Water Bombers vs. L.A.’s Devastating Fires

Good morning! Every day this past week, it seems we’ve woken up to worse news about the ongoing fires in California. Living in the Mountain West, I’ve seen firsthand the devastation that wildfires can bring, but seeing the scale of damage in a city home to millions of people is on another level. Here’s hoping the week ahead brings relief and recovery, not more destruction. 🛩️
-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• The Aircraft Fighting California’s Wildfires

• Around the Skies: Stowaway tragedy strikes again, Honoring the DC-3 legacy, FAA under scrutiny for ignoring whistleblower complaints, Volocopter’s bumpy financial ride, Historic air race registration open, Presidential TFRs: What pilots need to know

• PilotTube: How the Air Force Uses C-130s to Fight Wildfires

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Aerial Firefighters Fight to Save Los Angeles

Southern California is facing one of its most catastrophic wildfire seasons, with the Palisades Fire burning over 21,000 acres and leaving widespread devastation. To combat the flames, an extensive array of aerial firefighting aircraft has been deployed, providing critical support to ground crews. The primary aerial assets include water bombers like the Canadair CL-415 Super Scooper, which is capable of scooping water directly from bodies of water and quickly releasing it onto the fire. These aircraft are complemented by larger fire-retardant tankers such as the DC-10 and BAe 146, which carry substantial loads of retardant to slow the fire’s progress and protect homes, infrastructure and natural resources. These tankers make repeated trips, refilling and returning to the fire zone multiple times a day.

In addition to the water bombers and tankers, tactical aircraft like the OV-10 Bronco play a key role in coordinating air and ground firefighting operations. These planes act as “lead planes,” guiding the tankers to precise drop zones and ensuring that fire retardant or water is applied where it will have the greatest impact. Helicopters, such as the Bell UH-1H "Super Huey," are also instrumental in the fight, providing both water drops and tactical support and in some cases, evacuating trapped individuals or transporting firefighters into dangerous areas. These helicopters often fly low and slow, maneuvering through hazardous terrain to assist the larger tankers.

As the scale of wildfires continues to escalate, so too does the need for efficient aerial firefighting resources. The U.S. Air Force’s deployment of C-130 aircraft equipped with Modular Aerial Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) is a prime example of how the military is stepping in to support the firefighting efforts. MAFFS-equipped C-130s are capable of releasing 28,000 pounds of fire retardant in mere seconds, a crucial asset during intense firefighting missions. The addition of these military aircraft, alongside the extensive fleet of civilian firefighting planes, ensures that the response to these wildfires remains coordinated and robust, despite the numerous challenges presented by high winds, challenging terrain and smoke-filled skies.

In addition to the natural challenges faced, these aircraft also face civilian interference. In the midst of these intense firefighting efforts, a civilian drone struck a Super Scooper while it was working to contain the Palisades Fire. The drone caused significant damage to the aircraft’s wing, rendering it inoperable and temporarily grounding the aircraft.

Despite the challenges, these aerial firefighting teams are working around the clock to slow the fires and prevent further destruction. The efforts of these aircraft and their crews are vital in combating one of the worst wildfire seasons on record, showcasing the importance of having diverse and specialized equipment ready to fight fires from above. With wildfires becoming a more frequent and devastating occurrence, the collaboration between civilian and military assets remains crucial in protecting lives and property across California.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ Two bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue flight in South Florida, marking another tragic stowaway fatality. This incident follows other recent fatalities involving stowaways in wheel wells, underscoring the perilous nature of such attempts. Authorities are investigating how the men bypassed security and accessed the aircraft.

🛩️ The DC-3 Society, spun off from the Tunison Foundation, is the first type club dedicated to preserving the iconic DC-3 and its variants. With 150 still in service, the society ensures these aircraft remain airworthy for future generations while honoring veterans who flew them. In 2025, the society will celebrate the DC-3’s 90th anniversary with events across the U.S. and Europe, keeping the legacy of this versatile aircraft alive.

🛩️ A Seattle Times report reveals that the FAA dismissed over 90% of whistleblower complaints from 2020 to 2023, with only 8.5% resulting in violations. Nearly 40% of complaints were dismissed before investigation. The FAA disputes the findings, claiming more thorough investigations than reported, but the numbers suggest there’s still much to be clarified.

🛩️ Volocopter, the maker of the VoloCity electric air taxi, has filed for insolvency after running out of cash despite having raised over $750 million. The company, which aims to fly passengers this year, is seeking new investors after failing to secure funds. The insolvency reflects the challenges faced by many eVTOL companies in a rapidly evolving industry.

🛩️ Registration is now open for the 48th Air Race Classic, a women-only race from June 17-20, 2025. The 2,426-mile race will span nine states, starting in Fairhope, Alabama, and ending in Spokane, Washington. Teams will race against their own best time, not each other, using strategy and weather to overcome their handicaps. Whether you’re fast or strategic, this historic race has a spot for you.

🛩️ With the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, general aviation pilots in the Palm Beach area will face an increase in temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) due to Presidential travel. The FAA will impose a 10-nm no-fly zone around Mar-a-Lago, affecting local airports. Pilots must check NOTAMs for real-time updates, as these restrictions can shift quickly.

PilotTube

When wildfires blaze, the U.S. Air Force deploys its powerful C-130 aerial firefighting fleet. Equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS), these aircraft can release thousands of gallons of water or retardant in just seconds. With four Air Force units trained for fire suppression, they bring military precision to tackling some of the toughest fires. When the stakes are high, the C-130s are ready to provide critical support from the skies.

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