finally chose a direction

[bowtech]

Todd I think that would suit you rather well. I met up with a couple of pilots after they had made drops on a forest fire we were fighting. They absolutely enjoyed the challenges and as you mentioned, they were doing something most pilots never get to do.

Best of luck on the endeavor.

[Woodside]

Remember "aim for that last flag, the one that looks like an umbrella"...Always.

[wushaw]

Nice!

[DainBramaged]

Sounds like a cool job!

[ToddW]

Not for a while. I plan on cramming hours as a CFII.

[63Willys]

Sounds like a really cool and exciting path! I hope it works out for you. Will you be moving then?

[ToddW]

That sounds awesome!

How does the rising heated air above a fire affect the aircraft?

I'm sure the thermals are rather interesting to say the least. Having never flown over a fire, I can't say for sure. Most large fires usually have a TFR in place over them, and violating one of those is a great way to end your aviation career.

I can say that on short final to Cleburne airport (KCPT) you pass over a 4 lane divided road that is asphalt. In a 150/152/172/182 model aircraft the heat off the road will push you up 150 feet on a hot day. If you pull power back to compensate for this increase in altitude, when you leave the thermal you now drop below glide path and must put power back in.

(In slow flight, throttle controls altitude and aircraft pitch controls air speed)

[TJ_BULLDOG]

Awesome Todd!! Very happy for you!!

[mmmmbeer]

Cool!

Best of luck.

[dboat]

Sounds exciting and challenging.. best of luck!! OH, and be safe too!

[Bearkat]

Sweet!

[Tall Steve]

I hope you find and get to do what you want Todd!

[MudMan]

Best of Luck Todd!

[hondo]

I am so glad for you

[Da Cooyon]

That sounds awesome!

How does the rising heated air above a fire affect the aircraft?