OT for Mescalero: some fire fighting aircraft near you

[C. Cash]

As promised, I finally got a picture of my Dad flying out of Alamogordo, NM. They are currently fighting fires in New Mexico and the fires west of Dallas, Texas. He is the one on the right, in front of the Beech Baron and I believe the other fella runs the radios. This is the air traffic control plane for the fire bombers in the pic below it. :


Note the American flag in the nose if you look close.

[Paladin]

Nice birds, where are the based out of?

[C. Cash]

They are based out of Coolidge, AZ, or as my brother calls it "Hottidge." Dad turns 77 this year and he still charging hard....very proud of him!

[cactus jack]

C Cash Its strange you post that, because when those planes leave and return they fly over my house! On the sad side todays obtuaries Arnold A. Kolb pass away 4-27-2011.HE was the founder of that business,over 24,000 hrs fllying. Its a small world.

[awp101]

Do my eyes (and memory) fail me, or is that a North American AJ Savage in the lead?

[Rusty]

Congratulations, if he still has his commercial ticket at 77 he must be in good health.

[C. Cash]

C Cash Its strange you post that, because when those planes leave and return they fly over my house! On the sad side todays obtuaries Arnold A. Kolb pass away 4-27-2011.HE was the founder of that business,over 24,000 hrs fllying. Its a small world.

Thanks guys. Yeah Small world indeed! Very sad to hear of the owners passing Cactus. My Dad retired from Willie in 72 and flew out of Mesa and Chandler for a number of years, before moving up to Flagstaff. Most of my family is still there in East Mesa/Apache Jct.

I don't know what that lead bird is awp101. It reminds me of some kind of Martin, but your probably on it. I'll ask!

[olyinaz]

I don't know what that lead bird is awp101. It reminds me of some kind of Martin, but your probably on it. I'll ask!

Lockheed P2V Neptune.





Best,
Oly

[C. Cash]

Thank you Olyinaz...I think that is it. Minor variation in the cockpit windshield and placement of passenger windows but looks right.

[awp101]

Neptune! I knew it was one of those late 40s-early 50s Navy birds!

Thanks!