Pilot Blog | Drone Hit Fire Fighting Plane in California | Flights Stopped | What a mess!

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A drone collided with a CL-415 "Super Scooper" firefighting plane during wildfire operations in California, causing significant delays in aerial firefighting efforts. This video dives into the details of the incident, its impact on wildfire containment, and the dangers of unauthorized drone flights near emergency operations. Learn why operating drones near wildfires is not only illegal but also life-threatening for firefighters and communities. Stay informed and share this critical information to prevent future incidents.

#CaliforniaWildfires #DroneCollision #FirefightingAircraft

[flyer]

As a tanker pilot I can tell you drones have grounded us for hours on end sometimes. And when you want to be in the fight, and cant be, it’s heartbreaking.

[BrjanBuckmaster]

The FAA issues temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in areas where fire fighting aerial operations are being conducted. Drone operators are required to check for TFRs in areas where they intend to fly. In fact, the controller for my DJI Mavic checks for TFRs and if it detects that it’s within one, it won’t let me take off.

[danfarris]

Thanks for the shout out to Juan. You two guys are the best of the best at reporting on these aircraft incidents.

[cdykstra]

All of the firefighting pilots are just incredible! I was watching them make drops all day yesterday and they have amazing skill! The Super Scoopers especially are so cool. Hope they can get the one repaired quickly.

[stevenmines]

Blancolirio (Juan Browne) is a former pilot for CalFire, the agency in charge of aerial firefighting. I don't know if he flew tankers or "bird dogs", which direct the tankers. Either way, he really understands this stuff.

[vernonwilson]

And this is why responsible drone pilots are having a hard time. Follow the rules and don’t be a jerk.

[mattmaxon]

They don't use the emergency water tanks here for the most part. All of the fire hydrants are part of the domestic water supply stored in massive tanks. The water is pumped to these tanks which are huge 100, 000 gallons or more depending on the size of the area served. The pressure is from the height of the tank above the surrounding area. Two issues happened 1. Fire engines use a lot of water, rapidly using the water in the tank 2. water was pouring out of pipes from literally 1000's of damaged / destroyed homes and businesses . Another possible issue is the pumps that replenish the tanks are electric... The power supply to the pumps may have been cut off. I haven't seen any diesel generators for emergencies but maybe they exist. Altadena #eatonfire the area is served buy a private water company using water collected from local water sources, the water supply system was inadequate for a disaster of this scale

[tra]

The SuperScoopers operate as a two ship mission. When the one was grounded, the other landed. The DC10, 747 DC87, and other large tankers drop retardant which disperses less than water.

[MrWombatty]

Here in Australia, we have similar tanks for emergency fire-fighting use scattered across some of our states, however in some locations a few selfish locals cut the padlocks off the taps to steal water by the pallet-load to water their gardens!

[chriswaldron]

People with drones need to be responsible, not fricking idiots

[TheScoundrel]

I always wanted to be a bush pilot and water bomber pilot since i was about 3 years old. A couple relatives had smaller float planes, and took me for a ride a couple times when we visited. By the age of 4, i was diagnosed as being fully colour blind. (Not lazy, disruptive, or slow as some early "educators" had insisted because I couldn't identify colours in school). So sadly, that ended any chances of a flying career. I still get that bit of excitement seeing bush planes on huge tires, skiis, or floats, and the flying boat style of waterbombers is still the top tier, most awe inspiring aircraft in my heart. It sure boosts my national pride that the Super Scoopers are Canadian too. 👍🏼🇨🇦😊

[clarryclarry]

Thank you Densy. I love your channel. Keep up the great work.

[chrisbailey]

California has locations in the mountains that the FIrehawks can pull water up through their snorkles....they are pretty cool, they are "pool" located adjanect to municipal water tanks and they can be refilled very quickly.

[betsy]

Thanks for doing a great JOB Warm hug is coming to you!!!!

[Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot]

Thank you for the the analysis Denys!
In Canada, where we buuld them, they are called water bombers not super scooper. That's an American term.

[gracelandone]

Thanks for helping dispel the idiocy and blame accompanying this disaster. As well as pointing out the risks associated with employing aerial assets.

[judyhawkins]

Your deep technical grasp of all this is a joy to listen to.

[bc-guy]

Excellent episode Denys! I live outside of Kelowna, BC and we see CL 415's practicing (usually in early summer) loading water in Okanagan Lake and practicing precise drops in our mountain regions. They get service at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) - lots of resources. Your respect for the pilot's skills - and courage - is appreciated. Our COUNTRY is happy to send teams and CL 415's help to CA (not to felon trump).

[jfouellette]

Cl-415 planes are designed and built in Canada

[highonsmog]

Pilots, What type of drone would sustain flight at during 100mph winds?