Boeing 747 Global SuperTanker at the LNU Lightning Complex fires

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  • Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
  • Recorded 8/20/2020 Near Lake Sonoma California.
    The 747 Supertanker is one of several aerial firefighting air tankers derived from various Boeing 747 models. The aircraft are rated to carry up to 19,600 US gallons (74,000 L) of fire retardant or water. They are the largest aerial firefighting aircraft in the world.
    Initially developed by Evergreen International Aviation, the first Supertanker was based on a 747-200 (N470EV, tanker/tail number 947), and never entered service. The second Supertanker (N479EV, tanker/tail number 979) was based on a 747-100 originally manufactured by Boeing in 1971 for Delta Air Lines. It entered service for the first time in 2009, fighting a fire in Cuenca, Spain, and made its first American operation on August 31, 2009 at the Oak Glen Fire in California. It is no longer in service. The third 747 Supertanker was developed by Global Supertanker Services which acquired most of Evergreen's assets. The Global Supertanker (N744ST, tanker/tail number 944) is a Boeing 747-400 dubbed the Spirit of John Muir. It was certified for firefighting flights by the Federal Aviation Administration in September 2016 and fought fires in Chile and Israel before being contracted by U.S. officials to fight California wildfires in 2017. It also took part in firefighting in Bolivia in August 2019.

Комментарии • 3,1 тыс.

  • @frannelk
    @frannelk 4 года назад +378

    I see 2 things: An incredible skilled pilot, and an incredible skilled camera man.

    • @wcolby
      @wcolby  4 года назад +46

      Thank you, I am honored... (I am sure the pilot is too)

    • @seedplanter7173
      @seedplanter7173 4 года назад +1

      I see cancer causing payload.. that's just me I guess.

    • @wcolby
      @wcolby  4 года назад +57

      @ SeedPlanter yes, it is just you.

    • @lauriewagner4349
      @lauriewagner4349 4 года назад +14

      She is gorgeous! I've always thought she is the most beautiful plane in the sky. But I hear they quit making them.☹️. What a shame....and I always wanted to fly on one.😒
      The cameraman filmed her with a ton of respect.

    • @J354CAO
      @J354CAO 4 года назад +5

      Wow !!. That's some amazing flying

  • @trecoolable
    @trecoolable 4 года назад +153

    To everyone saying they missed: The goal of flame retardant is to prevent the further spread of the fire by spreading it in front of the growing fire. Imagine drawing a line where the fire has a harder time to spread. They aren't able to put it out completely but rather they are doing their job by containing the spread of the fire. Take some time to think about it and do research before you criticize over these pilots' work.

    • @mancuby6679
      @mancuby6679 4 года назад +4

      TreCoolable Well done !!!! 👍👍

    • @julius855
      @julius855 4 года назад +6

      I mean cmon people this should be common knowledge

    • @wcolby
      @wcolby  4 года назад +11

      @@julius855 So the plumber was fixing my toilet the other day and said the 3/8 -1/4 turn compression valve that I installed on the 1/2 inch copper pipe was the problem. I should have used a 1/2 threaded fitzer valve and it would have been fine. and I swear he said "that should be common knowledge". and i said ya.... for plumbers.

    • @julius855
      @julius855 4 года назад +6

      @rgtrooper13 its less about aerial firefighting but more about the fact that so many people dont know you can fight a fire without directly Extingushing it
      Thinking about it this is less common knowledge but more common sense

    • @jorgeestrada5713
      @jorgeestrada5713 4 года назад

      Ok. Thank you for the information. I didn't know.

  • @babuphukan8920
    @babuphukan8920 4 года назад +15

    Oscar should go to the man who captured the entire event 🙏🏻👍🏻
    Love and respect from India 🇮🇳

  • @TralfazConstruction
    @TralfazConstruction 4 года назад +503

    Best Cinematography Award to the camera operator. That's some _real_ flying too.

    • @Bibibosh
      @Bibibosh 4 года назад +7

      Yeah mate. Thats what she said.

    • @paulsuprono7225
      @paulsuprono7225 4 года назад +10

      This 747 found a NEW profession. NO more airlines and now fire control !

    • @MetalMilitia072583
      @MetalMilitia072583 4 года назад +12

      This guy is ahead of his time! People are still filming vertically 😂

    • @anton4791
      @anton4791 4 года назад +3

      I believe the camera is automated. Locked onto the plane and the camera follows it. Allows the "cameraman" just switch between lens

    • @sheilasembly-crum8447
      @sheilasembly-crum8447 4 года назад +1

      Talk about impressive piloting skills!

  •  4 года назад +37

    I am certainly no pilot, but the extremely high level of skill and bravery from that pilot and crew is absolutely incredible.

    • @sethfroman7044
      @sethfroman7044 4 года назад

      Here Right Now was just thinking the same thing. Pilot and crew have giant balls maneuvering in and out of those valleys and mountains was just so skillful and amazing to watch.

  • @morrisschwarts4826
    @morrisschwarts4826 2 месяца назад +9

    The flex in her wings before and after the drop is dramatic.

  • @willcoleman3427
    @willcoleman3427 4 года назад +32

    These pilots are my absolutely hero’s. If you knew how dangerous this actually was, how stressful and the amount of concentration and skill. All these guys, from the puddle jumper to 747 are men and women who exemplify courage.

  • @jguo
    @jguo 4 года назад +28

    A salute to all the courageous firefighters! Earlier this year when Australia was burning, the nearest fires were merely 30km away from our house. The tankers from the US came to help and very sadly, a Hercules tanker crashed and her crew perished. Those people risk their lives to save others and it is more than a job they are doing. You are true heroes in this world!

  • @64sunda
    @64sunda 4 года назад +159

    Inside plane : pull up terrain terrain .. pull up terrain terrain

    • @AMR15H
      @AMR15H 4 года назад +22

      Whoop whoop

    • @ceff01
      @ceff01 4 года назад +5

      Nope he uses terrain ovr button sorry to ruin ur fun

    • @levibailey6256
      @levibailey6256 4 года назад +6

      Thanks for copying my comment fucker

    • @ceff01
      @ceff01 4 года назад +3

      @@levibailey6256 you stole my comment I report yu

    • @jibethmorel3573
      @jibethmorel3573 4 года назад +1

      Nothing interesting, never landed😠

  • @michaelfarrell8133
    @michaelfarrell8133 4 года назад +19

    This plane is the world's largest firefighting air tanker. The 747 will always remain the most gorgeous aircraft ever made. Long live the Queen!

  • @cyclingoptions9007
    @cyclingoptions9007 4 года назад +31

    This tanker along with the DC10 and the other tankers are reloaded at McClellan Airport in Sacramento. They are making round trips from dawn to dusk. Hard and dangerous work for both the air and ground crews. Thank you for your service!

    • @richardparker9595
      @richardparker9595 4 года назад +2

      They should aquire some Beriav 200 fire fighters planes from Russia.

    • @cyclingoptions9007
      @cyclingoptions9007 4 года назад +3

      @@richardparker9595 Airports on the Southern California desert are loaded with surplus jumbo jets available to convert to tankers if necessary.

    • @richardparker9595
      @richardparker9595 4 года назад

      @@cyclingoptions9007 but these planes are not suitable for and not built for firefighting.

    • @cyclingoptions9007
      @cyclingoptions9007 4 года назад +2

      @@richardparker9595 They seem reliable and are doing the job. They DC-10s have been used for about 10 years. I understand that many of the retrofits are made at the Chico Airport about 100 miles north of Sacramento. If we already have suitable equipment available and can put our own people to work modifying them why send money overseas?

    • @richardparker9595
      @richardparker9595 4 года назад

      @@cyclingoptions9007 These 747 planes are too expensive to operate and mantain. Where as you can purchase a new BE 200 for the cost of operating the 747 for 1 year.

  • @antonbruce1241
    @antonbruce1241 4 года назад +16

    These pilots are either completely insane, or they balls of steel!!! A 747 was never designed to fly a couple of hundred feet off the ground, and at just above stall speed. What the guys do with these planes is absolutely fantastic!

    • @jamesweldon9726
      @jamesweldon9726 4 года назад

      Especially when you keep in mind that a smaller 747 is roughly the size of a football field. Totally freaking amazing!

    • @antonbruce1241
      @antonbruce1241 4 года назад

      @@jamesweldon9726 And that one's a 747-400 - EVEN LARGER!

    • @drink15
      @drink15 4 года назад

      There was modifications made for it to this this. It would be as easy with a passenger 747.

    • @datvik7187
      @datvik7187 4 года назад

      If the 747 wasn't designed to fly at near stall speeds above the ground then what is the 747 doing on final approach for the last 50 years.. 🤯🤪

    • @drink15
      @drink15 4 года назад

      @@datvik7187 Landing.

  • @David-yy7lb
    @David-yy7lb 4 года назад +12

    Just awesome to see the queen of the skies with the flaps and slats extended for low speed flight👍🏾👍🏾....the A380 cannot compete with a tried and true legend.....Hail to the queen of the skies 👍🏾👍🏾

    • @b3j8
      @b3j8 4 года назад +1

      Yeah it is. I've seen enough 747 "last flight" videos. Here's one old sweetheart that's still up there, but doing a job I'll bet her designers never thought she'd be doing! Boeing 747, accept no substitute!

  • @buntik1687
    @buntik1687 4 года назад +16

    To see a plane that big flying so low and making those turns is amazing.

    • @bxpress6507
      @bxpress6507 3 года назад +1

      This is nothing compared to flutter test each plane has to endure before being certified😁

  • @71spicyjenn
    @71spicyjenn 3 года назад +8

    This plane AND PILOT are amazing!! In 2017 they saved my little town in California. I was able to witness this giant plane turn around in a canyon that was so close it felt like I could just reach up and touch the wing above my head. Flawless and exciting, 2 small drops in a row by this plane and the huge threat was gone. WHY IS IT NOT STILL ALOWED TO SERVICE OUR FIRES???? I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO GET IT BACK IN SERVICE IN THE US!!!!!!!!

  • @johno9507
    @johno9507 4 года назад +27

    Who else was appreciating how good the camera was?

    • @wcolby
      @wcolby  4 года назад +1

      I was.

  • @finaloption...
    @finaloption... 4 года назад +6

    I just learned the 747 is far more powerful and capable in the right hands than I had ever imagined.

  • @MrMadBaggins
    @MrMadBaggins 4 года назад +12

    A 747 was never supposed to be able to fly and manuver so close to land like this.
    The pilots of this plane are clearly at the top of their game.
    Notice the constant stress of the wings and flaps full, I can only assume they're staying above ground by the headwind heat of the fire and the surrounding valley winds.
    But I'm no expert, simply awesome flying.......

    • @87fixxxer
      @87fixxxer 4 года назад

      I think it also has something to do that plane is heavy loaded with fire retardant: tens of thousands of tons in main fuselage.

    • @jeffhurckes190
      @jeffhurckes190 4 года назад

      Plane is actually not that heavily loaded. The flaps are fully extended and the slats are out because they cannot fly faster than 150 knots while dropping, as any faster puts too much risk on any nearby ground crew being injured.

  • @phillm156
    @phillm156 4 года назад +21

    Looks like a choreographed dance. That stabilized camera on the chopper is also impressive.

  • @barry-kukula1865
    @barry-kukula1865 4 года назад +15

    Hats off to those pilots. These people have balls of steel. May god be with them!

  • @jamesb2291
    @jamesb2291 4 года назад +8

    Amazing. I honestly never even knew this plane existed. Look at the wing loading on the first pass. She is so heavy and still is flying around gracefully with full flaps. A beautiful aircraft and awesome pilot. Great job!

  • @robertcornelius8056
    @robertcornelius8056 4 года назад +12

    Aside from the amazing flying, what an iconic beauty this 50 year old bird is

  • @michaelbailey1578
    @michaelbailey1578 4 года назад +19

    He or she is a pilot alright, and a good one too. Stick and rudder work
    at low altitude in rugged terrain in a 747-400? That takes a damned good
    pilot and crew. The camera work was superb as well.

  • @firewaterforgeofarizona4304
    @firewaterforgeofarizona4304 4 года назад +18

    The amount of positive flex in those wings is amazing!

    • @mackydog99
      @mackydog99 3 года назад

      I worked on tail #945 in Marana,AZ also the wing stress test of the 747 reached 29ft before breaking.

  • @sherlock8627
    @sherlock8627 4 года назад +10

    To the pilots of this beautiful air craft and all fire fighters ground and air. please be safe and get home to your loved ones. Thank you for your efforts and dedication. kindest regards P R Holmes Australia

  • @clqudy4750
    @clqudy4750 4 года назад +18

    My God! What a beast! And that's some seriously ballsy flyin' Guess they ripped the terrain warning alarm right out in that model, huh? Way impressive!

  • @SuisunSymKat
    @SuisunSymKat 4 года назад +7

    I watched this plane over the Napa/Solano Hills a few years back. The agility of the plane surprised me. The talent of the pilot was awesome! . I never imagined I'd see a 747 make a U-Turn, swoop down in the Valley, then lift upwards as if it were a Sunday drive to enjoy the scenery. I pulled off the road to watch this amazing plane & crew.

    • @timothycook2917
      @timothycook2917 4 года назад

      Didn't Paul McCartney have a song called Sally C? ...oh wait, sorry, that was Sally G 😏

  • @reddalahad6451
    @reddalahad6451 4 года назад +9

    For those who think that the pilots are missing their mark, they didn't. They're intentionally spraying at the location where the fire is heading, it's to contain and prevent the fire from spreading.

  • @andrewward1887
    @andrewward1887 4 года назад +15

    To be able to fly a plane that size full of liquid has to take some serious skill hats off to them.

    • @mrgone658
      @mrgone658 4 года назад

      Not to mention a special cradle in the pilot's and first officers seats to accommodate their substantial stones of heavy metal, if you know what I mean.

    • @mirrormirroronthewall1905
      @mirrormirroronthewall1905 4 года назад

      Mr Gone their pair of heavy metal balls. I get what you mean : )

    • @bogdan_n
      @bogdan_n 4 года назад

      @@mrgone658 those heavy metal balls must NOT be cradled. They dynamically balance the payload

  • @IRONHORSE427RACING
    @IRONHORSE427RACING 2 года назад +6

    You just can't truly appreciate the shear beauty of what these planes and their pilots can do till you have witnessed it up close and in person. I have seen a 747 almost exactly like this one and several other smaller Tanker Wildfire planes work a fire line and it's something I will never forget.

    • @erichughes284
      @erichughes284 Год назад

      It's mind blowing to be on a small hill and be looking down on them

    • @erichughes284
      @erichughes284 Год назад

      It is something you need to witness to appreciate the beauty like you said.

  • @rla1000
    @rla1000 4 года назад +7

    Never would have dreamed a 747 was so agile. Amazing photography! Thumbs up.

  • @SpecialistBR
    @SpecialistBR 4 года назад +13

    "Pilot, see that fire?"
    "Yes sir"
    "I don't want to"
    "Yes sir"

  • @shaunroberts9361
    @shaunroberts9361 4 года назад +32

    Wow. Incredible. Flying a huge jet like a crop duster. .

    • @moysoyjoy
      @moysoyjoy 4 года назад +1

      Shaun Roberts it really is! During the Tubbs Fire, I was able to see it in action. Truly amazing ✈️

  • @marklisa9967
    @marklisa9967 4 года назад +5

    Just awe inspiring. Not easy to fly that giant bird in those mountains with all of the thermals and eddies and currents. Queen of the Sky Indeed! He crew is equally awesome!

  • @darrenkastl7493
    @darrenkastl7493 4 года назад +9

    In my opinion, there's not a more beautiful plane than this, any 747 any configuration, any plane anywhere. Period!

  • @pamelatify
    @pamelatify 4 года назад +12

    I live next to the McClellen AFB where this amazing plane is stationed. I LOVE watching this incredible aircraft take off and landing from my home. It is magnificent.

  • @ghawk78
    @ghawk78 4 года назад +9

    This beautiful aircraft has been flying over my house for the last few days, just after it takes off. It makes the ground shake.

    • @mojo4849
      @mojo4849 4 года назад +2

      Greg Hawkins Mine, too, East Sacramento.

    • @ghawk78
      @ghawk78 4 года назад

      @@mojo4849 Fulton Ave.

  • @kVidStream
    @kVidStream 4 года назад +12

    She's very graceful. Kudos to the pilot

  • @LTF39
    @LTF39 4 года назад +8

    I don't Know what is more impressive, if it's the plane itself or the cameraman behind the lens

    • @dupeeq
      @dupeeq 4 года назад +1

      Its computer controlled servo motor doing the job.. that's the ticking noise..

  • @taradrolma2774
    @taradrolma2774 4 года назад +5

    The communities are so grateful to have this bird in the sky.

  • @bogdan_n
    @bogdan_n 4 года назад +10

    She's old, she's not the biggest of them all anymore, but this graceful, mighty beast will always be THE QUEEN

    • @bigfox9218
      @bigfox9218 4 года назад

      Oh yes she is ain’t no other like her...won’t dare do this with a A380😂🤣

    • @kirkm
      @kirkm 4 года назад

      not so fast my friend, they were still being built up until a few years ago and in various sizes

  • @seungjunrhee
    @seungjunrhee 4 года назад +9

    To see such a massive aircraft fly through huge columns of smoke... Definitely the most magnificent footage of an airplane I have ever seen. All hail the fire-fighting queen!

  • @shirleycrooms2737
    @shirleycrooms2737 4 года назад +8

    Your pilots are amazing, when I look down at that tiny little windshield, you are there piloting that huge beast, amazing!!!! Please stay safe and thank you for your service!!!!

  • @waltervila33
    @waltervila33 4 года назад +19

    Come on give it up for these pilots flying the queen of the skies like a prop Cessna

  • @corinnestefanko5300
    @corinnestefanko5300 4 года назад +10

    Wow! Great slow flight with full flaps. A great pilot. My dad worked on the 747 design at Northrop in 1969.

    • @danmilosevich
      @danmilosevich 4 года назад

      Didn't know Northrop was in on the 747.

    • @corinnestefanko5300
      @corinnestefanko5300 4 года назад +1

      @@danmilosevich hi, yes, they helped design the cargo door locks and other fuselage parts. My dad went up to the Boeing plant in Everett, Washington on the job. It was among time ago but all the Northrop employees got to go on board the TWA 747 open house at LAX. I remember the red and white seats.

    • @Phineas1626
      @Phineas1626 4 года назад

      Corinne Stefanko Are those the cargo door latches at the heart of United flight 811 in 1989?

  • @jjbrown675
    @jjbrown675 4 года назад +7

    Saw it fly by earlier and I can hear it circling right now. Can't thank possibly thank them enough.

  • @ProctorsGamble
    @ProctorsGamble 4 года назад +6

    Kudos to the camera operator keeping that beautiful bird centered in the frame from such a distance and from a moving helicopter!

  • @marckelly7305
    @marckelly7305 4 года назад +6

    Whoever is flying that is a complete badass.

    • @drink15
      @drink15 4 года назад

      Marc Kelly thanks

  • @bravofoxable
    @bravofoxable 4 года назад +10

    Incredible pilot skills at that altitude! Very good video, thanks.

  • @levibailey6256
    @levibailey6256 4 года назад +35

    Meanwhile in the cockpit...
    "TERRAIN TERRAIN, PULL UP."

    • @offroadz4861
      @offroadz4861 4 года назад

      Haha yeah!

    • @Bigsky1991
      @Bigsky1991 4 года назад

      @Kaiser SwagHelm II nope! They have terrain warning inhibited.

    • @pquodling
      @pquodling 4 года назад

      Actually, they would be depending on mode 2 (of 7) of the GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System) - the other modes are about glidepaths, windshear etc - Mode 2 is only likely to activate if you are a) slow, b) low, c) don't have your gear down d) aren't on a glide slope and most importantly are dropping at an unacceptable (risky) rate. As mentioned the GPWS has over-rides to turn off the alerts, but I suspect they wouldn't be triggering, as they are keeping at relatively safe altitude for such low and slow work. (Newer planes have an Enhanced GPWS which use GPS and a database to warn of mountains etc.)

    • @pquodling
      @pquodling 4 года назад

      I am reminded of the F111C - they had a thing called Terrain Following Radar - they could fly super sonic at low altitude and the TFR would "see trees" etc, and pop up and over them. They had a few accidents (crashes) and they finally worked out it wasn't the radar control - the pilots didn't feel comfortable with it, and were turning it off, and they couldn't react as fast as the electronics. Friend of mine who flew F111s in Australia, delighted in spotting people's campfires in remote parts of the outback, and "buzzing them". On one occasion, there was a fishing boat in the Gazetted offshore bombing range - so they came in low and slow and did a "dump and burn" - jet fuel dumped through the fuel dump port at the back of the plane, and lit by the afterburners. You could waterski behind the fishing boat as it left.

    • @ceff01
      @ceff01 4 года назад +1

      No he turned on terrain overide end of your silly comment

  • @guxs1652
    @guxs1652 4 года назад +7

    Wow, I couldn't believe my eyes that this giant 747 is so beautiful when flying over the trees like birds. Thanks for the video.

  • @kurtlesser2684
    @kurtlesser2684 4 года назад +10

    Superb camera work in this video but that 47 pilot has got to have cajones of pure titanium!

  • @laxmannate07
    @laxmannate07 4 года назад +18

    It drops minced fire extinguishers. That’s why the mist is red.

  • @662wc5
    @662wc5 4 года назад +4

    I live near where one of the big wildfires started and quickly spread earlier this month. Lucky for us we were upwind and it moved away from us into the foothills over the next few weeks as they fought to contain and then extinguish it. Not so lucky for those in its path, but through the skill and bravery of the firefighters and LE they were able to evacuate everyone in its path and save all but a few structures. My dog and I happened to be at a park near where it started and the first firefighting aircraft were arriving. I later read that there were only three 747 tankers made, only one is still flying (the one in the video), and it flew down from Sacramento that evening to help fight our fire. I think we were standing there watching when it arrived. It came down out of the north, rapidly losing altitude and flying around a mountain before circling lower, getting into position, and making its first pass with retardant. We watched it make several low, banking passes like in the video until the sun started going down and all of the aircraft on scene had to clear out for the night. It was amazing watching them do their job over the next several days with tankers of all sizes, including the 747, a DC-10, and several C-130's.
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/747_Supertanker

  • @melissalentz32
    @melissalentz32 4 года назад +5

    Some of the most extraordinary flying I’ve ever seen. Dropped right over target in a perfect line in two flyovers. That 747 was like a two seater Cessna under that pilot’s control. Bravo and thank you!

  • @melodydawn
    @melodydawn 4 года назад +7

    That bad ass 747 was the same plane that boarided the entrance of our property last week . It was amazing how low altitude he sprayed the boride at , he must have been flying 3.5 stories high to do his drop, we all thought he was going to crash , the best amazing thing I've ever saw in my life . Thank you to the crew , Bless your ❤ & thank you .

  • @videopokernetwork6824
    @videopokernetwork6824 4 года назад +10

    You're very generous for posting such a wonderful viewing experience for aviation fans around the world to share. Thank you!

  • @Fadil1954
    @Fadil1954 4 года назад +6

    Proud to be an Avionics Engineer on this beauty .... the best A/C ever including 737.....made in America

  • @jeremylinder7160
    @jeremylinder7160 4 года назад +17

    First drop 4:15
    Second drop 6:15

  • @benjaminsmith9339
    @benjaminsmith9339 4 года назад +6

    It's kinda unreal to see a bird so big fly so low that long with out clipping a ridge and creating an even bigger fire. Props to the pilot with huge clanking balls of steal for doing that job.

  • @brookekathryn1980
    @brookekathryn1980 4 года назад +6

    Queen of the sky's flown by pilots with balls of steel! Just look at those flaps and thrust. Serious AOA change as that bird drops her payload! Wow! This is skill!

  • @jerryumfress9030
    @jerryumfress9030 4 года назад +8

    What an awesome sight, I tip my hat to the pilot and co pilot

  • @TheVenezuelanviewer
    @TheVenezuelanviewer 4 года назад +7

    Beautiful shoots of this airplane, but more importan, it is a really effective firefighter machine.
    At the sommer time in 2017 a very big forest fire occurs in south of Santiago de Chile. This plane made a really good work and a lot of familys remember with gratitude.
    A Chilean businessman rent an paid the bill, an it was the most importan part of the solution of that catastrophe. God bless them all.

  • @laurieannrogan1317
    @laurieannrogan1317 4 года назад +10

    This is absolutely macnificent video and footage. I think it's actually spectacular. The fire is heartbreaking though. This video is outstanding and really very very mesmerizing. Totally captivating. I really love that plane.

  • @robertjensen1048
    @robertjensen1048 4 года назад +8

    When a massive wildfire is near your street, to see this thing approaching is like a gift from God.

    • @larrys.3992
      @larrys.3992 4 года назад +1

      No shit, my house is about 10 miles from the bridge at 2:18

  • @susanshepard7179
    @susanshepard7179 4 года назад +5

    Now that's some real camera work, pilot action, and the good kind of superspreader needed in California. Thanks and keep safe.

  • @JasonWelchMusic
    @JasonWelchMusic 4 года назад +7

    The trophy goes to the photographer... to be able to capture that clear and smooth from a chopper is outstanding...
    Some of the "scenes" could easily pass for cinematic movies.
    We ALMOST got a glimpse of the jet pilot a couple times....
    All that from at LEAST 500-700 feet away... just wow.

    • @wcolby
      @wcolby  4 года назад +5

      Thank you for the kind words... Just so you know, we were at 7000 feet, so this is shot from about 1 & 1/2 miles away.

    • @JasonWelchMusic
      @JasonWelchMusic 4 года назад +1

      @@wcolby thats incredible 👏

    • @matthewwilson5019
      @matthewwilson5019 4 года назад +1

      @@wcolby that's really cool

  • @microdesigns2000
    @microdesigns2000 4 года назад +9

    Incredible filming.

  • @wrav47
    @wrav47 4 года назад +6

    I never realized what a beautiful plane a 747 is in flight, it looks so graceful.

  • @richardthompson420
    @richardthompson420 Месяц назад +6

    Flying a 747 low and slow. Balls. Takes balls.

  • @imautuber
    @imautuber 4 года назад +8

    I would imagine flying that around there is like trying to bring a super tanker into harbour without tugs. That is some amazing flying!

  • @patbrown2227
    @patbrown2227 4 года назад +6

    This pilot deserves a medal!!!

  • @daleboice8344
    @daleboice8344 4 года назад +13

    Flying a 747 like a crop duster. Must be a wild ride. Sign me up for a run.

  • @laurieannrogan1317
    @laurieannrogan1317 4 года назад +5

    The plane is absolutely poetry in motion. What a fantastic pilot.

  • @andresahay1546
    @andresahay1546 4 года назад +9

    The GPWS call out must be going off like crazy in that cockpit

  • @charlotteruse158
    @charlotteruse158 4 года назад +5

    My God, mad skills to maneuver that monster in that terrain. Like a big graceful bird. What a rush! It's beautiful to watch. Hearing the sound of the engines would have made this perfect.

    • @wcolby
      @wcolby  4 года назад +2

      Unfortunately the helicopter needs to stay about three miles from the 747, so you can't hear the 747 over the noise of the helicopter.

  • @Biggummysmile
    @Biggummysmile 4 года назад +6

    Pretty sure this is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

    • @TheRDMagee
      @TheRDMagee 4 года назад

      Check out the video of Blondie doing Sunday Girl on Top of the Pops,

  • @auntbenben
    @auntbenben 4 года назад +4

    Wow if you have an emotional brokenheart for Cali & her wildfires raging + a love for commercial airliners /jumbo jets this video footage of a Firefighting Supertanker is just phenomenal.

  • @Isaac-sj3jh
    @Isaac-sj3jh 4 года назад +10

    In America there's no reason not to have 50 of these planes fighting fires.

    • @ekevanderzee9538
      @ekevanderzee9538 4 года назад +1

      Just rake the floor and all will be well.

    • @julius855
      @julius855 4 года назад +1

      There is its called money the fire retardant alone has insane costs

    • @DamianPenney
      @DamianPenney 4 года назад

      @@julius855 Military budget is 720B, you think they'd miss 1B?

    • @julius855
      @julius855 4 года назад

      @@DamianPenney nope not at all but because its america they wouldnt cut a single cent of the military

    • @mackydog99
      @mackydog99 3 года назад

      I worked on Tail # 945 in Marana, AZ The modifications alone cost several million dollars and operating expenses are more than $5,000 per hour

  • @stevep8485
    @stevep8485 4 года назад +10

    There are so many 747s mothballed in storage now. With the wildfire situation as it is, we should convert 10 or maybe 20 of those into firefighting planes. Yes, it will cost money, but note that the Camp Fire alone in 2018 caused $16 billion in damage.

    • @mackydog99
      @mackydog99 3 года назад

      You're right but they also cost more than $5000 an hour to operate.

  • @royshashibrock3990
    @royshashibrock3990 2 года назад +4

    So few of us regular folk (non-pilots) ever get to see a plane FROM ABOVE doing it's work. This is an excellent video of an outstanding aircraft doing something it was not made for. And, the videography is top notch as well. Bravo.

    • @wcolby
      @wcolby  2 года назад +1

      Well thank you! It’s cool shooting aircraft from above, I got the camera but my pilot got me there… and the towers always yelling bravo to my pilot. :-)

    • @fyx812
      @fyx812 2 года назад

      I was thinking the same thing, the 747 Wasn't made for Reconnaissance missions, it has to LAND, RELOAD, AND DO IT OVER AND OVER..... THERE ARE OTHER, AND BETTER ALTERNATIVES!!!
      JUST SAYIN'

    • @royshashibrock3990
      @royshashibrock3990 2 года назад

      @@fyx812 Yeah...I don't think the 747 type engineers had low, slow flying with the ups and downs of canyon/valley flying in mind when they designed her.

  • @eugenehowes229
    @eugenehowes229 4 года назад +9

    An example of true professionals in action.

  • @davestubbs2124
    @davestubbs2124 4 года назад +5

    Walt, you've really outdone yourself this time! The amazing footage along with the intense drama of the fire makes it particularly compelling. Getting a ride on a heli overseeing the repellant air drops was incredibly fortunate. You have some tremendous contacts!

    • @wcolby
      @wcolby  4 года назад +2

      We got lucky, we were covering the fires for more than eight hours and all of a sudden the wind shifted and I got an alert from Flightradar24 that said the 747 was inbound!
      I felt like that alert was sent just to me!

  • @BestEachDay
    @BestEachDay 2 года назад +6

    If America would get its act together, our future would be full of more beautiful and timeless things like the ever awe inspiring Boeing 747. Let's do that!

  • @DrJohn493
    @DrJohn493 4 года назад +11

    It’s just not natural to be yanking and banking one of these planes around in hilly terrain like this. And I’m a pilot. Kudos to the pilots and crew that fly these dangerous missions!

    • @rodrigogonzalez3620
      @rodrigogonzalez3620 4 года назад

      You said it right... "It's just not natural."...

    • @scheusselmensch5713
      @scheusselmensch5713 4 года назад

      Never went into old Hong Kong on a '47?

    • @DrJohn493
      @DrJohn493 4 года назад

      scheusselmensch nope but just as bad

    • @rodrigogonzalez3620
      @rodrigogonzalez3620 4 года назад

      Yall know that the plane was photoshopped in right? Its especially obvious at the beginning.

    • @scheusselmensch5713
      @scheusselmensch5713 4 года назад

      @@rodrigogonzalez3620 Y'all know your brain was photoshopped in, right? It's especially obvious at the beginning.

  • @jamescurran64
    @jamescurran64 4 года назад +6

    Very good footage of a beautiful aircraft in an impressive operation! Thanks for sharing this and thanks and good luck to all involved in these challenging operations.

  • @laurieannrogan1317
    @laurieannrogan1317 4 года назад +4

    How on Earth can anyone give this a thumbs down? Obviously they're Airbus fans . The 747 is just a masterpiece design. I must say I also like the A380. What an absolute beauty she is.

    • @wcolby
      @wcolby  4 года назад +4

      Laurieann Rogan •
      don't let haters make you sad... Most people that hit the thumb down are....
      1) people that don't understand aerial firefighting and think the tanker missed.
      2) people that think "we don't like forest fires" so thumbs down...
      3) People that don't like the natural sound.
      4) Airbus Employees
      5) Please don't forget to like & subscribe.

  • @therocinante3443
    @therocinante3443 4 года назад +8

    I can't imagine how interesting it feels to fly that jet. The handling characteristics must change dramatically while unloading all that

  • @Wait4me2
    @Wait4me2 4 года назад +6

    Wow, I have never seen such steady and smooth camera work! I didn’t expect to see such finesse, I just loved it. Thank you so much!

    • @tmlafrance
      @tmlafrance 4 года назад

      A gyro stabilized gimbal is doing some of the work.

  • @Mike7478F
    @Mike7478F 4 года назад +8

    Awesome Boeing aircraft. So so wish the many 747 400 sitting around could be converted and put to good use like this.

    • @mackydog99
      @mackydog99 3 года назад

      Very expensive. Over $ 5000.an hr just to operate.

  • @georgeroberts442
    @georgeroberts442 4 года назад +6

    Well, I'm gobsmacked. I had no idea The Queen of the Skies was being used to fight fires. What a beautiful video. Thanks so much for posting it! Damn, I'd love to be on that flight crew. I'm heading over to Google and see what I can learn about this "Global Supertanker."

    • @apolloniaaskew9487
      @apolloniaaskew9487 4 года назад +1

      So am I. It would be nice if the USAF would upgrade the E4B Airborne Command Post from the 747-200 frame to the 747-8 frame. Two were damaged by a tornado that hit Offutt AFB and it's hard to find 747-200 parts nowadays.

    • @ScottRothsroth0616
      @ScottRothsroth0616 4 года назад

      Apollonia Askew The 747’s excluding the -400 & -8 have the same cockpit rating. The -400 & -8 are a different rating.
      That being said, the (in no order) -100, -200, -300 & -SP are more mechanical compared to the -400 & -8.
      Maybe that is the reason why the USAF has not replaced the E-4Bs.

  • @SoberMustard
    @SoberMustard 3 года назад +5

    praises to cameraman for growing wings just to film this

  • @kittygonzalez2827
    @kittygonzalez2827 3 года назад +4

    A personal thank you to the crew....you saved our lives as you put out the Glass Fire! And d AETNA PORTION of LNU Complex!

  • @anindochoudhury8926
    @anindochoudhury8926 4 года назад +6

    Incredible footage..and thanks for the zoom ins. Not often one gets to see a 747 from above..

  • @repentorperish1405
    @repentorperish1405 4 года назад +9

    What a job for a heavy pilot, you get to fly a 747 around like a crop duster.

  • @dianeellis3925
    @dianeellis3925 4 года назад +7

    A true hero in her own right⭐️⭐️Just lovely watching her❤️

  • @happilyham6769
    @happilyham6769 3 года назад +6

    The Boeing 747 Global Super Tanker in action is one of the sexiest Goddamn things I have ever seen in my entire life.

  • @59markr
    @59markr 4 года назад +12

    I want one of these for my up-coming Aussie fire season. Awesome!!

    • @454bigblock7
      @454bigblock7 4 года назад +1

      Y’all stay safe down under. Try to get Morrison and Canberra to set up a pipeline from the ocean and build a mass irrigation system. Just a thought.

    • @59markr
      @59markr 4 года назад +2

      454bigblock @ thanks mate! Every fire season we hire two massive Ericsson Skycranes from you blokes to help us with our bush fires: “Georgia Peach” and “Elvis”. 🇦🇺 🇺🇸

    • @ceff01
      @ceff01 4 года назад

      England is best ever

  • @nk7155
    @nk7155 3 года назад +3

    Beautiful watching this bird fly. This has to the best closeup video of a 747 in random flight.
    And of course, the camera man was exceptional!

  • @johnfry9010
    @johnfry9010 4 года назад +6

    Juan Browne of the Blalcolario channel did a tour of this aircraft just before fire season , it's a must see , on youtube . Beautiful video , thanks for posting it .