air tanker down...

[Timebuilder]

Avbug, you mentioned the type II. What changes were made in the succeeding models? Did they add a wing spar?

I had no idea that there were that many hercules losses. I'm kind of stunned, really.

Then again, I just got up and I've had no coffee.

 

[ifly4food]

Avbug,
My condolences to you for the loss of your friends, and also to the families of these aviators if they are viewing.

Thanks for bringing us up to speed on this incident. I was going to ask if you knew about it, but someone beat me to it.

I have been critical of you in the past, but perhaps it's just due to my not understanding your world. I apologize for that. Clearly you "working" pilots are more the real pilots than we airline types are. Godspeed to you and all fire pilots. Thanks for doing what you do.
If4f

 

[hiflt]

Came across this and thought it might suit, although avbug's blue skies, black death post was more succinct.

An Irish Airman Foresees His Death
I know that I shall meet my fate
Somewhere among the clouds above;
Those that I fight I do not hate,
Those that I guard I do not love;
My country is Kiltartan Cross,
My countrymen Kiltartan's poor,
No likely end could bring them loss
Or leave them happier than before.
Nor law, nor duty bade me fight,
Nor public men, nor cheering crowds,
A lonely impulse of delight
Drove to this tumult in the clouds;
I balanced all, brought all to mind,
The years to come seemed waste of breath,
A waste of breath the years behind
In balance with this life, this death.
William Butler Yeats

Condolences to the families.