Windy Days

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Here's a short clip from last month.

And Now For Something Completely Different...

Sitting here in Boise and thought I'd put together a short video of some old stuff from when I was working up on Denali.

IRON 44 TRIBUTE

After being released from the Canyon Complex fire, I flew to Pacific Helispot. I arrived in the afternoon ready to fulfill another CWN contract. The very next morning I was told I've been requested at the Iron Complex in Weaverville and given no more information other than a Lat and Long, a name and a phone number. I called and said I was on my way and gave an ETA.

When I arrived at Weaverville I was approached and asked if I knew why I was there? I had no idea. I was then informed that I was there to provide support for the transport of investigative personnel, and the slinging and recovery of the S-61.

I took several videos and photographs throughout the course of this mission, and ultimately made a memorial tribute out of them.

As you can tell, and for obvious reasons, I've hesitated for a long time before posting this. I did make a couple of copies for select people but for the most part I've kept it to myself. However after very positive comments about my video and the few posted by others on You Tube, I'm willing to give this a go.

This movie was made with the utmost respect, admiration and heartfelt feelings for all those involved in the Iron 44 incident. Many have asked me questions trying to understand just a little better of what occurred that day and of the subsequent recovery afterwards. I hope this video will answer many of those questions.

For me, I was proud to be a part of this and work side by side with such professionalism.

My prayers go out to you all.

Tall Trees

Retrieving the Klump Pump

What's a "Klump Pump"?

It's a portable container used by firefighters. It can hold about 1000 gallons of water, has a high pressure pump and about 2800 feet of hose. It can be slung in to remote areas and then filled with water by helicopter. And last but not least, it was designed of course, by Mr. Jim Klump! www.uni-engine.com

This One's For Heidi (MOVIE)

Canyon Complex Fire

Fire Recon

The video begins by dropping off a crew member down on the river in preparation for long line back haul work. It then continues on to a recon for line contingency planning.

Flying the Feather

This was a fun job. It consisted of flying 3 man crews into various locations along the Feather river so they could chop trees and brush to make larger, improved helipads for the other helicopters. There is one spot near the end of the video where we landed near a bridge crossing the river. Under the bridge there was a rope so you could swing out and land in the water. This mission took several hours and you can see in the video how the smoke gets thicker and thicker throughout the day.

Spanish Peak

Installing a remote repeater site on Spanish Peak for the Canyon Complex fire near Quincy, California.


SA315B Lama helicopter sitting on top of Spanish Peak, California.


Grey skys and low visibility from the forest fires makes for an interesting flight back to Canyon Helibase in Quincy CA.

Below is a video of our trip flying the Lama helicopter from Spanish Peak and returning to Canyon Helibase at Gansner Airport, Quincy, CA.