Fire Fighting Skymasters

Borden · #1 02-22-05, 12:45 AM

I would be interested in learning more about the 337s,and Skymaster Pilots who risked their lives to protect our country's natural beauty, as well as the homes and lives of others.

It is my understanding that usually a Skymaster with the On Scene Commander would make the first low level run over a Fire Zone to warn the fire fighters on the ground to take cover. He would then climb to an orbiting altitude and direct the tankers to begin their runs along the same flight path and altitude. In the movie "Always", which has a short highlight of the Skymaster, Steven Spielberg shows the viewer just how difficult and dangerous these missions could be.

A quick internet search revealed several Skymaster Pilots who died fighting fires.

Any information, experiences, and/or stories our Members could share would be appreciated. It appears the 337's contribution to this vital mission has not been fully recognized. Borden
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Mazda RX-2 history

Frank Benvin · #2 02-22-05, 12:14 PM

Hicks and Lawrence run skymasters for fire patrol in Canada

Frank

http://www.skymaster.org.uk/hicks.asp

Ernie Martin · #3 02-22-05, 12:54 PM

Kim Geyer, Director of Maintenance at Orion Aviation, is a frequent -- and knowledgeable -- contributor to this forum. Orion, in North Carolina, flies Skymasters for fire patrol.

Ernie

Eustacio-Chachi · #4 02-26-05, 01:06 PM

Last sunday there was a movie I think on HBO called "Superfire" in which there were quite a lot of flying Skymaster scenes and it was about fire fighting.

Borden · #5 03-17-05, 11:29 PM

Thanks Eustacio,

I bought the "Superfire" dvd, and really enjoyed the movie.

I am also interested in other movies that feature the Skymaster. The ones I know of are, " Bat 21", "Superfire", "Always", "Night Flyer", "The Parent Trap" (This one only has a brief airport scene with a Riley Rocket in the background). Do any of you know of any others?
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KT120

kevin · #6 03-18-05, 12:15 AM

There was a TV movie where a vampire gets around via GA airplane, and the airplane is a Skymaster. It is based on a Steve King story, and I think the name might have been "Night Flyer". The Skymaster is in the movie fairly often. Only part of the movie I enjoyed....

Kevin

KyleTownsend · #7 03-18-05, 02:48 AM

I saw the same movie. Definetely B- (except for the skymaster). He really should have kept the interior a little more tidy though...

AussieO2 · #8 03-21-05, 05:50 PM

Here is a short list of 337/O-2 that I know of that were operated by CDF.
Records indicate that an O-2 was lost (2 fatal) in 1977 and a 337 was lost in 2000 (2 fatal). So far, I have not researched these accidents for more information/identity of airplane.

Any info, comments/corrections are welcome.

Pat Schmitz · #9 04-09-05, 03:20 AM

I was watching 'Apocalypse Now' last night... all 4 hours of it...

There is a section on the movie where they are preparing to surf on an occupied beach area... prior to surfing, they call in an air strike / napalm....

There are several short skymaster FAC segments.... Had never realized this until last night.... Add this to the list of movies with Skymaster footage.