Tanker 475

[PatGould]

Here's a before and after comparison of what I now fly. Our Tanker 475, a Convair 580A, used to be a Convair 330/340, here seen in its Air Force One uniform. Used when they needed to get into runways that were too short for the B707. It's now part of our fleet fighting fires, we have 4 of these aircraft. The first photo is not mine, but the 2nd one is.

 

[Ben Egbert]

So you went from a radial to a turboprop. That's really cool that you fly these. Did you also fly refuelers in the air force?

 

[PatGould]

No, I never flew at all until leaving my Air Force uniform, ironically.

 

[JimFox]

Hey Pat!

I have sure missed your airplane photos! It's cool to see this one, and to see it in action also. The shutter speed is perfect to show some of the blade movement.

 

[AlanLichty]

Fun shots - not a view of the fire retardant release most of us will ever get to see. Thanks for sharing.

 

[PatGould]

This was just water dropped for an airshow a few years ago. I'm heading back up North in another day, will take my camera bag with me this time! I didn't before, just to concentrate on learning to fly it and not be distracted. Stay tuned!

 

[JimFox]

This was just water dropped for an airshow a few years ago. I'm heading back up North in another day, will take my camera bag with me this time! I didn't before, just to concentrate on learning to fly it and not be distracted. Stay tuned!

Awesome Pat! Personally I would also enjoy seeing cockpit shots, etc.. They are all interesting to me.

 

[PatGould]

Finally back, fire season over, posting a cockpit photo soon.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Good aviation shot.

 

[PatGould]

As promised.

 

[Bob Denton]

I like these!

 

[Douglas Sherman]

Great story and images, Pat. I am looking forward to more.

 

[AlanLichty]

I'd be willing to sacrifice body parts to get to sit in the copilot's seat in that cockpit for a flight.

 

[PatGould]

No 1st Class seating in here! lol

 

[AlanLichty]

No 1st Class seating in here! lol

But the legroom is fantastic

 

[PatGould]

 

[PatGould]

 

[Brian]

Very cool photos. To say that cockpit has been updated would be a HUGE understatement. Thanks for sharing.

 

[PatGould]

We use the Chelton GPS, very good system.

 

[PatGould]