Other than the military, there probably isn't a more exciting and exhilarating type of flying than flying air attack missions. Air attack refers to the pilots who battle forest fires. In the late spring, summer, and early fall months air attack pilots are in constant action battling blazes and protecting property.
Aircraft are the ideal platform to battle small blazes in remote locations. An aircraft can be dispatched and attack the fire before its able to grow in size. Aircraft are also ideal when fighting a specific portion of a fire. Their accuracy and ability to travel long distances quickly make them the ideal platforms to initiate a fire break.
Air attack missions resemble military missions. Often you'll have a lead aircraft that acts as a forward air controller (fac). As mission requests from fire fighters on the ground come in, the lead plane assigns the fire fighting aircraft which is best suited for the mission and will often lead the tanker in to show the best route in and out.
Helicopters are great fire fighting aircraft because they can hover over a spot and accurately deliver their load of retardant or water. If the fire begins to threaten heavily populated areas the helicopters precision makes them an invaluable tool.
Almost any helicopter can be retrofitted with a bucket to fight fires but there are two that are purpose built.
The Erickson S-64 Aircrane, which is in service worldwide, is probably the most famous airborne fire fighter. Sikorsky originally built the Aircrane. Erickson purchased the manufacturing rights in the early nineties and has since been modifying and upgrading the aircraft. The S-64 has a crew of two pilots and there is a seat for a rearward facing observer. The S-64 is able to refill its tanks from pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, and other water sources. The Aircrane incorporates a ram scoop that it uses to fill its tanks in less than 45 seconds. It also has a snorkel, which allows it to hover above a water source to fill its tanks. The S-64 holds a total of 2,650 gallons of water or retardant.
Another interesting helicopter is the Kaman Firemax. One pilot flies the Firemax. It uses a snorkel to fill its 700 galloon tank and is able to fill it in 23 seconds. The Firemax was derived from the Kaman K-max which is the helicopter equivalent of an aerial truck/crane. The K-max was designed for logging and construction work, Jobs where the ability to lift heavy loads are critical. Because of this, the Firemax is particularly useful at higher elevations (such as in the mountains) because it doesn't suffer as much of a loss in lifting capacity as other aircraft.
Air attack pilots usually work six months a year (during the fire season), which leaves them time to pursue other interests. During the fire season they are mostly away from home for extended periods of time. Air attack pilots can make upwards of $80,000 for six months work.
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