Amid the inferno sweeping through Los Angeles, the amphibious CL-415 “Super Scooper” has proven essential in fighting California’s wildfires. The aircraft, capable of skimming 1,600 gallons of water from the ocean and dropping it over fires, has become a critical resource in combating the flames.
Yet piloting these aircraft during emergencies is a major challenge, requiring exceptional skill, training, and adaptability. Thick smoke reduces visibility, and the fire’s heat generates turbulence, creating dangerous conditions that only a few experienced pilots can handle.
Why It Matters
Fires raging across the Los Angeles area have claimed at least 24 lives, displaced thousands, and destroyed more than 12,000 structures, potentially making them the costliest wildfires in United States history.
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