Waiting in the Wings: Helicopter Pilots Stationed in Smithville Await Call to Fight Fires

For Jay Soukiassian, an Army helicopter pilot turned aerial firefighter, battling a wildfire from above is a lot like combat.

Each battle is highly dynamic, urgent and invokes a surge of adrenaline that keeps your senses sharp. From the cockpit, a pilot is coordinating with five different people on five different radios across numerous frequencies. Good visibility can disappear in smoke.

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