Boeing 747 Global SuperTanker at the LNU Lightning Complex fires

Recorded 8/20/2020 Near Lake Sonoma California.
The 747 Supertanker is one of several aerial firefighting air tankers derived from various Boeing 747 models. The aircraft are rated to carry up to 19,600 US gallons (74,000 L) of fire retardant or water. They are the largest aerial firefighting aircraft in the world.
Initially developed by Evergreen International Aviation, the first Supertanker was based on a 747-200 (N470EV, tanker/tail number 947), and never entered service. The second Supertanker (N479EV, tanker/tail number 979) was based on a 747-100 originally manufactured by Boeing in 1971 for Delta Air Lines. It entered service for the first time in 2009, fighting a fire in Cuenca, Spain, and made its first American operation on August 31, 2009 at the Oak Glen Fire in California. It is no longer in service. The third 747 Supertanker was developed by Global Supertanker Services which acquired most of Evergreen's assets. The Global Supertanker (N744ST, tanker/tail number 944) is a Boeing 747-400 dubbed the Spirit of John Muir. It was certified for firefighting flights by the Federal Aviation Administration in September 2016 and fought fires in Chile and Israel before being contracted by U.S. officials to fight California wildfires in 2017. It also took part in firefighting in Bolivia in August 2019.

I am certainly no pilot, but the extremely high level of skill and bravery from that pilot and crew is absolutely incredible.

[@sethfroman7044]

Here Right Now was just thinking the same thing. Pilot and crew have giant balls maneuvering in and out of those valleys and mountains was just so skillful and amazing to watch.

[@willcoleman3427]

These pilots are my absolutely hero’s. If you knew how dangerous this actually was, how stressful and the amount of concentration and skill. All these guys, from the puddle jumper to 747 are men and women who exemplify courage.

[@frannelk]

I see 2 things: An incredible skilled pilot, and an incredible skilled camera man.

[@wcolby]

Thank you, I am honored... (I am sure the pilot is too)

[@seedplanter7173]

I see cancer causing payload.. that's just me I guess.

[@wcolby]

@ SeedPlanter yes, it is just you.

[@lauriewagner4349]

She is gorgeous! I've always thought she is the most beautiful plane in the sky. But I hear they quit making them.☹️. What a shame....and I always wanted to fly on one.😒 The cameraman filmed her with a ton of respect.

[@J354CAO]

Wow !!. That's some amazing flying

[@64sunda]

Inside plane : pull up terrain terrain .. pull up terrain terrain

[@AMR15H]

Whoop whoop

[@ceff01]

Nope he uses terrain ovr button sorry to ruin ur fun

[@levibailey6256]

Thanks for copying my comment fucker

[@ceff01]

@@levibailey6256 you stole my comment I report yu

[@jibethmorel3573]

Nothing interesting, never landed😠

[@trecoolable]

To everyone saying they missed: The goal of flame retardant is to prevent the further spread of the fire by spreading it in front of the growing fire. Imagine drawing a line where the fire has a harder time to spread. They aren't able to put it out completely but rather they are doing their job by containing the spread of the fire. Take some time to think about it and do research before you criticize over these pilots' work.

[@mancuby6679]

TreCoolable Well done !!!! 👍👍

[@julius855]

I mean cmon people this should be common knowledge

[@wcolby]

@@julius855 So the plumber was fixing my toilet the other day and said the 3/8 -1/4 turn compression valve that I installed on the 1/2 inch copper pipe was the problem. I should have used a 1/2 threaded fitzer valve and it would have been fine. and I swear he said "that should be common knowledge". and i said ya.... for plumbers.

[@julius855]

@rgtrooper13 its less about aerial firefighting but more about the fact that so many people dont know you can fight a fire without directly Extingushing it Thinking about it this is less common knowledge but more common sense

[@jorgeestrada5713]

Ok. Thank you for the information. I didn't know.

[@IRONHORSE427RACING]

You just can't truly appreciate the shear beauty of what these planes and their pilots can do till you have witnessed it up close and in person. I have seen a 747 almost exactly like this one and several other smaller Tanker Wildfire planes work a fire line and it's something I will never forget.

[@erichughes284]

It's mind blowing to be on a small hill and be looking down on them

[@erichughes284]

It is something you need to witness to appreciate the beauty like you said.

[@TralfazConstruction]

Best Cinematography Award to the camera operator. That's some _real_ flying too.

[@Bibibosh]

Yeah mate. Thats what she said.

[@paulsuprono7225]

This 747 found a NEW profession. NO more airlines and now fire control !

[@MetalMilitia072583]

This guy is ahead of his time! People are still filming vertically 😂

[@anton4791]

I believe the camera is automated. Locked onto the plane and the camera follows it. Allows the "cameraman" just switch between lens

[@sheilasembly-crum8447]

Talk about impressive piloting skills!

[@LTF39]

I don't Know what is more impressive, if it's the plane itself or the cameraman behind the lens

[@dupeeq]

Its computer controlled servo motor doing the job.. that's the ticking noise..

[@pamelatify]

I live next to the McClellen AFB where this amazing plane is stationed. I LOVE watching this incredible aircraft take off and landing from my home. It is magnificent.

[@SavageCips]

Lucky you got the best seat!

[@danmilosevich]

It is an awesome sight!

[@kVidStream]

She's very graceful. Kudos to the pilot

[@SpecialistBR]

"Pilot, see that fire?" "Yes sir" "I don't want to" "Yes sir"

[@laxmannate07]

It drops minced fire extinguishers. That’s why the mist is red.

[@Sp00kq]

These gender reveals are getting out of hand

[@brummireg4385]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mugz90]

Lol

[@howardcooper2308]

😅😅😅😅😅

[@jessicae.s.340]

Does red mean a ‘they’?

[@mocha7202]

Bruh it's not an gender reavel

[@taradrolma2774]

The communities are so grateful to have this bird in the sky.

[@shirleycrooms2737]

Your pilots are amazing, when I look down at that tiny little windshield, you are there piloting that huge beast, amazing!!!! Please stay safe and thank you for your service!!!!

[@jguo]

A salute to all the courageous firefighters! Earlier this year when Australia was burning, the nearest fires were merely 30km away from our house. The tankers from the US came to help and very sadly, a Hercules tanker crashed and her crew perished. Those people risk their lives to save others and it is more than a job they are doing. You are true heroes in this world!

[@waltervila33]

Come on give it up for these pilots flying the queen of the skies like a prop Cessna

[@andresahay1546]

The GPWS call out must be going off like crazy in that cockpit

[@levibailey6256]

Meanwhile in the cockpit... "TERRAIN TERRAIN, PULL UP."

[@offroadz4861]

Haha yeah!

[@Bigsky1991]

@Kaiser SwagHelm II nope! They have terrain warning inhibited.

[@pquodling]

Actually, they would be depending on mode 2 (of 7) of the GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System) - the other modes are about glidepaths, windshear etc - Mode 2 is only likely to activate if you are a) slow, b) low, c) don't have your gear down d) aren't on a glide slope and most importantly are dropping at an unacceptable (risky) rate. As mentioned the GPWS has over-rides to turn off the alerts, but I suspect they wouldn't be triggering, as they are keeping at relatively safe altitude for such low and slow work. (Newer planes have an Enhanced GPWS which use GPS and a database to warn of mountains etc.)

[@pquodling]

I am reminded of the F111C - they had a thing called Terrain Following Radar - they could fly super sonic at low altitude and the TFR would "see trees" etc, and pop up and over them. They had a few accidents (crashes) and they finally worked out it wasn't the radar control - the pilots didn't feel comfortable with it, and were turning it off, and they couldn't react as fast as the electronics. Friend of mine who flew F111s in Australia, delighted in spotting people's campfires in remote parts of the outback, and "buzzing them". On one occasion, there was a fishing boat in the Gazetted offshore bombing range - so they came in low and slow and did a "dump and burn" - jet fuel dumped through the fuel dump port at the back of the plane, and lit by the afterburners. You could waterski behind the fishing boat as it left.

[@ceff01]

No he turned on terrain overide end of your silly comment

[@laurieannrogan1317]

The plane is absolutely poetry in motion. What a fantastic pilot.

[@clqudy4750]

My God! What a beast! And that's some seriously ballsy flyin' Guess they ripped the terrain warning alarm right out in that model, huh? Way impressive!

[@shaunroberts9361]

Wow. Incredible. Flying a huge jet like a crop duster. .

[@moysoyjoy]

Shaun Roberts it really is! During the Tubbs Fire, I was able to see it in action. Truly amazing ✈️

[@Nirotix]

Let's be honest here, the only reason that jet is flying so low is because of the weight of that pilots balls.

[@errolmclaughlin1482]

The set of stones you have to have to fly a 747 full of water low and slow over a mountainside on fire....how does he fit into the seat?

[@salonsavy6476]

Hahaha !,,,,awesome !

[@therocinante3443]

I can't imagine how interesting it feels to fly that jet. The handling characteristics must change dramatically while unloading all that

[@cyclingoptions9007]

This tanker along with the DC10 and the other tankers are reloaded at McClellan Airport in Sacramento. They are making round trips from dawn to dusk. Hard and dangerous work for both the air and ground crews. Thank you for your service!

[@richardparker9595]

They should aquire some Beriav 200 fire fighters planes from Russia.

[@cyclingoptions9007]

@@richardparker9595 Airports on the Southern California desert are loaded with surplus jumbo jets available to convert to tankers if necessary.

[@richardparker9595]

@@cyclingoptions9007 but these planes are not suitable for and not built for firefighting.

[@cyclingoptions9007]

@@richardparker9595 They seem reliable and are doing the job. They DC-10s have been used for about 10 years. I understand that many of the retrofits are made at the Chico Airport about 100 miles north of Sacramento. If we already have suitable equipment available and can put our own people to work modifying them why send money overseas?

[@richardparker9595]

@@cyclingoptions9007 These 747 planes are too expensive to operate and mantain. Where as you can purchase a new BE 200 for the cost of operating the 747 for 1 year.

[@David-yy7lb]

Just awesome to see the queen of the skies with the flaps and slats extended for low speed flight👍🏾👍🏾....the A380 cannot compete with a tried and true legend.....Hail to the queen of the skies 👍🏾👍🏾

[@b3j8]

Yeah it is. I've seen enough 747 "last flight" videos. Here's one old sweetheart that's still up there, but doing a job I'll bet her designers never thought she'd be doing! Boeing 747, accept no substitute!

[@71spicyjenn]

This plane AND PILOT are amazing!! In 2017 they saved my little town in California. I was able to witness this giant plane turn around in a canyon that was so close it felt like I could just reach up and touch the wing above my head. Flawless and exciting, 2 small drops in a row by this plane and the huge threat was gone. WHY IS IT NOT STILL ALOWED TO SERVICE OUR FIRES???? I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO GET IT BACK IN SERVICE IN THE US!!!!!!!!

[@johno9507]

Who else was appreciating how good the camera was?

[@wcolby]

I was.

[@barry-kukula1865]

Hats off to those pilots. These people have balls of steel. May god be with them!

[@Double_A-Ron]

We need a whole fucking fleet of these tankers!

[@RealMTBAddict]

There's another one based out of Colorado Springs

[@phillm156]

Looks like a choreographed dance. That stabilized camera on the chopper is also impressive.

[@michaelfarrell8133]

This plane is the world's largest firefighting air tanker. The 747 will always remain the most gorgeous aircraft ever made. Long live the Queen!

[@morrisschwarts4826]

The flex in her wings before and after the drop is dramatic.

[@michaelbailey1578]

He or she is a pilot alright, and a good one too. Stick and rudder work at low altitude in rugged terrain in a 747-400? That takes a damned good pilot and crew. The camera work was superb as well.

[@sherlock8627]

To the pilots of this beautiful air craft and all fire fighters ground and air. please be safe and get home to your loved ones. Thank you for your efforts and dedication. kindest regards P R Holmes Australia

[@todd3205]

Look at the wing flex on this bird. With all that weight, this pilot still flies this thing like a Pitts Special at that altitude.

[@jeremylinder7160]

First drop 4:15 Second drop 6:15

[@kevincrawford113]

Those pilots are insane. Wonder if their seats are modified so they have somewhere to put their balls

[@MrMadBaggins]

A 747 was never supposed to be able to fly and manuver so close to land like this. The pilots of this plane are clearly at the top of their game. Notice the constant stress of the wings and flaps full, I can only assume they're staying above ground by the headwind heat of the fire and the surrounding valley winds. But I'm no expert, simply awesome flying.......

[@87fixxxer]

I think it also has something to do that plane is heavy loaded with fire retardant: tens of thousands of tons in main fuselage.

[@jeffhurckes190]

Plane is actually not that heavily loaded. The flaps are fully extended and the slats are out because they cannot fly faster than 150 knots while dropping, as any faster puts too much risk on any nearby ground crew being injured.

[@andrewward1887]

To be able to fly a plane that size full of liquid has to take some serious skill hats off to them.

[@mrgone658]

Not to mention a special cradle in the pilot's and first officers seats to accommodate their substantial stones of heavy metal, if you know what I mean.

[@mirrormirroronthewall1905]

Mr Gone their pair of heavy metal balls. I get what you mean : )

[@bogdan_n]

@@mrgone658 those heavy metal balls must NOT be cradled. They dynamically balance the payload

[@sputnikalgrim]

You are a real cowboy if you fly a 747 like that. Must be retired C-17 pilot!

[@markfox1545]

Look at those amazing wings flexing in the turn.

[@laurieannrogan1317]

This is absolutely macnificent video and footage. I think it's actually spectacular. The fire is heartbreaking though. This video is outstanding and really very very mesmerizing. Totally captivating. I really love that plane.

[@bravofoxable]

Incredible pilot skills at that altitude! Very good video, thanks.

[@Caduceus88]

Wing tips bowed up, low, slow and heavy. Master pilots.

[@firewaterforgeofarizona4304]

The amount of positive flex in those wings is amazing!

[@mackydog99]

I worked on tail #945 in Marana,AZ also the wing stress test of the 747 reached 29ft before breaking.

[@Kyle-jn7or]

WOOP WOOP TERRAIN TERRAIN PULL UP!!! PULL UP!!! WOOP WOOP TERRAIN TERRAIN PULL UP!!! PULL UP!!! WOOP WOOP TERRAIN TERRAIN PULL UP!!! PULL UP!!!

[@RicardoGonzalez-ww3ov]

I worked on this plane when I was employed at Evergreen , it was a shame that it took so long to get certified for service it took so long in fact that they had to take the guts out of the original aircraft and put everything in a newer aircraft . All that stress on the airframe just pulls everything apart and makes it non air worthy over time . The true scale of this plan is lost in this video and until you see it from the ground coming in low THAT is when you have that wow moment !

[@gwrestler119]

Must be a wild ride too flying that slow with all that wieght.

[@jefffro8616]

Looks like one helluva wing loading.🤔😳

[@RicardoGonzalez-ww3ov]

@@gwrestler119 flying is not the issue the 747 airframe is tough that's why NASA chose it for the shuttle carrier also. It's the takeoff that is sketchy! The runway we had at Evergreen was only a mile long which is the minimum distance for takeoff , during testing the wings and engines would flex up and down at least 5 feet and the plane would take out the fence and trees at the end of the runway ! We would all watch as the plane would fly about 20 feet off the ground over the cotton fields praying it would gain elevation .

[@RicardoGonzalez-ww3ov]

@Maximus Lockhart geez I thought I was long winded ... Lol . Good explanation but most people believe it or not have never even seen a 747 in person and your ability on the ground to judge scale size as compared to a house when that big plane flies over is just amazing to watch , I just feel the video unfortunately while cool does not do the plane justice.

[@buntik1687]

To see a plane that big flying so low and making those turns is amazing.

[@bxpress6507]

This is nothing compared to flutter test each plane has to endure before being certified😁

[@92548dannyt]

Read some of the comments, some real winners there. In any case, Flying that puppy through hills, valleys, and clouds of smoke at tree top levels is incredible. Darned good pilots if you ask me.

[@brianbassett4379]

*Absolutely beautiful.* I saw the first *_Queen of the Skies_* fly on 09 Feb 1969 out of Paine Field in Everett, WA., and they still thrill me. Pan Am knew what they were doing when they ordered 25 747-100s in 1966 for $530 million or $21 million each, equivalent to almost $4 billion today. They operated over 65 747s before going out of business in December 1991. Boeing built 1,574 747s over a 54-year production run that began in 1968 and ended in January 2023. The final 747-8 freighter was delivered to Atlas Air, a cargo company based in New York. 434 are still in service worldwide as of Jun 2024.

[@daleboice8344]

Flying a 747 like a crop duster. Must be a wild ride. Sign me up for a run.

[@antonbruce1241]

These pilots are either completely insane, or they balls of steel!!! A 747 was never designed to fly a couple of hundred feet off the ground, and at just above stall speed. What the guys do with these planes is absolutely fantastic!

[@jamesweldon9726]

Especially when you keep in mind that a smaller 747 is roughly the size of a football field. Totally freaking amazing!

[@antonbruce1241]

@@jamesweldon9726 And that one's a 747-400 - EVEN LARGER!

[@drink15]

There was modifications made for it to this this. It would be as easy with a passenger 747.

[@datvik7187]

If the 747 wasn't designed to fly at near stall speeds above the ground then what is the 747 doing on final approach for the last 50 years.. 🤯🤪

[@drink15]

@@datvik7187 Landing.

[@kingghidorah8106]

truly shows the amazing speed retention in tight maneuvers and the energy buildup of the 747-400.

[@FT4Freedom]

Amazing flying. Not your average pilots.

[@erichboese7209]

Can visibly see the wings “unloaded” after the two drops. Pretty cool!

[@jeffhurckes190]

loses 70 tons in 15 seconds. That pitch trim switch must get a workout.

[@henryperrier7285]

Number of série 25308 LN:885 Type 747-446BCF first flight 25/10/1991 Aircraft age 28.8 ans flight register GST944 SBD->MCC 20/08/20 T944 MCC->MCC 12/11/18 EIA1512. DOV->HHN 01/11/12 Motors 4 x GE CF6-80C2B1F

[@babuphukan8920]

Oscar should go to the man who captured the entire event 🙏🏻👍🏻 Love and respect from India 🇮🇳

[@robertcornelius8056]

Aside from the amazing flying, what an iconic beauty this 50 year old bird is

[@13_13k]

That is one bad ass plane and the pilot is the best in the business. Incredible flying. The pilot is flying that bird like it's a Turbo prop Beechcraft

[@muradtravels]

Kenneth Kaiser literally he maneuvering it magically

[@13_13k]

@@muradtravels --- it appears that you could be correct. I grew up one mile away from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and spent many many days and nights watching commercial and private jet and turbo prop airplanes taking off and landing, as well as one mile in the other direction was Howard Hughes's Hughes Helicopter manufacturing facility which also had its own runway and as a kid we could sit on the bluffs overlooking the property and watch the test pilots fly the helicopters doing incredible maneuvers. The pilot of that tanker, and the airplane itself are both amazing

[@georgeroberts442]

Well, I'm gobsmacked. I had no idea The Queen of the Skies was being used to fight fires. What a beautiful video. Thanks so much for posting it! Damn, I'd love to be on that flight crew. I'm heading over to Google and see what I can learn about this "Global Supertanker."

[@apolloniaaskew9487]

So am I. It would be nice if the USAF would upgrade the E4B Airborne Command Post from the 747-200 frame to the 747-8 frame. Two were damaged by a tornado that hit Offutt AFB and it's hard to find 747-200 parts nowadays.

[@ScottRothsroth0616]

Apollonia Askew The 747’s excluding the -400 & -8 have the same cockpit rating. The -400 & -8 are a different rating. That being said, the (in no order) -100, -200, -300 & -SP are more mechanical compared to the -400 & -8. Maybe that is the reason why the USAF has not replaced the E-4Bs.

[@DrJohn493]

It’s just not natural to be yanking and banking one of these planes around in hilly terrain like this. And I’m a pilot. Kudos to the pilots and crew that fly these dangerous missions!

[@rodrigogonzalez3620]

You said it right... "It's just not natural."...

[@scheusselmensch5713]

Never went into old Hong Kong on a '47?

[@DrJohn493]

scheusselmensch nope but just as bad

[@rodrigogonzalez3620]

Yall know that the plane was photoshopped in right? Its especially obvious at the beginning.

[@scheusselmensch5713]

@@rodrigogonzalez3620 Y'all know your brain was photoshopped in, right? It's especially obvious at the beginning.

[@Wait4me2]

Wow, I have never seen such steady and smooth camera work! I didn’t expect to see such finesse, I just loved it. Thank you so much!

[@tmlafrance]

A gyro stabilized gimbal is doing some of the work.

[@repentorperish1405]

What a job for a heavy pilot, you get to fly a 747 around like a crop duster.

[@gracelandone]

I kept catching myself holding my breath. Beautiful bird and beautiful flying.

[@judgement-4574]

Hate the reason they’re their, but man what a beautiful sight that bird is. Just a magnificent machine. Great job guys, and beautiful footage. Pray everyone is safe and no more deaths.

[@elvisprenga1068]

On headphones: Left ear: ddddrrrrrdddddrrrrrrdddrrrrrdddr Right ear: bip bop bip bop bip bop bip bop with kzhkzhkzh infused

[@64CSAR]

There’s a lot of people talking shit in the comment section with no experience in wild land fire experience

[@Isaac-sj3jh]

In America there's no reason not to have 50 of these planes fighting fires.

[@ekevanderzee9538]

Just rake the floor and all will be well.

[@julius855]

There is its called money the fire retardant alone has insane costs

[@DamianPenney]

@@julius855 Military budget is 720B, you think they'd miss 1B?

[@julius855]

@@DamianPenney nope not at all but because its america they wouldnt cut a single cent of the military

[@mackydog99]

I worked on Tail # 945 in Marana, AZ The modifications alone cost several million dollars and operating expenses are more than $5,000 per hour

[@MichaelVanHeemst]

Such a beautiful sight seeing that 74 maneuver like that

[@jjbrown675]

Saw it fly by earlier and I can hear it circling right now. Can't thank possibly thank them enough.

[@jeremiahfossa748]

I have personally had 944 fly 200 feet over the top of me on the way to drop a half mile away, it's both awe inspiring and extremely emotional.

[@steveb6386]

I work not far from where the fleet takes off from and they circle around after taking off to head west.

[@jerryumfress9030]

What an awesome sight, I tip my hat to the pilot and co pilot

[@richardthompson420]

Flying a 747 low and slow. Balls. Takes balls.

[@darrenkastl7493]

In my opinion, there's not a more beautiful plane than this, any 747 any configuration, any plane anywhere. Period!

[@BestEachDay]

If America would get its act together, our future would be full of more beautiful and timeless things like the ever awe inspiring Boeing 747. Let's do that!

[@kurtlesser2684]

Superb camera work in this video but that 47 pilot has got to have cajones of pure titanium!

[@osamabinladen824]

@SGT Andy Dixon We bet

[@ghawk78]

This beautiful aircraft has been flying over my house for the last few days, just after it takes off. It makes the ground shake.

[@mojo4849]

Greg Hawkins Mine, too, East Sacramento.

[@ghawk78]

@@mojo4849 Fulton Ave.

[@stevep8485]

There are so many 747s mothballed in storage now. With the wildfire situation as it is, we should convert 10 or maybe 20 of those into firefighting planes. Yes, it will cost money, but note that the Camp Fire alone in 2018 caused $16 billion in damage.

[@mackydog99]

You're right but they also cost more than $5000 an hour to operate.

[@paulforester6996]

This needs to be in a flight simulator, as a mission.

[@microdesigns2000]

Incredible filming.

[@marklisa9967]

Just awe inspiring. Not easy to fly that giant bird in those mountains with all of the thermals and eddies and currents. Queen of the Sky Indeed! He crew is equally awesome!

[@jaik195701]

Best 747 footage ever

[@anadin150]

Will be one of the last to fly

[@jamescurran64]

Very good footage of a beautiful aircraft in an impressive operation! Thanks for sharing this and thanks and good luck to all involved in these challenging operations.

[@TheVenezuelanviewer]

Beautiful shoots of this airplane, but more importan, it is a really effective firefighter machine. At the sommer time in 2017 a very big forest fire occurs in south of Santiago de Chile. This plane made a really good work and a lot of familys remember with gratitude. A Chilean businessman rent an paid the bill, an it was the most importan part of the solution of that catastrophe. God bless them all.

[@Rocketman88002]

When I got back from Nam, I finished out my time at Fort Lewis Washington. It didn't take long before I found ways to "get over" as they said in the Nam. Well, the U.S. Forest and the U.S. Army co shared fire spotting responsibilities and I was selected for Fire Duty in one of those tall towers that had chairs and some room to crash. There was a huge topo map oriented to true north with compasses and rules. There was an azimuth marker (like a gun sight for calling in direction if spotted fire. One of the guys had spoken to some locals who were smoke jumpers and told him how to hire in with a jumper outfit. They trained you then put you to work or on call. I thought that would have been a satisfying job but eventually homesickness and a young woman brought me back home. These airplanes were called slurry planes back when and came different models. Black Hills Aviation had two P-2 Neptune's for working the mountains in New Mexico. A company with Lockheed Electra's (L-188's) helped out as well. I find it hard to believe there are pilots brave enough to fly a 747 over mountains at low altitudes. Skill levels high! Thank you for the video! Great camera work.....no jerking.

[@arthouston7361]

The camera is attached to a helicopter and is the same type of gyro stabilized unit that you see watching the card chases in LA.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

Would make a hell of a crop duster.

[@reddalahad6451]

For those who think that the pilots are missing their mark, they didn't. They're intentionally spraying at the location where the fire is heading, it's to contain and prevent the fire from spreading.

[@pjdorf]

Just bloody magestic. Hopefully we see more of these now there will be so many suplus carcases around.

[@insanusmaximus2857]

Jesus, this sounds like someone threw a fax machine into a blender.

[@gregbush7535]

Terrain, Terrain, Terrain..... Pull up! Pull up!

[@Justin-rn9tf]

Woop woop!

[@alvaroasi]

@@Justin-rn9tf Like a MauricioPC video...

[@olgringo-421]

That's some flying folks ...................Something tells me they are not on Auto-Pilot during this sequence.

[@GamerGuy760]

Lot of comments with very strong opinions on shit they more than likely have no idea what they’re talking about. Awesome footage by the way, thanks for sharing!

[@corinnestefanko5300]

Wow! Great slow flight with full flaps. A great pilot. My dad worked on the 747 design at Northrop in 1969.

[@danmilosevich]

Didn't know Northrop was in on the 747.

[@corinnestefanko5300]

@@danmilosevich hi, yes, they helped design the cargo door locks and other fuselage parts. My dad went up to the Boeing plant in Everett, Washington on the job. It was among time ago but all the Northrop employees got to go on board the TWA 747 open house at LAX. I remember the red and white seats.

[@Phineas1626]

Corinne Stefanko Are those the cargo door latches at the heart of United flight 811 in 1989?

[@conradquilliam6076]

The world's most beautiful plane.

[@foadrightnow5725]

Conrad Quilliam - Without a doubt! Her lines are elegant, yet powerful!

[@MrKarat65]

She'll FOREVER be ''The Queen of the Skies''... even long after the last model is flown.

[@foadrightnow5725]

@@MrKarat65 - Agreed!

[@patrickaherne3598]

gorgeous bird and great flying!

[@robinps52]

“Queen of the Skies” no matter how or where she flies.

[@Mike7478F]

Awesome Boeing aircraft. So so wish the many 747 400 sitting around could be converted and put to good use like this.

[@mackydog99]

Very expensive. Over $ 5000.an hr just to operate.

[@mervynmccracken]

Great focal length on your camera.

[@andrewjohnson9279]

Damn what a beautiful bird

[@robertl.fallin7062]

Queen of the sky's after all these years!