SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JUNE 2021 7
By Gene Shabinaw, Resident
As an Airline Transport rated pilot with over 8,000
flight hours anything aviation related is of interest to me.
I recently decided to take some shots of Cal Fire Aircraft
at the Hemet-Ryan Airport during training exercises.
After contacting flight operations to see when they may be
operating, I positioned myself along the perimeter fence near
the end of the runway at an angle to their departure path. Then I
used a step ladder to position myself above the fence for a clean view.
Crews also allowed me time inside the gate for a few quick photos.
Residents of SDV frequently see these white aircraft with brightly
painted numbers on their tails flying over our homes. The
distinctive whine of their turbine engines separates them from
small piston driven aircraft. The pilots flying these aircraft,
formerly military planes, execute dangerous missions into
hostile conditions delivering water and fire retardant on
devastating fires. Many of these flights are low level over
raging fires into mountainous terrain. They are dedicated to
protecting valuable resources and property. This requires a special
breed of pilot that some would refer to as crazy. I believe they are
heroes as some have given their lives protecting others. Cal Fire is
definitely a part of our community!
CAL FIRE CAL FIRE
