Classic planes in So'west USA -2008-

Photos © Ruud Leeuw

USA Southwest 2008

Cal Fire Airtankers at Hemet-Ryan,CA

Tanker 71 (N432DF), a temporary replacement, is leaving KHMT while Tanker 93 is standby.

On 14May08 my wife and I visited Hemet-Ryan Airport (KHMT).
It is always a pleasure to visit these airtanker guys, because they are friendly and hospitable (provided they are not on alert of course).
The CDF people at Hemet-Ryan proved to be no exception and Erik showed me around, while my wife took a book in the shade of a tree: life can be perfect!

CDF Tanker 93 is being pulled to its place in the ramp line up.

N450DF c/n 228C is a Grumman Tracker converted to turbine-power by Marsh Aviation, designated S-2F3AT 'Firecat' (don't know if that is an official name..) and this one was manufactured/converted in 2005 (registered to Marsh Aviation on 10Oct03).
It was formerly flown by the US Navy with serial 152341.

CDF is now Cal Fire

N437DF (c/n 123C) was registered as S-2F3AT on 01Feb2000 to Marsh Aviation with serial 149848. It had been reported undergoing conversion at Mesa-Falcon Field,AZ in 2000.

Grumman S-2 Tracker on WIKIPEDIA

Tanker 72 N435DF, S-2T (S-2F3AT), registered to Marsh Aviation 01Feb2000
C/n 329C, ex/ USN 153573

North American OV-10A Bronco, N429DF registered 04Feb99 for USDA Forest Service FEPP

Grumman S-2A Tracker (G-89/S-2F-1), rather crudely painted as 'Tanker 70'

4146 / 70 (cn 654), on display in front of the CDF base. This is ex Japanese Navy 4146 (ex US Navy 136745) painted up as a CDF aircraft. This aircraft was however never converted to a firefighter, nor did it receive a US civil registration.... [Source Airliners.net].
Hemet-Ryan airfield on Airliners.net

VINTAGE WINGS AT HEMET-RYAN AIRPORT

Thanks to Erik for showing me around!

Airtanker identifcation LIST on this website

The Road Goes On... back to US Southwest 2008

Reactions / comments welcomed.