann Williams Total class organization worked(s) on this tanker. The faring work around the dump pipes, the neatness of the piping and tank layout. The organized control panel, and the neatness of the entire cockpit is very impressive. Nothing cobbled! Makes the paint job outstanding. Thanks, Juan, for another masterpiece, well, to us pilots at least!

[@robert2088]

Killer video Juan...super interesting...thanks

[@user-lo8cl8ut9q]

Very very well done! Your content just keeps getting better and better. Wow 👏👏👏👏👏

[@chaoscentral5547]

The progress of this channel over the years, You've found a calling for sure. Great content. Thank you Juan, There was a gold nugget out of Orville and it was you.

[@Mike44460]

Juan, you ARE an airline pilot, yet you are as giddy as 12 year old going over this aircraft. You are ALL right! I hope things come together so you get back doing what you truly love.

[@jadesluv]

WOW !!!! Juan what a FANTASTIC video!!!, this should be presented at the EAA flyin on that huge inflatable screen!!!

[@johnz8210]

This is so cool. Thanks!. Love the 747.

[@geckoproductions4128]

Really cool video. Capt. Valdez, thank you for your service.

[@jacobroy9107]

One of your best videos yet Juan. I'm flying up to auburn this weekend, and if I didn't have a function to attend I'd stop by GOO and buy ya lunch. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@BenSmithHuugs]

This is an amazing video. What an awesome introspection on the system, and great explanation of the pressures involved. Thanks for organizing, coordinating, and recording this. Also props to the pilots/crew that do this regularly, much respect!

[@christinakaur8766]

Omg she's gorgeous!

[@dam1041960]

Even more so when she is dropping in and around your house and saves it. And give that bird a great big kiss.

[@skyking228]

Marcos is a cool dude too. Way better tour than Air Force 1. Thanks!

[@davegoodridge8352]

Those workers learning to fill this plane. I didn’t see one checklist!! LoL Very impressive machine and crew.

[@wpherigo1]

Love the way you opened the video, and slowed the music. You got something there. Great video!

[@dorsai]

Outstanding as usual,. Thanks Juan.

[@av8bvma513]

Supercool guys! Juan asking all the coolest real pilot questions! Awesome!

[@tonydugal5275]

I loved this informative report!

[@sumika80]

I am not a pilot, but I have learned so much from blancolirio. I appreciate the enthusiasm for aviation without the hype or drama. Great channel!

[@stevejohnson7089]

Wow! Great video Juan, answered many questions I have had about 944. Living close to Sacramento having seen 944 in and out of Mc Cellan have always wondered why there is not more super tankers in the fleet.

[@paulsakrison6289]

Well done, Juan! You host was very open about everything. My brother and sister in laws were smoke jumpers who talk about wish this machine was available in their day.

[@barneymiller6204]

Great interview Juan!

[@av8bvma513]

That opening shot was one of the best landings ever! Even von Rickthofen would be chuffed! Outstanding!

[@villebooks]

2 thumbs up for your efforts to provide high quality content!

[@ramillerusa]

Juan I could watch this all day. Next time get us on the flight deck for a drop!!!!!Great Job!!!!

[@norcaldeemichaels]

I noticed the new take on Aram's "Weightless" tune at the start there!

[@michaelsteffen4887]

I remember as a small boy age maybe 8-10 pulling over on the I-5 freeway to see the first Boeing 747 takeoff and land-cars lined the side of the highway. I never thought I would see that again until this video. We become so jaded to our surroundings-it`s good to see people appreciate this aircraft again. Thank you to the late Bill Boeing and Thank you Juan Browne!

[@davidconnolly7693]

Juan this video was fantastic! Im enjoying the ever-increasing quality of your content :)

[@TILEBOSS]

Another fantastic video ! Thanks again Juan

[@jackiebayliss]

The opening of your vid was Awesome. 💙🥂

[@blancolirio]

Thanks! soundcloud.com/gyllstroem

[@scottfeatherstone7156]

Really nice video Juan! Love the B747!

[@matt8863]

I think the Boeing 747-200B was the most beautiful airliner ever built...So sleek, with the "symmetrical" 10 window per side upper deck, and those sexy HF antennas on the wing tips.

[@jamescurran64]

This is fantastic, Juan... I first came to your channel a few years ago looking for information on Aerial fire-fighting and have been coming back ever since for your tremendous insight into aviation incidents! I'm proud to be one of your many Patreon supporters too, and this video alone makes it worthwhile! I'd never get tired of Aram Bedrosian's "Weightless", but that new version by Andreas Gyllstrom really suits that amazing opening shot and some of your more somber topics - great choice!

[@crowman5936]

That was so cool I had to wear shades just to watch it.

[@charlescoulson]

Thanks for that. From the opening sequence of that big old bird doing a beautifully executed curved visual approach to then see all the amazing kit a caboodle which goes to make up an effective fire fighting tool, manned by a very professional team. Loved it.

[@jimsmith5148]

Such a beautiful bird!

[@arnenelson4495]

Sexiest airplane ever built!

[@Qdub34]

this was one of the miat informative vids ive ever seen on yt. thank you for giving us this behind the scenes view and interviews.

[@richards1960]

I used to love refueling the 747, such an awesome aircraft

[@laurieb3828]

I swear that without this plane California wildfires would never be put out. Seen this plane many times and always grateful for it.

[@Frocobo]

Thank you, Juan.

[@jeffknight3690]

This is by far one of the coolest videos i have ever seen!! very well done!

[@bw162]

That raises the bar to the the next level of the expression, “taking a dump.”

[@scottp.5161]

Dropping the pool on the kids instead of dropping the kids off at the pool?

[@stokestomlin989]

Juan....A VERY BIG THANKS!! A wonderful interview and explanation of the systems

[@Beezlie727]

Suggestion idea: create a "logo" for each side of the tanker of a cartoon character of a kid firing off a super soaker & a stream of splashing water. Have the words "super soaker" beneath the picture! This would obviously require prior permission from the Super Soaker manufacturer, or whoever holds the patent/legal rights to the name but it seems to me that a free advertising opportunity like this would be a no-brainer plus the positive P.R. for the makers of Nerf Super Soakers (& similar super "squirt gun" makers) of showing support for fire fighters should be seen as win-win! It would be like the nose art found on WW2 era military bombers! 👍

[@gittar]

This is the best video I've seen from bar none. With your knowledge of the aircraft, and photography the information was concise and extremely well documented. Add to that, my own interest, I was riveted. This is the best I've seen, even taking in account your series coverage of Oroville Dam rebuild, which was excellent. Thanks, a whole lot.

[@williamdegnan4718]

Can't push the Like button enough times! You're our Number Juan aviation reporter.

[@naesydarb9]

Thanks for sharing an awesome video about the super tanker

[@Bobs-bd3yo]

I have been waiting for this video and was not disappointed! I am hoping for other tours of air tankers and the the support teams. Thank you Juan

[@Mary56]

What a beautiful beast! Great video Juan, thank you.

[@tippo5341]

Whether the Queen of the skies is carrying passengers, freight or suppressant and water, she still remains THE most impressive sight on approach to land....and what a beautiful opening that was, showing her in her element. The remainder of the video was no less impressive, and the deckof that beauty was simply phenomenal. Certainly did not realise there was such a system to various different dispersal methods there were dependent on the type of fuel the fire feeds off, one of the most impressive and interesting videos you've posted, that's not really in relation to an issue (i.e. a plane crash, dam rebuild or 737 Max update 😂😂). Absolutely loved it, and kudos to the Marcos, the other pilots and all involved with not just the 747, but all the aerial bombers involved in the summers across the world...firefighting would be a far different and dangerous occupation without these invaluable aircraft. Cheers from Aus!!!!

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

What a great video Juan those guys really go out to show the planes capabilities.

[@golfman6122]

Wow great video thank you

[@kennethblackwell1137]

very interesting.....The ole bird has been in service a long time. Nice work Juan.